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                    TO:    Interested  Ministries                                                                                                   FROM:  Jim Bramer, Retired Auditor-CPA 
                                                                                                                                                                         FILE: 0199-03/hlp   

                     RE:   Coaching by Jim Bramer                                                                                             Revised:  April 2008

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From Onliner Mark:
        As a result of an Internet search, I have read within your  Ministry Finance Team Helps  and  Spending Controls Helps websites about the use of QuickBooks (QBs) software to do our unique Ministry bookkeeping or accounting.  I also find the  Brads Nest of Bees  website content of interest. 
        It seems that the proper use of QBs software can best meet our needs.  Can you provide us with some help? 

From  Jim@bcidot.org  :
    Thank you for contacting us about this, Mark. I eagerly anticipate assisting you and your Ministry along any lines, not just your use of QBs at your Ministry.
     I have viewed your web site so I have some idea of what you are all about. As to QBs, its proper can be a terrific blessing to your Ministry as you carry out these important and special financial responsibilities as discussed within the link contents of  0041  and   0606      When you  Click Here  you will see some more other resources as listed below.

From Mark:
        Right -- I need to know more specifics of just how you can help us plus what time and fees are involved.

From  Jim :
    Good.   May I say first that we need to get appropriately acquainted and do some interacting by both Email and phone calls.  You need to be satisfied that I appreciate what you and your Ministry leaders  want to do as I thoroughly grasp what you want QBs to accomplish for you. 

From Mark:
        Very good  ------ let me first, Jim, study your website material that you reference above, and then call you at the agreed time after I have had some more discussions with my fellow leaders here.  I understand that when I call you at "1-559-298-5507" there at your home in Fresno, CA  I likely will get your answering device which you usually leave on to filter calls even when you are there.  I am to let it run its course and then ID myself and, if you are there, you will pick it up, etc. I understand evening or weekend calls are OK.
         Again, what about your fees?

From Jim:
        Please digest the content of   0100   for some answers on this topic, Mark.   Basically I charge no fees for such an assignment.  However,  if it is necessary for you to regularly view my desktop, or we need to exchange files, then there is a one-time charge of $50.00 to offset some of my related out of pocket costs.

From Mark:
         I understand now about the $50.00 expense reimbursement and that you charge no fees.  It is our decision if any fees are paid to Jim Bramer, etc. 
         Let's suppose that we hit it off and it is decided that we are to use QBs and you will help us in this effort.  Tell me some more about how you would go about doing this, Jim.  

From Jim: (1)
        There are at least the following fundamental issues that we must address together:

     A>   That as of the first of the calendar year you WILL NOT use QBs for Donations Accounting;  Click Here for discussed perspective etc.
     B>   Since your  General Fund  has been operating at a deficit,  we WILL discuss the use the "Spending Control" system outlined when you   Click Here
     C>   Together we  WILL adjust your approved annual  General Fund  Budget within context of any decision about the foregoing method.
     D>   In light of Fund Accounting basics  we together we  WILL change your "Chart of Accounts" infrastructure, etc  -  Click Here for details.
     E>   Together we  WILL conclude how to handle your calendar year Payroll (especially Clergy)  within context of the QBs options, etc.
     F>   Within context,  as spelled out when you  Click Here,  you hopefully  WILL  change your fiscal year as soon as possible
     G>  Together we WILL set up your BIG PIX report --  see sample when you   Click Here 

From Mark:
         Very good --- we need to conclude these issues .....  where do we go from there?

From Jim:        

        I will walk you through the activation steps that are described in detail when you  Click Here.   In many ways I would hope that your Leaders would adopt me as a temporary associate of your Ministry Finance Team.  During all of this I will no doubt arrange for you to view the contents of my desktop so we can together view QBs samples as we conclude together just how to use QBs that best meets your needs. 
        After you have established your overall system. there is value in my viewing your desktop that contains your QBs system and its results on a regular basis as I "Look Over Your Shoulder" for a few months.  After that I will be available to respond to future questions that usually begin with:  "How do I handle so and so within QBs?".  

From Mark:
         OK, Jim !  Well it looks like we have our work cut out for us.   I no doubt will have other questions.  I will be in touch ASAP.

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                      Ministry Finance Team Links  (3)

0130-06 -- Remotely "Looking over the Shoulder" via our desktop
0100-06 -- Shareware or billing information
0041-01 -- Ministry fund accounting basics --
0601-06 -- Use of QBs re fund accounting  
0079-20 -- Do it yourself via a "Hands on" process
5591-02 -- Dialog with a New Church Treasurer 
0021-02 -- Non QBs donation processing issues
0098-09 -- Onliner contacts information
Goals     --  Seven things to consider
Tasks     --  More "who does what" Information
ATF         -- After the Fact (ATF) Internet Friendly system

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      This publication was originated in January 2006 and it was  UPTD: May 04, 2008 

HOME  |  ABOUT  US   |    OUR PURPOSE   |   SITEMAP   |  COMPUTER FUND ACCTG  |  HELPS INFO  |  GLOSSARY

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        (1) An Online Document, or WRIT (Writing), may be applicable to all Ministries, or it may be designed for just groups like: Evangelical Church, School, Missionary Agency or Organization, Christian Camp / Conference, or other named group.
        (2) WRIT formats include the perspective of  Jim@bcidot.org via IOMs (Inter-Office Memos) to the Ministry Finance Team (MFTeam); THRDs, or a hypothetical Online conversation (thread) with members of a MFTeam; FWIW; A periodic editorial (For What it is Worth); TRUISM, or believed Ministry Finance principles; or via a FAQ, or a response to Frequently Asked Questions.   

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