Nonprofits Across the U.S. Rate Accounting Solutions
Sage Fund Accounting, an accounting suite designed specifically for nonprofit organizations and government agencies, has been honored with a Campbell Award for exceptional customer feedback. The award is based on the high proportion of Sage Fund Accounting customers that say they would recommend the product to others, determined by independent polling conducted by the research firm Campbell Rinker. This is the fifth time that Sage Fund Accounting has won the award. In fact, the product has won the award every year that Campbell Rinker has conducted the study.
To view the press release from Campbell Rinker, click here.
Rae Cardenas is a great part of the ProSoft Solutions Team and is the Inside Sales and Marketing Assistant Extraordinaire! She became a part of our team in 2007, helping out with mailers and currently manages our marketing database – doing anything from following up on seminar invitations, to making seasonal calls to prospective clients. She reflects, “I’ve known Glen and Cheryl for almost 25 years, and they are dear friends of mine. It was through this relationship that I came to work for ProSoft. I was excited to work with great people and have a position with a flexible work schedule allowing me the time I desired to spend raising our boys.”
Prior to working for ProSoft, Rae held several different positions giving her a ton of great experience. From working with the National Federation of International Business assisting with sales support, and coordinating student loans at LeTourneau university, to providing administrative support for manufacturing companies, and working in the banking industry – she’s done a little bit of everything!
When she’s not working, you’re sure to find Rae spending quality time with her family. “We have recently started running together as a family. Our boys, who are 10 and 12, have joined the Cross Country team, my husband has always been really athletic, and I am a novice 5K-er,” she laughs. “It’s something healthy that we can all participate in.”
Rae is actively involved with her church, leading a small group for boys, as well as participating in a ladies prayer group and Jr. Bible Quiz. Several years ago she was blessed with the opportunity to go on a mission’s trip to the Philippines for 5 weeks. She recalls, “I had just finished college and was at a critical time in my life. The trip impacted me greatly and it was there that I made a commitment to follow God for the rest of my life.” More recently, Rae had the opportunity to take her oldest son on a medical mission’s trip to Honduras. “I find the most fulfillment in being a mother and cherish the opportunity to raise our boys to be godly young men. I was blessed to be able to take our son somewhere where he could experience a 3rd world situation. The children in the US can be so overwhelmed with excess, that I believe it can be very healthy for them to see people who have so little but are joyful nonetheless. We had a really great time helping build a church, sharing the Gospel, working in the pharmacy, and distributing clothing.”
ProSoft Solutions, a provider of Sage nonprofit accounting and fundraising software for nonprofit and governmental agencies, has achieved Sage Chairman’s Club, 2011. Chairman’s Club provides Sage’s highest performing business partners with special recognition, due to their commitment to consistently go above and beyond to achieve excellence.
ProSoft Solutions is overjoyed to be selected for this award. “This is an honor that I am humbled to share with my sales team, business partners and clients,” stated Glenn Stephens, President of ProSoft Solutions. “We are thrilled to be recognized by Sage and to be a part of this elite group.”
As a nonprofit accounting and fundraising provider, ProSoft Solutions consistently strives to provide the highest level of service and expertise to their clients. “We believe that this award reflects our commitment to our clients. We seek to ensure that the nonprofits we serve can count on their back-office accounting systems, so that they focus their time and energy on their area of influence,” adds Glenn.
ProSoft Solutions, a provider of accounting and fundraising software for nonprofit and governmental agencies, has been named to Sage’s President’s Circle for 2011. This prestigious award recognizes an elite group of sage business partners who have reached the top in their category, displaying exceptional diligence in representing Sage products. ProSoft specifically received this award due to their top product sales in Sage Fund Accounting and Sage Fundraising Software.
