Blue Skies Accounting

The typical implementation process for Blue Skies Accounting software, as outlined on the provided URL, involves several steps that can be summarized as follows:

1. Downloading the Software: Users are instructed to save the downloads to their desktop or any temporary download directory. This step is crucial for gathering all necessary files before installation.

2. Installation: After the download is completed, users must double-click on the file to install it on their computer. This step initiates the setup process for the Blue Skies Accounting software.

3. Evaluation with Demo Data: To best evaluate Blue Skies Accounting, users are advised to download the full Blue Skies install with demo data (44 MB). This allows users to run the BSA program installation with demo data, providing a comprehensive way to assess the software's capabilities and how it might fit their accounting needs.

4. Accessing Support Materials: Additional resources are available for download, including the Blue Skies TeamViewer Program for direct support, a Quick Start Tutorial for Blue Skies (a 19-page document best viewed and printed with Microsoft Word or Wordpad), and a Blue Skies Sales Slideshow. These materials are designed to assist users in the initial setup and to provide a better understanding of the software's features.

The duration of the implementation process is not explicitly mentioned in the provided source. The time it takes to complete the implementation can vary depending on several factors, including the user's familiarity with accounting software, the speed of their computer, and the complexity of their accounting needs. However, the process from downloading to installation and initial evaluation with demo data is designed to be straightforward, suggesting that it could be completed within a short period, potentially within a few hours to a day, depending on the specific circumstances.

It's important to note that while the initial setup and evaluation might be relatively quick, fully integrating the software into a business's accounting processes and customizing it to meet specific needs could take additional time.

1. Enterprise Costing: The software allows for the production of very detailed enterprise costing from payroll, supply inputs, and equipment charge-outs. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to closely monitor and manage their costs.

2. Flexibility in Data Management: Blue Skies Accounting offers significant flexibility in managing data. Users can combine enterprises or reassign any debit or credit very readily, which is crucial for businesses that require frequent adjustments to their financial records.

3. Customizable Features for Various Industries: The software caters to a broad spectrum of businesses, including those in farming, construction, retail, nurseries, and accounting. This indicates that its features can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of different industries.

4. Contract and Agreement Management: It simplifies the process of creating, tracking, and managing contracts and agreements. This feature helps businesses organize important documents, track key milestones, and comply with contract terms, which can be customized according to the specific requirements of the business.

5. Financial Reporting and Invoice Management: Blue Skies Accounting provides robust tools for financial reporting and invoice management, which are essential for maintaining accurate records and generating insightful reports. These features can be customized to reflect the unique financial processes and needs of the business.

6. Tax and Compliance Management: The software streamlines payroll processing, automating calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits. This ensures compliance with tax regulations and can be adjusted to meet the specific tax requirements of the business.

Setup Fees

• The basic Blue Skies Accounting® System for agriculture has a one-time setup cost of $4,175, which includes the General Ledger, Cost Accounting 2, Payroll, and free Check Reconciliation.
• Additional modules and features, such as Cost Accounting #2, Magnetic Media Reporting, Database Import/Export, and others, have separate setup fees, typically $695 each.
• If you require support for more users or client numbers, Secondary Use Licenses and additional client numbers are also $695 per increment.

Maintenance and Ongoing Charges

• There is no specific information about recurring maintenance charges for the core software. However, monthly bookkeeping and other ongoing services may have fees based on your business size and complexity. These are usually discussed during an initial consultation.
• Optional add-ons like GST filing or payroll services may incur additional recurring charges.

Support Charges

• Some support is included with the core package, but detailed ongoing support fees or service contracts are not explicitly listed.
• Blue Skies emphasizes transparent pricing and provides detailed cost outlines after consultation to avoid hidden fees.

Other Potential Costs

• Additional services such as catch-up bookkeeping, financial mentorship, tax filing, VAT compliance, and payroll may be available at extra cost, tailored to your specific needs.

Blue Skies Accounting offers several forms of training and support to new users to ensure they can effectively use the software and maximize its capabilities:

1. Training Documentation: The software provides training documentation which can be a valuable resource for new users to understand the software's features and functionalities.

2. Webinars: Blue Skies Accounting also offers webinars as a part of its training program. These webinars likely cover various aspects of the software, providing live, interactive learning opportunities.

3. Support Options: For ongoing support, Blue Skies Accounting provides assistance via phone and online. This ensures that users can reach out for help and receive guidance on using the software effectively.

