Newbie's Review
Updated August 12, 2020

Newbie's Review

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with MIP Fund Accounting (formerly Abila MIP)

We use MIP strictly in the finance department. We use it for all internal accounting. Most of us are relatively new users (less than 3 years), so we're constantly finding new ways to use the program. At year-end, it makes our 1099 generation process much simpler. For my purposes (accounts payable) now that I've worked with the program for a while, it's really quite easy to find just about anything I need (even going back several years).
  • Accounts can be customized just about any way you want; if you prefer using strictly numbering, or names either can be used as you like.
  • Accounts receivable entries are quick and easy to input.
  • Searching for information in the program is usually very easy.
  • For the AP module, I have found that it would be nice to be able to change an account name. When a vendor has a name change, the only options are to enter a new account or leave it as is and try to remember what the name is in the system when an invoice comes with the new name. This also applies to our employee accounts - when someone has a name change, we can't just change the account name.
  • The ability to find any information management may need is invaluable. I'm frequently asked to gather pricing information over time, and even though I still have to refer to hard copies at times, knowing exactly when an invoice was entered makes it far easier to locate the hard copy.
  • Getting information into a presentable format for non-accounting personnel is a snap - sending a report to Excel makes it simple to present the information in a format that suits the person or department requesting it.
As a non-profit, we receive grant money that has to be tracked very closely. Each grant has its own code so it can be tracked from receipt to use - with the balance remaining easy to retrieve before purchases are made; departments receiving grant funds can get the information they need for budgeting quickly and accurately.
As this is my first time working in a non-profit, I haven't used any similar products. My previous experience was with service operations (hotels and restaurants) which have very different systems.
I primarily work with the AP section of the program. One of the biggest issues we've encountered is the difficulty in fixing entry errors after posting. We've had a couple of incidents where an incorrect entry should have been simple to fix, but wasn't. When reversing an entry error, the number of steps needed is too much (get the session id, the doc number, enter a new session, reverse the entry, exit, new session, enter the corrected doc) - it would be nice if this could all be done in one screen (like within Vendor Balances).

MIP Fund Accounting Feature Ratings

Support from Community Brands

It was in use before I started with the organization.
Regularly attend webinars offered, have especially found the ones around reports very useful.
Had an issue with a bank reconciliation and had to call for help. Over about a half hour, the rep was very patient and helpful in finding the item that was causing the imbalance.
Due to current conditions requiring most of our accounting staff to work remote, we are considering moving to the cloud.

Using MIP Fund Accounting (formerly Abila MIP)

One needs a good grounding in general accounting and non-profit accounting. A deep knowledge of how the system works, and doesn't work.
  • accounts payable
  • accounts receivable
  • general ledger accounting
This is the most flexible and user friendly non-profit accounting program we've found.
6 - Accounts Payable
Payroll Accountant
Accounting Manager
Financial Analyst
CFO
Grant Accountant

Evaluating MIP Fund Accounting and Competitors

  • Product Reputation
  • Vendor Reputation
From others who were with the company prior to my hire, the company was using Sage prior to MIP.
Not involved in this before, but if we were considering a new product would likely be asked to evaluate anything new that might be looked at.

MIP Fund Accounting Support

The very few times I've had to contact support, it's always quick and professional.
ProsCons
Quick Resolution
Good followup
Knowledgeable team
Problems get solved
Kept well informed
No escalation required
Immediate help available
Support understands my problem
Support cares about my success
Quick Initial Response
None

Using MIP Fund Accounting

All aspects of our business can be imported into or out of the program as needed.
  • Reports
  • AR Module
ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Technical support not required
Well integrated
Consistent
Quick to learn
Convenient
Feel confident using
None