2012 Review of CYMA Not-For Profit Fund Accounting Software

Strengths

• Excellent budget capability
• Available as a desktop or hosted product
• Scalable, with the ability to add modules as needed
• Excellent user customization capability
• Free online classes

Potential Limitations

• No donor module
• Time-consuming system setup possible

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS: 5 Stars
Available as either a desktop system or as a hosted version, CYMA requires the use the the System Manager module to in order to navigate the system. eDesk, found in the System Manager module, allows users to customize the interface screens by setting up links to frequently used functions. Users can also set up menu shortcuts and links to system reports.

Three types of data entry options are available, and also includes quick links to system help, product tutorials, and CYMA’s getting started guide.Using eDesk, users can also attach documents to individual system files, and access audit trail functionality.

CYMA offers an extensive selection of system modules which include GL, AR, AP, After the Fact Payroll, CYMA Alerts, CYMA Business Insight, Employee Self-Service, Grant Tracking, Project Tracking, Purchase Order, Sales Order, as well as add-on features such as Electronic Employee Forms, State Payroll Forms, Disaster Recovery, CYMA Managed Backup, and MICR Check Package. CYMA also integrates with both F9 Financial Reporter and Crystal Reports. Aside from the System Manager module, all modules can be added as needed.

CORE NFP/FUND ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES: 4.75 Stars
CYMA contains a flexible account structure, with users able to use up to 24 alphanumeric characters and up to 10 segments. CYMA allows users to process multiple transaction types including the ability to now use a batch system to enter multiple transaction types and later post them to the appropriate account, including both allocated and recurring journal entries.

Multiple budgets can be created for each CYMA account, and budgets can be imported from both Excel and F9. Users can now also lock an original budget in the system, so subsequent changes will have to be done through the Budget Transaction feature. CYMA integrates with Donor Express; a third party donor management application. CYMA’s Grant Tracking module, an optional addition to the GL module allows users to define each grant, set up grant budgets, and track funding sources, organizational programs, and expenses.

CYMA provides automatic balancing on all due to/from accounts, and offers users the ability to manage programs over multiple years. Each separate fund or program can also be closed based on fund requirements. An excellent audit trail capability, found on the CYMA eDesk interface, provides details on all system transactions or records processed in the system.

CYMA’s AR module allows users to provide customers with electronic invoices or statements. The AP module contains EFT capability, making it easy to process electronic payments to organization vendors. CYMA’s Bank Reconciliation module allows users to easily import bank transaction data for easy reconciliation. CYMA also offers a hosted version of its nonprofit software, ensuring system access from anywhere.

MANAGEMENT FEATURES: 4.5 Stars
CYMA offers a series of financial calculators available on the eDesk that offer quick access to vital data such as cash flow. Budgeted amounts can be maintained with users notified if a purchase order in the system exceeds the current budgeted amount. Users can also choose to view related budgets while entering AP transactions to determine if the amount will place the account over budget. A popup window will also display a warning if an account is about to go over-budget. Budget information can be imported from third party application, or users can choose to utilize the quick budget setup option to enter budget numbers immediately and add the rest at a later time.

Multi-level security options are available, with users granted company, data entry, or entire system access. Users can email pledge and donation statements to recipients, and the AR module tracks aging and processes past due statements if needed.

All fundraising capability is provided by Donor Express, a third party application that integrates with CYMA. And the eDesk feature, in the System Manager module functions as a document management tool, allowing users to attach files to GL, AP, AR, and Grant fiels.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT & REPORTING: 5 Stars
CYMA offers 100’s of standard reports that can be easily customized, or for more in-depth customization, users can opt to use Crystal Reports or F9, depending on need. CYMA also allows organizations to print consolidated reports, or by fund or program. FASB 117 financial statements are also available including Statement of Activities, Statements of Financial Position, and Statement of Functional Expenses.

The optional Grant Tracking feature allows users to create grant management reports in the GL. All CYMA reports can be viewed on screen, printed or emailed to recipients and exported to Word, Excel, PDF, RPT, HTML, and XML.

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT: 4.5 Stars
CYMA allows users to import data to GL, AP, AR, and Payroll modules utilizing a .csv format. Mentioned earlier, all CYMA reports can be saved in a variety of formats or exported to external reporting applications. All CYMA modules integrate smoothly, so users can add additional modules at any time. CYMA also offers integration with a variety of third-party software applications that offer time and attendance, donor management and fundraising, and shipping options.

HELP/SUPPORT: 5 Stars
CYMA contains excellent Help functionality in each module. The CYMA website contains a variety of optiosn for users including access to all system updates the CYMA knowledge base, and the online learning center. CYMA is also offering users free online training classes with the purchase of a support contract. Users enrolled in a support plan also receive free product manuals. Technical Support options vary, with users able to utilize per-incident support as well as unlimited support.

Summary & Pricing
CYMA Not-For-Profit-Accounting 2012 is a solid nonprofit solution that is ideal for mid-sized organizations or those in a growth phase. CYMA modules start at $645 per module, with pricing typically running about $2,000 for three modules.

2012 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars