CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business — ProSystem fx Write-Up

From the November 2009 Review of Client
Write-Up Systems.

CCH
is one of the most well-known technology providers to the tax and accounting
profession, offering it’s ProSystem fx Suite of integrated programs
that cover virtually every aspect of client engagements and practice management,
including tax compliance, trial balance, engagement management, document management,
asset depreciation and workflow tools, along with many others.

The ProSystem fx Write-Up program provides full write-up, reconciliation,
after-the-fact payroll, AP, AR, check writing, budgeting and forecasting, as
well as integration with other applications in the ProSystem fx Suite,
thereby helping professionals efficiently manage the processes involved in this
routine client service. It has generous output functions and can produce a wide
range of reports and financial statements or output data into various formats
for analysis or further customization. Pricing for ProSystem fx Write-Up
starts at $1,850 per year but is largely dependent upon specific firm needs,
staff size and other factors, including discounts.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE-
The program’s interface opens within a wonderfully designed and very user
friendly interface with extensive customization options that let users tailor
the system to their needs using simple drag-and-drop functions, including determining
menus and other features. The primary components of the program’s screen
include a vertical menu that can house user-determined program shortcuts to
features such as transactions, check writing, reconciliation functions, accounts
or payroll, while traditional pull-down menus at the top of the screen give
access to administrative and setup functions, client tasking, payroll, reports,
tax features and other options. Additionally, quick launch icons are available
to output data into Excel and other formats.

Client data can be imported from various sources using the system’s
data import wizard, or it can be entered manually using comfortable and intuitive
data-entry screens. ProSystem fx Write-Up presents data in spreadsheet
format, with Excel-like features that enable filtering and sorting by columnar
data, searching or other functions. Users can also utilize departments, divisions
and geographic locations for organization of transactions and other data. Data
entry is performed on popup windows that provide intuitive navigation and form
fields.

The system’s drilldown features make it easy to get into transaction
summaries and detail views, as well as access to prior bank reconciliations.
Its built-in working trial balance utility enables the entry of adjusting, reversing
and recurring journal entries. In addition to the data import wizard, the program
offers other setup features that speed data entry, including the ability to
select from template charts of accounts or use an existing client’s chart
structure as a default for setting up other clients.

Other key features in ProSystem fx Write-Up include a full-time audit
trail and the ability to lock periods, full live and after-the-fact payroll
and wage reporting, and customizable reporting by division, department, location
or other business unit.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-
ProSystem fx Write-Up offers an impressive collection of totally customizable
reports and financial statements, with the ability to create dynamic output
for payroll and tax liability that automatically updates as source data changes.
Users can produce full financials, including balance sheets and income statements,
cash flow statements, charts of accounts, GL, trial balances, and statements
of equity. Reports can be saved to Excel or PDF, or stored electronically in
CCH’s document management system. Miscellaneous options include more than
250 state and federal wage reporting forms, communication templates and envelope
printing.

INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT-
ProSystem fx Write-Up’s data import wizard can be used to retrieve
client information from multiple sources, including Write-Up CS, Lacerte, QuickBooks,
Quicken, Peachtree, text files and the Windows clipboard. It also allows export
to most of the same formats, as well as PDF and Excel. The program integrates
fully with the paperless document and engagement management, trial balance and
other programs in the ProSystem fx Suite, including a dynamic link
between the program and ProSystem fx Tax for preparation of 1040 Schedules
C, E and F, and corporate, partnership and exempt organization returns.

SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP-
The customizable nature of the program makes it easy to learn and tailor to
individual and client needs, while many assistive features are available, including
content/task-specific Help, right-click menu options, tutorials and wizards.
Program updates are downloadable from the support website, which also offers
FAQs, information on training and events, and news.

RELATIVE VALUE-
ProSystem fx Write-Up is ideally suited to mid-sized and larger practices
offering their clients comprehensive year-round service in multiple engagement
areas. The .NET platform upon which ProSystem fx Write-Up is built
makes it incredibly customizable, while its integration with the products in
the suite can be a significant productivity boost, speeding data entry, reconciliation
functions, trial balance preparation and even tax compliance functions.

2009 Overall Rating:

Technology