Financial MicroSystems, Inc. — Client Ledger System

Known to its users as “CLS,” Client Ledger System is written to run under MS-DOS and is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows. The Client Ledger System features general ledger, fully integrated after-the-fact payroll, financial reporting (including job costing accounting with work-in-process sub-ledger), plus a suite of add-on (additional cost) products. Add-on products include Tax Package Interface, W-2/10099 Magnetic Media, XML for Form 941, Unemployment Plus, and SUTA Magnetic Media. Also available is a CheckWriter w/MICR Option as well as a Remote Entry program.

CLS was originally programmed for
the MS-DOS 6.22 operating system
that most of us said our (final)
good-byes to years ago. (Yes, MS-DOS
6.22 is still fully supported.)
However, the company noted that
it runs well in the Windows environment.
The company tells us they have 1,800
supported users updating annually,
while another 1,200 to 1,400 users
update less often than annually,
as they use payroll programs from
other vendors or have no need to
update as often. That’s 3,000+
users and proof positive that a
minority viewpoint exists among
professional accounting ranks –
users who support the well-known
technology theorem: “If it
ain’t broke, don’t fix
it!”

A single-user new purchase system
costs $1,295; renewals are $299.
A network user new purchase system
costs $1,895; renewals are $399.
Any purchase includes 90 days of
free warranty support. One year
of priority support for unlimited
calls with access to an 800-number
costs $150 for a single-user and
$300 for a network user.

LEARNING CURVE & EASE OF USE – 3.5 Stars
Setup of special Windows icons is
required to run this non-native
application on a Windows system.
Adequate instructions are provided
in the User Manual. CLS requires
a non-Windows-only, HP-compatible
laser printer with a parallel port.
BubbleJet, InkJet, DeskJet, USB-supported,
or non-HP compatible laser printers
will not operate with this program.
A comprehensive list of supported
printers is available and updated
regularly on the company’s
web site.

Platform issue aside, the learning
curve is fast. After all, it wasn’t
that long ago that the screen interface
like the one provided with CLS was
the status quo. The menus and sub-menus,
though a bit crowded at times, are
quick to learn and navigate. Users
perform tasks in sub-menus where
you would expect to find the relevant
routine. Data entry is definitely
heads down.

REPORTING & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – 3 Stars

Financial reporting is powerful,
and formatting of financial statements
is easy. Strong consolidation ability
is provided together with a wide
array of “canned” standard
and departmental reports that are
easily modified – just about
every variety a user could ask for.

INTEGRATION, IMPORT/EXPORT & PRODUCTION PROCESSING – 3 Stars
Import integration is available
through the Accounting Transfer
module, allowing integration with
other accounting programs. Supported
programs include Peachtree, Quicken,
QuickBooks, One-Write Plus and the
CLS CheckWriter, a companion program
available for use by the accountant’s
clients. Export to tax products
is accomplished via the Tax Package
Interface add-on module, allowing
for transfer of tax data to ProSeries,
Lacerte, UltraTax, ATB, ProSystem
fx Tax, and others. Generic transfer
is accomplished through export of
trial balance amounts to an ASCII
file. Production processing is available
within each client only.

SCALABILITY & PORTABILITY – 3 Stars

Portability is an issue. The future
of CLS is limited to the continuing
ability to execute MS-DOS programs
within Microsoft Windows.

SUPPORT, TRAINING & HELP SYSTEM – 3 Stars
Support and training include a written
manual, hands-on training classes
and phone support. The company’s
web site also offers a FAQs section
and provides fixes and updates for
download.

INTERVIEWS – WHAT USERS HAD TO SAY

Users were positive about their
(continued) use of Client Ledger
System.

2004 OVERALL RATING: 3

The choice of a write-up program should be based in large part on identifiable attributes of the write-up program that best fits the sum of the individual needs of the practice. In no particular order, factors that lead to the sum include setup & learning curve; training & support; program pricing & cost of updates; data conversion, maintenance & storage; efficiency & flexibility; and integration with a practitioner’s other programs (tax, payroll, analysis, word processing, etc.). Finally, throw in a wild card ‘ the practitioner’s overall dedication to technology.