Blue Skies Accounting software has implemented several security measures to protect data, as outlined in the provided sources:

1. Encryption: The software employs state-of-the-art encryption methods to protect data both at rest and in transit. This includes the use of AES-256 encryption for data stored in public cloud environments and TLS encryption for data transfers, ensuring secure communication between servers and user instances.

2. Access Controls and Authentication: Blue Skies Accounting follows the principle of least privilege, which means access to sensitive data and systems is granted only to authorized personnel who require it for their job responsibilities. The software enforces strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to maintain the integrity of access controls.

3. Network Security: The software includes robust network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and regular vulnerability assessments to protect against external threats. Continuous monitoring of the network for signs of malicious activity and advanced threat detection technologies are employed to proactively defend against emerging cyber threats.

4. Compliance and Certifications: Blue Skies Accounting is committed to following industry standards and best practices, including obtaining SOC 2 Type II certification, which showcases a commitment to maintaining a secure and dependable environment for client data.

5. Incident Response and Business Continuity: Comprehensive incident response plans are in place to identify, contain, and remediate security incidents quickly and effectively. Business continuity plans ensure that critical operations can be maintained and recover from disruptions with minimal downtime.

Blue Skies Accounting software requires constant updates to maintain its functionality and effectiveness. However, the specific frequency of these updates is not detailed in the provided sources. The management of these updates is also not explicitly outlined, but given the nature of software maintenance, it is likely managed internally by the software development team to ensure that all users have access to the latest features and security enhancements.

Data Ownership

• Clients retain full rights over their personal and financial data.
• Blue Skies Accounting allows clients to access and correct their information at any time.
• Client data is not shared with third parties without explicit consent, except where legally required or for essential service provision.
• Upon ending the service relationship, Blue Skies returns all digital source documents to the client within 10 months, provided the client can be contacted. Hard copy documents are either returned or securely destroyed if undeliverable.
• Digital information may be retained for up to 20 years after the end of the client relationship, mainly to meet regulatory requirements and support any potential inquiries from tax authorities.
• Clients can request their data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format (such as CSV files). Blue Skies can also transfer this data directly to another organization at the client’s request, when feasible.

Service Flexibility

• Blue Skies Accounting offers flexible service agreements with no hidden fees or set-up charges for adjusting the level of service.
• Services such as payroll, bookkeeping, and tax support can be increased or reduced to match changes in your organization’s size or complexity.
• If your business grows or contracts, you can add or remove modules, users, or features as needed.
• Any changes in the scope of service are discussed and agreed upon in advance, ensuring transparency and no unexpected costs.

Contract Renewal

• Service agreements are typically self-renewing, either annually or quarterly, based on the terms agreed with the client.
• After any minimum service period, the contract will automatically renew unless either party provides written notice to terminate, aligning with established charging periods (such as quarterly or annually).
• Charges may be varied by Blue Skies with at least 30 days’ written notice. If ongoing charges change, the new rates take effect at the start of the next service period unless the client gives notice of intent to terminate.

Cancellation Terms

• Either party can terminate the agreement after the minimum service period by giving at least 90 days’ written notice, timed to coincide with the service’s charging period.
• If a client cancels before services begin, they are responsible for all setup fees and for reimbursing Blue Skies for reasonable costs incurred up to the point of cancellation, including labor and materials.
• If either party materially breaches the agreement and fails to correct the breach within 30 days of written notice, the non-defaulting party may terminate the contract.
• Immediate termination is possible if either party becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy.
• Blue Skies may also terminate immediately if payment is not received according to the agreed terms, or if the client breaches the agreement.
• Upon termination, the client must immediately stop using the service. No refunds are provided except in cases where Blue Skies terminates under certain conditions or the client terminates due to breach.
• All outstanding payment obligations become immediately due upon termination.
• Blue Skies will make end user data and service usage data available for download within 30 days of termination. After this period, Blue Skies may delete the data and is not obligated to retain it.
• Both parties must return or destroy confidential information upon request after termination.

Blue Skies Accounting software meets several compliance standards that are crucial for financial management and accounting practices. Here are the compliance standards mentioned:

1. Tax Compliance: The software streamlines payroll processing, automating calculations, tax withholdings, and direct deposits. This feature ensures compliance with tax regulations, which is essential for businesses to adhere to local, state, and federal tax laws.

2. Financial Reporting Compliance: Blue Skies Accounting helps businesses maintain accurate records and generate insightful reports. This compliance with financial reporting standards is critical for businesses to ensure transparency and accuracy in their financial disclosures.

These compliance features are designed to help businesses manage their financial operations in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties and enhancing overall financial governance.