2014 Review of Aplos Fund Accounting

CORE NFP/FUND ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES: 4.25 Stars
The Aplos chart of accounts can be completely customized or users can opt to utilize the default chart of accounts included in the system.  By combining the previously offered apps into the main accounting component, Aplos has simplified its software, while also reducing potential costs.  Offering true fund accounting, Aplos allows users to easily create and manage multiple entities using Aplos Oversight, which is free. 

Aplos also allows users to set up and manage multiple funds in the system, making it easy to track program and grant expenses accurately.  Multiple transaction types are easily processed in Aplos, with users able to switch from section to section within the program without losing data.  The Budgeting feature allows users to track the budget of each organization managed, as well as project net income and expenses for each fund entered into the system.  A really handy feature is the ability to color-code each fund entered into the system, making it easy to identify data for each fund. 

Aplos will not post any journal entries unless they are balanced.  Users can enter budget information into each fund recorded in Aplos, and they can choose to display the budget details on financial statements if desired.  Budgets are basic in structure, allowing users to enter income and expense amounts. 

All fund accounts are classified as Equity accounts in Aplos, and are color coded for easy identification.  For those tracking grants, simply enter a new fund and manage all income and expenses for that grant.  The User Activity log tracks all system usage, and users can provide outside accountants and auditors access to the system at no cost.  Cloud-based, Aplos is available from anywhere with an Internet connection, making it easy to manage multiple locations, offices, or even nonprofits.  .

MANAGEMENT FEATURES: 4.0 Stars

Aplos has five separate levels of system access available including Administrator, Bookkeeper, Auditor, People Manager, and Contribution Manager.  While the Administrator level offers full system access, the other options offer only select features relevant to the specific job.  A contacts database contained in Aplos tracks all online donations received through the Donor Management component, which allows users to quickly create an online donor form that will link to campaign emails, social media, and can link to a business website. 

Complete integration with Aplos Accounting means that all data entered into the online donation form is recorded in the Aplos Accounting as well.  The Donor Management component also offers complete donor management, with the ability to record detailed information on donors using user-defined fields.  Uses can also quickly create monthly giving statements that include both donations and pledges for easy tracking.  All data entered into Aplos is securely stored on their servers and automatically backed up on a regular basis.  The Aplos e-File component allows users to file Form 990 electronically. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & REPORTS: 4.0 Stars
Aplos has about 20 standard options, including income statement, fund balance summary, account list, trial balance, expense summary and expense detail, and a balance sheet.  Report modifiers are available, including the option to include fund balances on the income statement.  Other modifiers include the option to subtotal by group and the option to print a current report, current versus last month, and current versus year totals.  All Aplos reports can be exported to Excel for further customization. 

Although each report can be saved in Aplos, the newly updated/saved report would need to be exported to Excel each time.  For smaller nonprofits, the reporting options offered should suffice, but there's not much opportunity to expand the reporting options in the software as it stands, so it may not meet the needs of more complex organizations.  Customization options are also somewhat limited, which is why exporting to Excel is probably a better option for the smaller nonprofit that needs custom reporting.

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT: 5 Stars
All Aplos reports can be exported to Excel for spreadsheet customization.  As a cloud-based product, Aplos offers unparalleled access to the product from anywhere, making it a terrific choice for nonprofits with multiple offices, or those that have employees working from home. Aplos components integrate seamlessly so duplicate data entry is eliminated.  Users can also import data from QuickBooks or Excel into Aplos, and managers can set up their accountant or bookkeeper as a user, providing unlimited access to all system data. 

HELP/SUPPORT: 5 Stars
Help functionality can be found throughout Aplos.  Clicking on a question mark icon will take users to an interactive screen where they can email Aplos support personnel.  All system support in included with the cost of the software, and new users are provided with a free 15-day trial where they can try out the software on their own – no credit card required.  At the end of the session, users will be given the option to purchase the software at that time.   

SUMMARY & PRICING
Specifically designed for nonprofits with revenues of less than $500,000 annually, Aplos allows small nonprofits to be up and running immediately with little down time needed for training or system setup.  Affordably priced for even the smallest nonprofit, Aplos Accounting starts at $12.00 per month for a single user; $20.00 per month for unlimited users.  The Donor Management option is $10.00 for a single user. 

Best Fit: Aplos is designed for small to mid-sized nonprofits with annual revenues of less than $500,000.  Affordable for even the smallest nonprofit, Aplos offers convenient system access via a cloud-based platform, along with easy system navigation via a simple, straightforward user interface that requires little training. 

Strengths

• Cloud-based application provides convenient system accessibility
• Easy system navigation requires little training
• Product support is included in base price
• Integrates with Donor Management component
• Affordable for even the leanest budget

Potential Limitations

• Limited budgeting capability
• Rapidly growing nonprofits may outgrow product

2014 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars