In addition, we subscribe to the philosophy that our client’s training is more effective when two critical items occur: first, that they utilize their new chart of accounts throughout training, and second, that the training occurs at their site using transactions that come from actual client invoice files. This allows staff to have the time to ask questions about specific and unique processes, and how these processes may change with the implementation of the new system.

We also believe that our clients become our partners through this work, and that we are building a long-term relationship which benefits both organizations into the future.

Experience 

Huckstep & Associates, LLC is a Select Sage Business Partner. Various requirements are necessary to attain this level, including technical training on their software programs, practice management training, and participation in the various activities related to the Sage MIP Fund Accounting system. Our firm’s managing member, Jeannie Huckstep, CPA, recently completed a three-year term as a member of Sage MIP Fund Accounting's Business Partner advisory council, and has spoken at several of their National User Conferences.

As a member of the VAR council, Jeannie participated with other Sage MIP Nonprofit Solution providers in working with Sage MIP Fund Accounting management in the various areas of new product development, client support, program enhancements, and other organizational issues. 

By way of technical background, our firm has ten years experience with the Sage MIP systems, as well as an additional six years experience in the audit of NonProfit organizations in the Single Audit environment. As you can see, our organization is well-qualified to perform the services requested by nearly every Nonprofit.

Our consulting department is one of the largest and most active for Sage MIP Fund Accounting software. Individuals within our consulting group also moderate User Group meetings on a quarterly basis in Springfield, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Lansing, Michigan; and Lincoln, Nebraska at no cost to our clients. Visit our Upcoming Events link to learn more about this activity.

The Huckstep & Associates consulting team provides ongoing support to a large number of organizations throughout the Midwest in their use of the Sage MIP Fund Accounting system. 

Training & Procedures

We believe that hands-on training using the database developed for your organization is the most effective, fastest, and most economical way to get up-to-speed on an accounting software package. We conduct hands-on training sessions for every module available through Sage MIP Fund Accounting products. We have also written a step-by-step Sage MIP Fund Accounting Users Guide, considered one of the most detailed on the market. This guide has been accepted by Sage MIP Fund Accounting and is now available through all business partners authorized by Sage Software. Our goal, in regard to training and our step-by-step guide, is to assist each organization who implements Sage MIP Fund Accounting to more effectively use the software in their everyday work. We also believe the guide will assist in the elimination of unnecessary down time due to staff turnover.

Depth

Our consulting department consists of four full-time consultants whose primary area of practice is Sage MIP Fund Accounting software and technology planning.

Our consulting services range from sale of the product and full implementation to consultation in the area of additional modules, hardware purchases, data conversion and/or import from legacy systems, cost allocation methodology, initial and/or ongoing personnel training, and fulfilling other ongoing support needs. Our firm is a complete solution provider.

Support

Once the accounting system is implemented, there are various levels of ongoing support you may need. As a firm, we have an extensive understanding of the nonprofit industry business and certainly possess the necessary commitment to support your organization. We pride ourselves on this level of support, both in terms of response time and knowledge. We provide our clients with the following avenues for support:

• On-site visits
• Telephone support
• Dial-up assistance
• E-Mail support

We also offer an annual systems review to our clients. Our work is designed to review client use of the Sage MIP Fund Accounting system, recommend ways to improve operations through new or under-utilized features, and recommend additional modules that can streamline operations of the organization. We will provide a written report of our findings and recommendations upon conclusion of our work.

Through the use of Webex, our consultants and other support staff have the ability to connect with your computer through the Internet, from any location.  This web-based software allows our consultants to view your screen and control your mouse.  Having the ability to view and work with real-time data allows our consultants to provide you with accurate feedback in a short amount of time, resulting in fast resolution to problems which arise.