ApprovalMax vs. MIP Fund Accounting

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ApprovalMax
Score 8.2 out of 10
N/A
ApprovalMax provides approval workflow automation for cloud accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks Online. It replaces paper- and email-based approval processes with multi-step and multi-role automated approval workflows that enable automated notifications to approvers, automated audit trails, and mobile approvals. Approval workflows include: Invoice approvals / bill review and bill approval Purchase order approval, including the functionality to create…
$54
per month
MIP Fund Accounting
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
MIP Fund Accounting™ is a configurable fund accounting solution. The solution includes functionality for fund accounting, procurement, budgeting, payroll, human resources, timekeeping, fixed asset management, grant management, and dashboards for nonprofits and government agencies.N/A
Pricing
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
Editions & Modules
ApprovalMax Standard
$54
per month per organization
ApprovalMax Advanced
$83
per month per organization
ApprovalMax Premium
$121
per month per organization
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesYes
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsDiscount available for annual pricing and for management of multiple organizations.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
Features
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
Payment Management
Comparison of Payment Management features of Product A and Product B
ApprovalMax
8.0
1 Ratings
7% above category average
MIP Fund Accounting
-
Ratings
Customizable Approval Policies9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Financial Document Management9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Payment Status Tracking9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Payment Audit Trail9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Duplicate Bill Detection4.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Accounts Payable
Comparison of Accounts Payable features of Product A and Product B
ApprovalMax
8.5
1 Ratings
21% above category average
MIP Fund Accounting
-
Ratings
Automated Accounts Payable Processes9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Vendor Management8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
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Score 9.5 out of 10
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online
Score 8.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Square 9 Softworks
Square 9 Softworks
Score 9.5 out of 10
Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct
Score 8.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Webexpenses
Webexpenses
Score 8.7 out of 10

