CYMA Systems, Inc. — CYMA

CYMA Systems has developed business and professional accounting systems since 1980, with current solutions that include Client Write-Up, business accounting, non-profit fund accounting, payroll, inventory management and job costing. The company’s CYMA IV Financial Management System is the core of each of its programs, including the write-up system, which has available modules for GL, AP, AR, bank reconciliation, financial reporting and after-the-fact payroll.

Basic System Functions

CYMA opens into the System Manager module, which serves as a home base for accessing the other installed modules, in addition to quick calculator tools, tutorials and getting started tips. Pull-down menus across the top also give links to main system functions such as reporting, security settings and system utilities. This browser-like home screen, also called the eDesk, also uses the work area to give links to new system features and modules, general program functions and other system information. Users can customize the main menu bar by adding links to websites or programs. The majority of the functionality of the program is available after selecting a client company, for which the system provides search functions. It also offers a client list selection screen that provides a spreadsheet view of entities, several search and filter options, and the ability to customize which data columns are displayed for additional sorting capabilities.

During setup of companies, CYMA offers guidance in creating charts of accounts and business information, with the ability to copy existing companies’ charts or use standard industry templates. CYMA uses a Pervasive database and is network-ready, with the ability for concurrent use by any number of staff members. Navigation submenus change based on the module. Within AR, for example, the program’s drop-down menus offer access to customers, sales and invoicing. In the GL, users have easy access to charts of accounts, journal entries, posting and unposting of activities, and period closings. Alerts can be set to notify users for system information such as minimum and maximum inventory/reorder levels, receivables, customer credit limits and other information. 4.5

Core Write-Up Features

In addition to the company selection screens, similar lists and customization options are available for employees and vendors. Many of the program’s write-up features are available through the After-the-Fact and Reconciliation modules, while the full GL, AP and AR capabilities give users total access to transactions for editing or posting of journal entries or adjusting entries, including the ability to set up automatic entries for recurring items.

CYMA’s bank reconciliation module provides simplified tools for reviewing and adjusting financial account data, with the ability to easily retrieve transactions from the AP, AR, payroll and GL, and with an integrated bank register that provides additional cash management features. It does not offer a web-integrated system for retrieving bank data digitally. The payroll module can be used for live or after-the-fact processing of payrolls for any number of businesses with any number of employees, departments and cost centers, with options for direct deposit and management of custom deductions and benefits plans. Payroll tax tables are included for all states, and the program offers full year-end and quarterly compliance reporting.

For payables and payroll, the program’s checkwriting capabilities allow printing MICR-encoded checks on plain check stock, with full integration with the purchase order and job costing modules. Dozens of financial ratios and financial calculators can be accessed from the custom link menu on the main eDesk home screen. 4.75

Reporting & Financial Statements

CYMA offers hundreds of reports available from each of the module menus and from the main system manager, with options for customizing reports or creating new ones from scratch. Reports can be processed in batch mode. CYMA comes with Crystal Reports for strong customization and report management functions, and it can save output to PDF, HTML, XML, Excel, Word and multiple text formats. The program offers quick creation of full financial reports, with drilldown capabilities when viewed on-screen. Graphical elements can be added to reports for client deliverables. CYMA also offers diagnostic reporting for GL and AP, simplifying the task of finding duplicate transactions, finding missing accounts, identifying check duplicates and other functions. The system’s AR module includes multiple invoicing tools and customizable client letters. 5

Import/Export/Integration

In addition to being able to export reports and financials into many formats that can be used in other financial, tax and payroll programs, CYMA offers import from Excel, CSV and text formats, enabling a two-step export/import process from most external programs. Each of the system’s modules integrates seamlessly, sharing data as necessary. The program has direct integration with the TaxWorks professional compliance program. CYMA offers an optional employee self-service option for payroll functions, as well as strong import and export capabilities, including PDF output, that supports secure digital collaboration. 4.5

Help & Support

CYMA’s built-in assistive features include a Help index, self-building selection lists and right-click menu options for many data-entry fields, a getting started feature, module tutorials, and links to the update center and support website. The website includes a knowledgebase, program updates and links to consulting and technical support, which is included with system pricing. The program supports all modern versions of the Windows operating system through Windows 7. 5

Summary & Pricing

CYMA’s Financial Management System and After-the-Fact module provide excellent management of company transactions and journal entries, with simple, yet comprehensive tools for account reconciliation and other write-up tasks. The program’s inclusion of Crystal Reports provides users with excellent reporting and customization options. Pricing for the CYMA system is dependent upon specific modules. A package with appropriate write-up-focused modules would cost about $1,700 per year for a network-ready license that can be used by all staff in a firm.

2010 Overall Rating 4.75