ProSoft Solutions is made up of a team of CPA’s MBA’s and nonprofit accounting consultants who know a lot about accounting software. They are thrilled to be recognized by Sage, but are equally thankful to be able to help nonprofits get the most from their Sage nonprofit software. “We want to dedicate this award to the nonprofits and ministries we serve,” comments Glenn Stephens, President of ProSoft Solutions. “Each of them does amazing things to bless others and we feel so honored and fulfilled in being able to serve them.”
Read more about the wonderful ministries and nonprofits that ProSoft serves.
Take advantage of three limited-time offers on Sage Nonprofit Software!
- Get 10% off the NEW Sage Grant Management solution*
- Get 15% off the Improved Accounts Receivable solution*
- Get 20% off the Improved Scheduler solution*
Contact Steven Elam at (972) 966-6111 x108 at Email Steven to learn more.
*Offers expire December 30, 2011. Each offer cannot be combined with other offers.These offers are exclusively for existing Sage Nonprofit Solutions customers.
Joanne “Jo” Schneberger
Jo has worked as an exclusively contracted Consultant with ProSoft and their customers for several years but became an official employee in January 2011. Jo has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is also a Certified Medical Assistant. She brings a high level of expertise to ProSoft with a variety of previous experience. This includes managing a medical practice for 15 years; performing accounting work as a volunteer for schools, booster clubs, and a drill team; to working for the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. What’s more, Jo also worked in the training department at Sage where she became the Principal Curriculum Developer for the Nonprofit Division - creating curriculum, classes, training manuals, and more. She is a self described software expert, and explains, “Years ago when I was managing the Doctor’s office I was able to understand the software so thoroughly that I ended up training the staff at other Doctor’s offices in town who needed help with it! Back then, I remember telling someone that my dream job would be to help train people on software – and here I am 20 years later!” Having worked in so many industries, all of the knowledge Jo has gained has definitely helped her become a well-rounded consultant. “I am happy to say that after all of that I came to work with ProSoft because my expertise matched the company’s needs and I like the way Glenn Stephens does business. I appreciate the integrity with which he founded and continues to run this company. We both strive to treat people honestly and fairly and therefore I feel it is the perfect place for me.”
In a typical day in Jo’s life, you might find her doing anything from implementing software and assisting in database structure design, to providing training for new and existing clients. Additionally Jo is able to support clients in integrating their fund accounting systems with Sage Fundraising software as well as other 3rd party applications such as billing (utility/patient billing), integrated payroll systems, donor software and others. She is very passionate about her work and reflects, “I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I see a client or a customer begin to see how much the software can help them. I truly enjoy helping our clients find ways to save time…like when I can show them how to create a report with the click of a button rather than fussing with Excel for a week. I know I’ve done my job when our customers are able to meet their goals.”
Jo grew up in a large military family as the oldest of seven, with six girls and a baby brother. They had the privilege of travelling all over the world and lived in Germany, Italy, Canada, Mexico, and other European Countries. She has 3 grown children of her own with one granddaughter and grandbaby number two on the way. Jo currently keeps company with three cats Dino, Black Jack and Seven (which she took in from her daughter) who is the biggest of the three weighing in at a whopping 25 pounds!
In her spare time Jo likes to quilt, sew and do needlepoint – anything that has to do with a needle is her passion, a fact which has earned her the title of “craft-a-holic” from her family. Other than that you’re likely to find her spending time at home, reading or watching Sci-Fi. However don’t rule out running into Jo at a Star Trek convention or two!
Jo is a Catholic at heart. From directing a choir in New Mexico, to serving as a Eucharistic Minister, she greatly enjoys teaching those new to her faith. The biggest impact in her life was a membership in a Secular Franciscan Order which followed the teachings of St. Francis, encouraging members to practice a lifestyle of poverty. She explains, “What really stuck with me was that my material belongings are not the most important things in life. It is better to live economically, and spend more effort on being fair and honest, and serving others.”