No answers on this topic

All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(1 ratings)
9.1
(435 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.6
(132 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.6
(103 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(15 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
8.6
(92 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.8
(100 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(9 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(7 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
6.1
(28 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.4
(8 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(14 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
8.1
(15 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.7
(13 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
8.8
(13 ratings)
User Testimonials
ApprovalMaxMIP Fund Accounting
Likelihood to Recommend
ApprovalMax
As mentioned previously - able to send invoice based on amount , program code and division code ,supplier is very useful feature ; If an invoice does not fit into approval process than it is rejected and an email is received mentioning the reason
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Momentive Software
MIP Fund Accounting works very well for general fundraising. The form creation process is easy and allows you to set parameters and add fees, quantities, images, etc. This process is smooth on the customer (forward-facing) side as well. Reports are generated once the transactions have gone through, making tracking and reconciliation with accounting easy.
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Pros
ApprovalMax
  • choice based on Program codes / division codes - we use Xero accounting system and we have 22 program codes and 11 divison codes ; once invoice is entered in Xero depending on relevant program code and divison code, Approval max automatically send invoice to relevant person depending on approval workflow process . One manager could be handling multiple divison and program codes; if our approval work flow process is properly designed - it is accurate in sending invoice to relevant manager.
  • invoice can also send to various managers based on General ledger codes ; this flexibility makes useful when manager is handling only certain nature of expenses regardless of program codes / divisionl.
  • Approval process can also be designed based on level of amount ; and level of amount is derived from our Delegation policy. it makes audit of application of delegation policy easy ; we give copy of delegation policy and print of approval work flow process to auditor.
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Momentive Software
  • Easy to obtain check register for select periods
  • Easy to do bank reconciliations
  • Easy to log in for remote work, for anywhere I need to access it from!
  • Easy to pull vendor, chart of accounts and other pertinent information, also easy to add information to those sections.
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Cons
ApprovalMax
  • date and time of change in approval process ; for example if Mr. A was responsible for all expenses above $1000 in Oct 23 and from Nov 23 it is changed to $5000 . in Dec 23 if it is checked - it will show approval limit of $5000 ; but will not show from which date limit was changed. Auditor always asks this question when the limit was changed in approval max - we cannot prove it.
  • If there is audit trail of who made the changes , when and what changes were made ; will be good.
  • when we are in main page of seeing invoices awaiting approval - there are hundreds of invoices - searching for one invoice from particular supplier is very cumbersome job - we have to go by each and every invoice in order to find that invoice ; it will be good if we have search function on main page itself ; in current scenario we have to go to report section - input all filters and than search for that particular invoice.
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Momentive Software
  • With the payroll process, if there is an error in sending the stubs through email, there is no option to resend without a restore. That really needs to change.
  • Being able to void encumbrance at the same time as a PO would be an incredible time saver.
  • When processing W2 the system deletes info.
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Likelihood to Renew
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
I give MIP a 10 because Our organization use MIP Fund Accounting ever since I've been there and that's been for over 20 plus years for all of our accounting and payroll. MIP has stayed on the cutting edge of technology, ever evolving to meet the needs of the times, especially post pandemic, while many are working remotely! MIP support staff are very knowledgeable and efficient. Even new users can get up to speed quickly with MIP Fund Accounting.
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Usability
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
I have used this system for about 12 years now and I still learning how to use it. It always surprises me how there is another report to learn to achieve my data reporting goals. It is great to have a system that you have used long enough to feel comfortable with but also a system that allows you to learn new ways to report and enter data into the system
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Reliability and Availability
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
I have rarely encountered any issues accessing MIP Fund Accounting over the years. On the rare occasions when availability was interrupted, the reasons were always found in-house when using the on-premises version. Since we have migrated to the MIP cloud, we have had no issues with availability. Any maintenance or updates are always communicated to us and are usually done outside of business hours.
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Performance
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
We have 18 programs and the CFO has the ability through MIP Fund Accounting to generate separate and/or collective reporting for those programs. Each program has its own grant or funding source. Each has its own reporting guidelines that must be met so the ability to run reporting separately or collectively is a plus.
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Support Rating
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
I have not reached out to MIP for technical support; however, their website offers great help resources so I can solve an issue on my own. Another team member reached out to MIP for support and was helped quickly. The transition process took longer than expected due to a lag in communication.
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In-Person Training
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
There are no specifics on what happens if you make one choice or another to know which is the best selection. This is true for JVs and AP. In training we were not given specifics of what happens when one possibility is selected over another.
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Online Training
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
Denise O'Malley provided training for the HR module when we added it to our system. Denise also gave us a demo of the EWS module which we were able to see that it would not meet our needs. She was very kind about and understanding regarding the functions we needed with a time clock system.
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Implementation Rating
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
Don't waste your time with MIP. There are plenty of other softwares out there that will do the job better. Do your homework. Get references from actual users. Make sure that what you choose will truly integrate. Make sure that there is local support. Get training. You will be glad that you passed this one by. Trust me.
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Alternatives Considered
ApprovalMax
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Momentive Software
I've utilized other ERP accounting software like Infor, NetSuite, and MS Dynamics, to name a few. MIP Fund Accounting offers flexibility and room for growth while not being overly heavy on your team to maintain it. And, we're now learning more about the add-on's and more advanced capabilities to leverage with our team.
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Scalability
ApprovalMax
No answers on this topic
Momentive Software
The flexibility to create certain features are helpful and are designed to be easier on MIP Accounting Cloud. It has been easier than the MIP Accounting classic version. I may have not fully utilized the software to deploy across multiple departments other than generating revenue reports or expenses. As well as developing budget worksheets for our departments. Which are great as it is, but have not gone farther than that.
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Return on Investment
ApprovalMax
  • It has certainly made a positive impact ; it is definately worth its value ; when we are processing hundreds of invoices every fortnight ; getting approval of invoices in timely manner for all invoices is of paramount importance . as approval max has its own app - approval can be done on mobile phone also ; this is particularly helpful when staff is travelling .
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Momentive Software
  • We converted to the cloud version a few years ago to reduce our dependency on a dedicated internal IT server which needed to be replaced. The cost of the product switched to a monthly fee which increased cost somewhat but probably is matched with IT savings over time in doing upgrades.
  • We have an efficient team of two people doing the transactional work, so we don't really have much incentive to further automate our processes. And with the turnover in the CFO position we have had, has helped us maintain consistency in our processing.
  • Once I learned how to memorize and recall transactions it was a huge timesaver and increased the accuracy and consistency of our entry.
  • The cost of training is sometimes prohibitive. Example is my accounting clerk MIGHT benefit from additional training but at about $200 for a lot of the courses, it is more than we have budgeted.
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ScreenShots

ApprovalMax Screenshots

Screenshot of where approval processes are set up  – no matter how simple or complex.Screenshot of the interface to build approval steps that follow any business rules – whether approvals happen one after another, all at once, or only in certain cases. The user can also control who approves based on things like amount, supplier, account code, or category.Screenshot of where to approve bills and purchase orders the way that works best.Screenshot of the interface that matches bills to approved purchase orders from the same supplier to keep coding accurate and control spending. Unmatched bills can also be stopped from being approved.Screenshot of where to mention others in comments to bring them in or get their input – even if they’re not part of the original approval. If they don’t have access, a prompt to add them as a Watcher is sent. Mentions work on web and mobile, sending notifications as soon as access is granted.Screenshot of where to raise purchase orders, approve requests, and extract key details from bills and purchase orders – all on the go with the ApprovalMax mobile app for iOS and Android.

MIP Fund Accounting Screenshots

Screenshot of MIP Advance™ Dashboards with drilldownScreenshot of MIP™ Transactions WorkflowScreenshot of MIP DashboardsScreenshot of MIP DashboardsScreenshot of MIP Dashboard drilldownScreenshot of MIP Transactions