Manual checks w/invoices

[jorja920]

We are new with PC+. and gingerly plodding along with every task. Our accountant wants to use the remainder of our manual checks. We pay everything with a manual check. Actually, the check is written and then I go enter the info into PC+ to update the accts. I've played with this a bit, putting the next available check no. on the form, then filling in all appropriate info to finish the transaction. I've not bothered with the computer generated selections because we're not using them. Is there is problem with this method of check writing & payment? If this is not correct, or if there is an easier method -- could you detail the steps I should use to write manual checks for our invoices. I'm looking to make this process easier and less confusing.
I've read on another post, to print the computer generated checks and then toss. What about getting the correct check numbers matched to the invoice? Or does that not even matter since they are tossed?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Georgia

[JohnDMeyers]

Is there is problem with this method of check writing & payment? If this is not correct, or if there is an easier method

The problem is that you're create extra work for yourself, and introduce a considerable amount of room for error. How many more manual checks do you have?

If printers were $200-$500, then there you could argue that it's too expensive to buy a printer. But with printers available under $100, expense is not really a factor.

Invoices are set up to work with computer-generated checks. I don't think you can automate the process to work with manual checks.

The steps are: 1) get a low cost printer 2) get some printer checks. You will honestly save enough time and confusion to justify the move.

[tborgal]

Georgia,

Are you using the Maintain Manual Checks selection under Accounts Payable?? If you are there is no problem with the method you are using to finish your hand written checks. If you enter an invoice then print a plain sheet of paper just to throw it away wastes time, paper and ink and the information entered in the manual check form verses the invoice form is identical. Once you use up the hand written checks you can make the switch to the computer generated ones.

[NeilZ]

FWIW ... both Tom and John are right.

However, as Tom said, if you want to use up the rest of the manual checks, but want to get used to using the full capability of Powerchurch by eventually going to computer printed checks. You could start printing the 'checks' on a blank piece of paper, then instead of tossing that paper, staple it to the bill as proof of payment, much as you would do a stub from a three-part computer printed check.

In this way you get rid of the manual checks, but have the convenience of the computer assisted invoicing/payment.

[jordan2k510]

I am in the process of setting up PC. We print manual checks. I have set up some auto repeating entries. I want to be able to see the check number for each payment. Is there a way to do this using the auto repeating entry?

[JohnDMeyers]

It seems that the checks will be printed in alphabetic order, not in date order entered. The closest to "a" gets the lowest check number.

Before you post in Accounts Payable, you can see the checks in Accounts Payable, Maintain Computer Generated Checks. In fact, you can edit most of the information on the check there, including the check number.

NOTE: After reading Jeff's comment, I wish to add the following:

If you release your Auto-Repeating Entries as a Manual Check, you can edit the information in Accounts Payable / Maintain Manual Checks.

(Jeff, I didn't pick up on "printing manual checks". I was thinking that the manual checks were being handwritten, and entered into PowerChurch to be printed on to blank pieces of paper)

[Jeff]

We print manual checks.

I don't understand what you mean by printing manual checks. Why do you need to assign what check number a specific bill is printed on?

In PowerChurch terms a manual check is a check that is hand written. Like when you take a blank check to the hardware store to buy supplies. A computer check is printed by PowerChurch from bills that have been entered in Maintain Open Invoices. PowerChurch will assign the check numbers as its creates the checks from the bills.

[jordan2k510]

Print was the wrong verb - We write (use) manual checks instead of printed. I will release the Auto-repeating entries as manual checks. Thanks.