NEW to Powerchurch

[HRClove]

Trying to understand PC, coming from using QuickBooks and this is totally different. We currently are inputting all of our contributions and membership info in PC but want to start the accounting end. Would it be best to wait until January '14 to start that? Just having a little trouble understanding PC's accounting...

[NeilZ]

Trying to understand PC, coming from using QuickBooks and this is totally different. We currently are inputting all of our contributions and membership info in PC but want to start the accounting end. Would it be best to wait until January '14 to start that? Just having a little trouble understanding PC's accounting...

Powerchurch uses what is actually standard double entry accounting. For every credit there must be a debit.

If you write a check (credit against checking) you need to show an amount against an expense (debit). If you add income (which is a credit to an income account), you need to show an increase in a checking or saving account (a debit).

It may be a good idea to install Powerchurch to a 'standalone' computer, and play with the Accounting Setup with the Powerchurch manual close by so you can get an idea of what is needed and how to enter.

Considering that there are only 4 months left in the year, I'd spend that time preparing to start in January 2014 by developing a proper chart of accounts, checking with your ministries to make sure that you covered all their possible expenses, and testing the Accounting Setup. You can restart accounting on a standalone machine as many times as you want to get it right. Then print out the chart of accounts you created, and get all the data together in December ready to enter in the actual database on the first week of January.

[HRClove]

Ok, we have waited just a little late in starting the accounting set up for 2014, but not too late I hope.
I am entering in beginning balances, do I need to enter lump sums into the outstanding checks and deposits up until now? Or enter individual transactions? Also, I have payroll to set up as well..

[NeilZ]

Ok, we have waited just a little late in starting the accounting set up for 2014, but not too late I hope.
I am entering in beginning balances, do I need to enter lump sums into the outstanding checks and deposits up until now? Or enter individual transactions? Also, I have payroll to set up as well..

Since this question was asked and answered in a new topic, I suggest looking for a very good answer there.