Getting to Know the ProSoft Team
Anthony Harris has been a Systems Consultant with ProSoft since January 2010. Clients are likely to meet him in person should they decide to implement new software as his primary expertise lies in installation and training, though he does do some light sales as well. From flexible work schedule to being able to meet new people and have different experiences every day, Anthony couldn’t be happier. “After meeting Glen Stevens - the owner of ProSoft – I knew I wanted to work for him. He is a true man of integrity and does what he says he will. That was a huge draw for me,” explains Anthony.
With over 15 years at The Chicago Tribune, Anthony has an extensive background in computer and accounting-related roles. He held several positions ranging from accounts payable and general accounting, to payroll and systems administrator. He reflects, “I have always been very comfortable with computer software capabilities in accounting, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Custom Programs, Custom Interfaces, Crystal Reports, SQL Server, etc. So going from end user to installer was a natural progression.”
Outside of work you’re likely to find Anthony exercising or out riding his bike with Bridget, his wife of 14 years. “We are serious amateurs, or low end professionals – however you want to call it…” laughs Anthony. “We typically do a 100 mile bike ride once or twice a year.”
Another passion Anthony has is in serving in ministry and missions. He and his wife attend a church that is very active in their community; from visiting poor neighborhoods passing out food and praying for people, to doing a winter coat drive in January. Not only do they give back locally, but they visit other states and countries as well. “One outreach that sticks in my mind was a trip we took down to a prison in east Texas. When we arrived there we were given pretty strict instructions by the guards that there would be absolutely no touching allowed – which was fine. We could definitely pray for and with the inmates without laying hands on them. But there was one service where we were doing simple baptisms and I got up to explain baptism and put in a tape that would explain it some more when the Spirit of the Lord fell. His presence was so strong that everyone was touched – even the guards – who then changed their minds (and the rule) and encouraged us to lay hands on and pray for everyone.”
“On another trip to Osaka Japan we were astonished and blessed to see how thirsty the Japanese people are for truth. Even though we had to give testimonies and speak using interpreters – God was able to touch their hearts in amazing ways. We visited another city which has one of the biggest Buddhist populations and people there waited out in the rain for hours to hear us sing and minister,” remembers Anthony. “When you reach out and help others, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from the Spirit of God – no matter what denomination you are – when you go and give of yourself and help people. You can sense God saying, “Yes you are doing the right thing!”
One of Anthony’s biggest goals is to try to be like a child before the Master. “I try to do a self evaluation on a daily basis, making sure my attitude and thought patterns are right. A good example is in the Lord’s Prayer…’forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors’. The measure you forgive others is the measure that God is going to forgive you. That’s something we all have to work on on a daily basis, because the moment you forgive someone, then someone else is likely to come up and get in your face and you’ll have to do it all over again!” he laughs. “When somebody offends you, you get to see what you’re really made of, and usually have to back to the Source and ask forgiveness. It keeps me reading His Word and continually adjusts my behavior.”
FREE Online User Groups
We are excited to announce a new learning opportunity coming this Fall and next Spring! Join us for our free Online User Groups in October, November as well as February and March of 2012. These unique opportunities will allow you to receive professional training from one of our certified trainers from the comfort of your own office
Schedule
October 27, 2011 Advanced Reporting Techniques
November 15, 2011 Forecasting with the Budget module
February 16, 2012 A/P Tips & Tricks
March 20, 2012 Advanced Financial Statements
Although this event is complimentary registration is required. To reserve your virtual seat please click on your preferred date above.
Trust is a precious commodity in the nonprofit sector - are you doing all you can to keep it?
Restrictions around the use of government grants continue to rise, and private foundations and corporations are asking organizations for specific measurable outcomes resulting from grant awards. Pressure is continually added by tightening federal regulations. There are talks of a possible requirement to add performance measures to the IRS Form 990, along with the chance of federal funding becoming subject to comply with OMB Circular A-133, thus requiring annual audits.
