Few questions regarding CUBS

[jeffnye]

Exactly what I needed to know, thank you.

[jeffnye]

In any case, thanks for following up and posting the next episode of your rather unusual story.

I realize this thread is rather old, but alas, these problems still plague us to this day. I was recently released as financial clerk and put in as ward clerk. The very first thing the Bishop told me was to do whatever it takes to get this financial fiasco straightened out. To that end, I have a question.

First, a little background to fill in what has transpired over the last year. Our general AMFA account has swung from positive 5 digits to negative 5 digits multiple times without us doing anything. We (possibly) figured that problem out and fixed it. Then all of our AMFA subcategories, our ward mission fund, YM budget, YW budget and a couple of others duplicated themselves. About half had a positive balance and the other half had a negative balance (but they didn't zero each other out). Next, anytime we tried to do anything with finances it asked us which type of currency we wanted to use and gave the options of "Ward Name (US)" or "Ward Name (US)." Depending on which one we chose we would see different numbers as if we had two totally separate budgets (each complete with duplicate categories). CHQ finally fixed that problem and we no longer get asked what kind of currency we want to use, but we still have all the duplicate categories. If we go to the categories option it doesn't show the duplicates and won't let me deactivate most of the categories because it says they have a negative balance. I am also not allowed to delete categories that haven't been used in over a year and have a balance of $0 because "that category is in use." We have multiple checks that show up as having been written for $0 on our system, but the check cleared and CHQ says it shows up with the proper amount on their system. Our balance forward from 2011 on some MLS screens is some crazy high number and on other screens is a much more modest number.

Anyway, I explain all of that so I can ask you this: I was reading the MLS installation page and noticed that

occasionally an installation of MLS has so many problems that it is necessary to completely remove the current installation and do a new clean installation.

If we did a clean installation of MLS can we refresh our information just using what they have at CHQ? Every time we have called CHQ they say they see totally different numbers, categories, etc. then what we see. We have been calling them at least once every other week for the past six to eight months or so and we don't seem to be getting anywhere in solving anything. This is, obviously, frustrating for the Bishop because he hasn't known how much money we have actually had for over a year.

So, does a clean install sound like a viable option here? If not, is there a nuke finances button I am missing ?

[russellhltn]

If we did a clean installation of MLS can we refresh our information just using what they have at CHQ?

Good question. Keep in mind that MLS is more then just finances. It also includes memberships. So if you go that route, you may find you'll lose things on the membership side. I'm not sure what you may lose, but I'm guessing it would include HT/VT. Not just companionships, but the visit history.

I think it might be better to approach CHQ and ask them to do the nuke since I think they have more control about what can changed.

[aebrown]

So, does a clean install sound like a viable option here? If not, is there a nuke finances button I am missing ?

Local Unit Support can analyze the financial side of your MLS database and send you what is called a Setup File. When that is processed, your financial records will match the records at CHQ. You may have to do some transfers between subcategories to get the opening balances correct, but your overall balances in each of the major categories will be correct.

Another option if your database problems are even more severe is for LUS to grab a copy of your database on a transmission, have a developer fix it, and then send it back to you. If you need to go that route (and I have done this), it's good to start early in the week so that the whole process can be done before the next Sunday arrives.

[johnshaw]

I will second aebrown on this resolution. I have had at least 2 wards and our stake finances have similar issues. Ward Missionary Accounts, Other, and Budget accounts all with duplicates and offsetting values. It took a call to CHQ, they took a backup of the MLS in a send/receive window, and verified they were seeing what I was seeing. It is ALWAYS going to be an escalation from the helpdesk (if they try and tell you something other than that, insist they check again, I've had to patiently work through a couple of front-line people, letting them know this wasn't my first rodeo). But usually is completed in less than a week. I agree that going in on Monday if you can to work with MLS support should get you fixed by Sunday.

It also helps to get your Stake Clerk involved, the church, in fact, just sent a notice basically saying that clerks should contact the stake clerk, then the stake clerk contacts MLS.

This forum is great for being able to get quick results and answers from the community at the ward level, when you need to get SLC involved, the Stake Clerks should at least know or be informed of what is going on.

[wrigjef]

In addition to what has been said here, I would certainly involve your stake financial clerk and possibly your stake technology specialist. The helpdesk at the church gives priority to stake clerks so when I have called on behalf of one our the wards in our stake, I have always gotten right through and gotten a helpful response.

[jeffnye]

Local Unit Support can analyze the financial side of your MLS database and send you what is called a Setup File. When that is processed, your financial records will match the records at CHQ.

Took your advice and, just as you said, CHQ sent a setup file. Well, I think they did. I was told it would be ready Thursday evening so I went in today and did a send/receive and it gave some messages about updating membership and then updating finance. I was also told to call them today so I did that as well. The budget numbers were changed, but they still weren't matching up to what CHQ had in their system. He said he would dig into it and call me when he figured it out.

In addition to what has been said here, I would certainly involve your stake financial clerk and possibly your stake technology specialist. The helpdesk at the church gives priority to stake clerks so when I have called on behalf of one our the wards in our stake, I have always gotten right through and gotten a helpful response.

We notified our Stake Clerk a year ago when this all started. After the first few weeks (months?) it just made more sense for us to work directly with CHQ and cut out the "middle man." We have just been calling CHQ directly since that time--with the Stake Clerk's blessing.