RBP Methods and Sage 100 Fund Accounting Provide a
Solid Foundation for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
SUCCESS STORY
The Challenge
The Jamestown S’Klallam
Tribe had been operating
on a DOS-based system
that had been put into a
Windows environment.
This led to instability,
frequent crashes and data
corruption.
The Solution
RBP Methods implements
Sage 100 Fund
Accounting which provides
the Jamestown S’Klallam
Tribe with a stable
accounting system
capable of meeting their
unique processing
requirements.
The Result
The Jamestown S’Klallam
Tribe is now running on a
stable system that provides
them with the capabilities to
handle grants and contracts
with ease, in addition to
managing their medical
clinic.
The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (meaning
‘Strong People’) have lived and
prospered on the lands now known as the
Olympic Peninsula in the State of
Washington for ten thousand
years. Since gaining Federal recognition
in 1981, the Tribe has implemented a
number of programs, services, and
activities for its more than 600 Tribal
citizens. These include administrative,
natural resources and health
departments; social and community
services; and a medical and a dental
clinic that serve both Tribal and nonTribal citizens. Additionally, they operate
several corporations including an
Economic Development Authority that
oversees start up businesses and a
construction company, resort property
which houses Seven Cedars Casino,
Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course, and
Longhouse Market and Deli.
An Accounting System Threatens to
Come Crashing Down
When the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
hired Diane Gange as their CFO in 2000,
she quickly realized that they were in dire
need of a new fund accounting system.
The one they had been operating on was
a DOS-based system that had been put
into a Windows environment without
making the necessary technical
adjustments. This led to some very
severe challenges. Diane remembers, “It
was terrible. From instability and frequent
crashes to data corruption, we felt as
though we were in a house built on stilts
– and that it could all come crashing
down at any moment.” The Jamestown
S’Klallam Tribe needed a stable system
that they could rely on to grow with them
into the future...not to mention one that
would provide improved efficiency and
flexible reporting capabilities.
Seeking A Solution that Would
Stand the Test of Time
Having formerly worked for a firm that
audited Tribes, Diane knew of several
solution providers in the area and asked
them to come in and discuss their
options. She explains, “We needed the
right technology partner capable of
assisting us through the implementation
process and training us on how to
maintain it on our own going forward.”
After meeting with different providers,
they made their choice. “RBP Methods
really stood out to me as a partner who
not only had the kind of knowledge and
expertise we were looking for, but as
someone who could make a transition
easier on our staff,” recalls Diane. “They
understand both computer technology as
well as the debit/credit side of how a
Tribal Government operates. They also
have a unique ability to make application
change a fun experience – RBP Methods
was an easy choice. My gut just told me
they were the right partner.”
Having decided to implement Sage 100
Fund Accounting (formerly MIP), the
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe sat down with
RBP Methods to make a plan. Diane
remembers the conversation fondly, “I
RBP Methods | PO Box 6555 | Beaverton, OR 97007-0555
Phone: 503.648.9051 | Fax: 503.214.6232 | [email protected] | www.rbpmethods.com
“RBP Methods understands both the accounting side and technology side, and can talk through
our needs and configure the optimum solution. The best part is they are great teachers and have
an outstanding sense of humor – and really make it all fun! Everybody has a great time when RBP
is around. Top that off with their impeccable integrity and you’ve got the best technology partner
you could ever want”
Organization Profile
Type
Tribal Government
Headquarters
Sequim, Washington
Headquarters
165 Employees
System Profile
Sage 100 Fund
Accounting
10 User License
General Ledger
Accounts Payable
Reconciliation
Data Import / Export
Executive View
had told RBP that I wanted the transition to
be as painless as possible. When we started
to discuss our scheduling options they said
that they wanted to do the implementation
on October 1st. I reminded them that
wouldn’t work because of our fiscal year-end
was on September 30th...and as anyone
knows, year-end can be a little hectic all on
its own without a major software changeover
happening at the same time! But the RBP
team assured me that they knew it was our
year-end, but that it would be the best
thing...they asked me to trust them and I’m
so glad did. RBP came in the first Monday of
the fiscal new year, and we were live and
running checks by Thursday. It was truly
AMAZING!” Kent Arnold, President of RBP
Methods adds, “The implementation went
swimmingly! The Tribe had their data ready,
and after a preliminary visit and conversion
we were able to go in, install the software,
bring the data over and get them trained.”
A New System Brings Strength and
Confident Future
The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is now
running on a stable system that provides
everything they need to manage their
organization. Sage 100 Fund Accounting
has the specific capabilities necessary to
fulfill their unique Tribal requirements. From
handling grants and contracts with ease to
allowing for management of the Tribe’s
medical clinic, Jamestown S’Klallam couldn’t
be happier. “I think the system was even
easier to use than we thought it would be,”
exclaims Diane. “Combine that with RBP
Methods’ knowledge regarding the system
and expertise in accounting to make sure
everything works the way we need it to, we
would definitely say this was a successful
conversion. Though we have been using
Sage 100 Fund Accounting for some time
now, everything continues to work just the
way we need it to.” Kent adds, “It is always
one of RBP Methods’ goals to equip our
clients to succeed without having to rely on
us. We take pride in setting things up right
the first time, and providing the kind of
enjoyable training that will help each staff
member utilize the tools to their advantage.
Of course, we’re always here should they
need assistance – but we really like it when
we have to call them to touch base.”
“We would absolutely recommend RBP
Methods to anyone looking for help with their
fund accounting software,” concludes Diane.
“What I appreciate most about RBP is their
knowledge and ability to impart information
to our team. They understand both the
accounting side and technology side, and
can talk through our needs and configure the
optimum solution. The best part is they are
great teachers and have an outstanding
sense of humor – and really make it all fun!
Everybody has a great time when RBP is
around. Top that off with their impeccable
integrity and you’ve got the best technology
partner you could ever want.”
In the near future, the Jamestown S’Klallam
Tribe plans to implement a Purchase Order
and Grants Management Systems that
integrate with Sage 100 to help them take
their efficiency to an even higher level.
RBP Methods is a consulting company helping nonprofit and governmental agencies sort through
complex technical decisions by providing quality services and products either directly or through
our wide network of associated firms. We offer a variety of services for organizations facing
technology changes.
© Copyright RBP Methods. All rights reserved. The capabilities, system requirements, and/or compatibility with third-party
products described herein are subject to change without notice. The Sage product names mentioned herein are registered
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respective owners.
RBP Methods | PO Box 6555 | Beaverton, OR 97007-0555
Phone: 503.648.9051 | Fax: 503.214.6232 | [email protected] | www.rbpmethods.com