Compounded with stories of the misuse of funding grabbing headlines, the temperament of the donor community, although positive, is more cautious than in yester years. Not only is being accountable in aspects of your organization’s financial and program management an absolute necessity, but it is imperative now more than ever.
Accountability is not just the responsibility of the CFO or the Executive Director, but of all staff and board members who are involved in the financial management, fundraising, and program planning and implementation. Make sure money raised is being used for the purposes you outlined in your solicitations, and communicate it clearly and often to your donors. This can be as simple as sharing success stories in your donor newsletters or making your annual report available on your Web site, but also as complex as reporting on fulfilling grant restrictions, program outcomes, matching requirements, and the impact or difference made by your organization. At the end of the day, however, tangible proof, such as clear tracking of donor restrictions and funds spent from the finance office, will underscore the organization’s accountability and transparency, and will help to build a case for continuing and future support.
Accountability also means keeping the lines of communication open with your supporters through the good and the bad. During an AFP Meet the Funders workshop, grant-makers and donors expressed the desire for communication—especially when plans go awry. “It’s not an opportunity to take the support away,” said one participant. “It is an opportunity to learn what roadblocks the program or project is facing, and figure out how we can work together to overcome it.”
It is no secret that donors and the grant-making community network and talk. Your actions and communications can reinforce their decision to give to your organization and may help them bring others to the table. On the other hand, your actions and communications, or lack thereof, can create a divide that is hard to overcome. A study published by the Public Agenda found “once an organization became tainted in [donors’] minds, they never gave to that particular organization again.”
Part of being accountable is also to have the right infrastructure in place to assist with the reporting, tracking, and communications. Annual audits are a must, and being able to give auditors, grantors, and stakeholders a clear trail to verify the accuracy of financial statements and donor intention is critical. As you look for ways to satisfy the demands of outcome measurements, be sure that your accounting system not only tracks and reports outcome measurements on financial statements, but that it can also be used to budget outcome measurements for accurate forecasting. In terms of your organization’s effectiveness, information on outcome measurements can be factored into financial data and presented to external and internal constituents, showing a powerful snapshot of your accountability and program performance with the funds you are receiving.
Likewise, keeping donor information in a comprehensive system allows for acknowledgement of donations in a timely manner, storage of communication histories, usage of donor profiling, creation of reminders for following-up, and the personalization of communications with the programs and projects that energize your giving community.
At the end of the day, it’s the people in your organization, who are dedicated to your mission, that use these tools to demonstrate the accountability, transparency, and stewardship needed to keep the organization’s integrity intact—and keep your donors and grantors contributing to your cause.
Steven Elam, Customer Account Manager
Steven Elam began working with ProSoft Solutions in May, 2011 as the Customer Account Manager. In his role he does a little bit of everything, from managing their customer base for Sage Fund Accounting products, to facilitating training, consulting modules, user groups, and more. “I decided to come to work for ProSoft Solutions because they are the leader in Sage Nonprofit Solutions software year after year. Their high level of integrity and professionalism was desirable, and the way they conduct business internally and externally with the upmost fairness was in line with my personal philosophies. It gives me fulfillment to know at the end of the day that we will do everything possible to provide our customers with the very best experience.”
Steven has a BA in Accounting and 8 years of experience working with Sage Nonprofit Solutions. Having worked in the Support and Learning Services departments of Sage MIP Fund Accounting and ultimately becoming a Customer Account Manager, Steven brings an abundant amount of expertise with him to ProSoft. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Sage and their products, and moving to ProSoft Solutions was a natural progression for me,” reflects Steven.
When he’s not at work you’re likely to find Steven enjoying life! From hitting the gym several times a week, hunting, fishing and spending time with his dog to watching football, comedy and adventure movies – he loves staying active and happy. “I think laughter is the best medicine, after all who doesn’t like Indiana Jones!? But I’d have to say my favorite form of entertainment is the theater because everything is better in real life rather than on television.”