PC Software Accounting, Inc. — Client Write-Up for Windows

From the Nov. 2007 Review of Client
Write-Up Systems

The Client Write-Up system from PC Software Accounting, Inc. is geared toward
providing professional accountants with the ability to produce customizable
client financials, GL and journal management, integrated bank reconciliation
and after-the-fact payroll functions, along with W-2 and 1099 reporting capabilities.
The program offers good integration capabilities with external accounting and
productivity programs, and the company offers an add-on Computer Checkbook utility
for check printing either in the professional office or by clients at their
location. The program also includes broad import and conversion capabilities.
New for 2007, PCSAI has added AR, AP, depreciation, job costing and enhanced
payroll services capabilities. Pricing for PC Software Accounting’s Client
Write-Up program is $795 for a single user; a network, multi-user version is
$895. Each of the new modules costs $195.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE — 4 Stars
PCSAI’s Client Write-Up system opens to a traditional Windows interface
that sports obligatory pull-down menus along with a toolbar that has large,
easily understandable icons for primary system features. Icons include client
and employee lists, managing reporting periods, working with charts of accounts,
entering transactions into client ledgers, bank reconciliation, reporting, quick
debit/credit checking, diagnosing balance problems and a useful calculator with
a virtual paper tape roll. In addition to large icons, the system uses large
subwindows (they are resizable), but this is likely a benefit to sore or strained
eyes.

Client lists are displayed through an enhanced Windows Explorer menu that
offers client password options, sorting functions and other features. Transactional
data entry can be manually entered into the system or imported from a variety
of accounting systems, including QuickBooks and PCSAI’s other applications,
as well as an interface with TaxWise for tax preparation. All of the program’s
core features utilize the same interface, keeping an intuitive and consistent
menu and work environment for the user.

The system supports heads-down data entry for quick processing, and provides
easy-to-use search functions for finding transactions, while accounts can be
created on-the-fly as needed. Financial periods can remain open, allowing users
to make adjusting entries for transactions in any period and then produce appropriate
financial reports. An auto-balancing feature and a “smart lookup”
tool provide further convenience. The program can maintain five years of historical
financial data, allowing historical reports to be quickly accessed. The payroll
system supports multiple pay frequencies and can track unemployment. It also
offers preparation of year-end federal and state information returns. Overall,
the program’s interface and menu structures provide simple navigation
and access to key features and reporting, with a consistent environment.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — 4 Stars
The Client Write-Up program’s reporting functions are easily accessible
and allow grouping and batch processing of reports. The system produces traditional
summary and detail financial statements, as well as comparison statements and
consolidated financials. A built-in report writer offers additional customization
options, including the ability to produces graphs and perform analysis functions.
Client Write-Up can output reports and financials to PDF or can save them to
Word and Excel. Integrated e-mail functionality is also included for sending
client reports.

INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT — 5 Stars
In addition to the PDF and Microsoft Excel and Word options, the program can
import from QuickBooks. The vendor also offers conversion systems for more than
40 accounting and payroll systems, including DOS and Windows-based programs.
The program also interfaces with PCSAI’s client bookkeeping product Computer
Checkbook, as well as with the new AR, AP, depreciation, job costing and payroll
services modules. The payroll module supports direct deposit and can be used
in a service bureau capacity. The program continues to offer an export feature
for users of the TaxWise tax preparation system.

SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP SYSTEM — 4 Stars
PCSAI Client Write-Up provides good internal assistance features, including
some content-specific guidance, a traditional Help utility, and step-by-step
wizards and guides for setup tasks. The company provides printed user manuals
and installation guides, as well as CD-based training materials. PCSAI’s
online support webpage offers only downloadable tax tables and program updates.
Pricing includes one year of toll-free support, thereafter followed by annual
support/upgrade packages.

RELATIVE VALUE — 4 Stars
PCSAI’s Client Write-Up is priced in the middle of the pack and can be
used either as a stand-alone system or in conjunction with the vendor’s
other accounting programs. The system has strong import capabilities, allowing
data to be pulled in from most small business systems, and it offers export
to Word and Excel for enhanced customization and data analysis. The software
vendor is Florida-based and provides the personalized support of a small business,
where you actually get to know the people with whom you are dealing.

2007 Overall Rating: 4 Stars