5 Benefits Federal Agency Experiences with Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounting Software

As a federal agency, the Denali Commission must follow U.S. government accounting
practices. Government accounting uses net costs instead of profits as the major indicator for performance and requires high standards of accountability.  The Denali Commission needed its accounting records to show that funds have been spent legally and that controls are in place to safeguard assets. In addition, the agency must report on the outcomes of programs and initiatives. As it does with all federal agencies, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget oversees the agency’s accounting practices and conducts annual federal audits. 

By teaming up with Arctic IT and utilizing Microsoft Dynamics GP, The Denali Commission has experienced the following benefits:

Improved Business Processes
The Microsoft GP implementation has improved business processes for the
Denali Commission. For example, the Denali Commission has replaced paper-based requisitions with a Web-based system.  Authorized users can view requisitions online,
and e-mail alerts notify approvers when a requisition requires their attention. Notifications
of final approvals are also sent by e-mail to initiators when a purchase order is issued
or a request is rejected.

Enhanced Accountability and Decision Making
One of the customizations that Arctic IT made to Microsoft GP enables commission
staff to scan every accounting document into the system. As a result, executives and auditors can view every document without having to pull a file manually. Such visibility
into the accounting system gives managers and auditors a clear view of the commission’s
financial data. “In our pre-audit report, the federal auditors gave us high praise for our
transparency and internal controls,” says Eilo. The high level of visibility offered by the new
solution also helps executives budget and plan more effectively. “With Microsoft GP, we
have the information to make better decisions,” says Eilo. “We have the data we need at the right time.”

Increased Productivity
With the implementation of the Microsoft Business Solutions software, the Denali
Commission saw productivity rise. “We’re now doing twice as much work in half the time,”
says Eilo. The staff at the Denali Commission appreciates that Microsoft GP can be
easily managed and used by those without an accounting background. “The ease of
use is one reason why Microsoft GP is effective,” Price says, “I can’t emphasize that enough.”

Provided Better Reporting
The Denali Commission now generates detailed reports that give recipients a view of
accounting activities at both the transaction level and at a consolidated level. As a result,
executives, managers, and commission members get a complete picture of the
commission’s accounting. Because Microsoft FRx Report Server sends the reports automatically by e-mail, everyone who needs the information is kept informed.

Helped the Agency Fulfill Its Goals—Cost-Effectively
Because the Denali Commission relies on public and private partnerships, it actively
looks for ways to extend the work that it does with the funds it receives. The commission
believes that its new accounting system will help it do that. “We’re charged with delivering
services in the most cost-efficient, practicable manner possible,” says Federal Co-Chair
Staser. “We expect Microsoft GP  to help us achieve that goal.” The Denali Commission staff also consider themselves fortunate because they put the new accounting system in place in 12 months at a reasonable cost. “I would advise other government agencies of our size to consider Microsoft GP,” says Eilo. “I don’t think another solution could perform as well and still keep our overhead costs at 5%.”

by Arctic IT, An Alaska Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

5 Benefits Federal Agency Experiences with Microsoft Dynamics GP Accounting Software is a post from: ERP Software Blog

Related Posts

1. Adaptive ERP Software – Microsoft Dynamics GP Responds Quickly to Tax Changes
2. Dynamics GP For Government Agencies And Contracts
3. Alaska Oil Spill Prevention and Response Company Operates Efficiently with New Accounting Software