Introducing The Fundamentals Series For Financial Edge NXT!

Mary Aquino

I have a friend who tends to tell me stories starting in the middle. She assumes I know the backstory—I frequently do not. It’s my fault I don’t stop her and say, “I don’t know where this story started,” but since I haven’t ever asked her to start from the beginning, I probably won’t start doing so now.


You may feel that way with Financial Edge NXT. You may feel as if you’ve been using it for a few months (some of you a few years) but truly haven’t learned about how the basic underlying principles connect to each other and provide dynamic and accurate financial reports. Not having ground-level knowledge of how a software system “thinks” can cause confusing results when managing data analysis.


Enter Blackbaud University’s new Fundamentals series for Financial Edge NXT. The Fundamentals series is made up of two virtual instructor-led courses that will give you a solid understanding of how Financial Edge NXT is set up. Whether you are inheriting a system built several years ago in database view or implementing new, you can understand the backstory and get a full picture of how account segments, projects, transaction codes, and fiscal years come together to build a flexible system designed exclusively for nonprofit organizations such as yours.

Financial Edge NXT: Fundamentals — Overview
Objectives

• Describe how Financial Edge NXT manages organizational fund accounting needs
• Describe the components of the account string
• Describe how to use transaction characteristics to track entities not included in the account structure
• Manage fiscal periods and fiscal years

Financial Edge NXT: Fundamentals —  Data Analysis and SKY Reporting
Objectives

• Run basic reports
• Describe report distribution options
• Create standard SKY Reporting dashboards
• Locate record and reporting lists
• Manage lists for expedited record access

These two classes premiere in November, and are open for registration now!


You may have questions, so let me add a few brief FAQs here:

Q: If I’ve already been trained on Financial Edge (or Financial Edge NXT) will I need to attend these classes as a prerequisite for additional classes in the future?
A: If you’ve already completed the Fundamentals series of courses for database view, or passed the Fundamentals Exam for Financial Edge, you will not need to attend these classes although you are welcome to sign up so you can glean tips and tricks from the rock-star Blackbaud University instructors and your Financial Edge NXT peers.
Q: How do I know what classes to take if I am only using Financial Edge NXT?
A: It’s a good idea to bookmark the Blackbaud University Financial Edge NXT curriculum datasheet. It is always up-to-date with the trainings offered for Financial Edge NXT (including Nonprofit Workshop offerings).
Q: Are the new Fundamentals classes eligible for CPE credits?
A: Yes! All Blackbaud University Financial Edge classes are eligible for CPE credit. For more information on Blackbaud University and NASBA certification, check out our CPE Credits page.
Q: Will there be any other new classes for Financial Edge NXT?
A: Yes! The Financial Edge NXT curriculum is being enhanced and updated! Look for refreshed technology classes and new outcome-based classes coming in 2018. Bookmark the curriculum datasheet in your web browser. New courses will always appear on the datasheet with direct links to Blackbaud Training Central.


Don’t forget that eLearning is a great way to refresh your memory on topics too! We have a full complement of self-paced online eLearning sessions covering the topics you need to know.

So, get the story from the beginning, don’t be like my friend and jump in halfway. Blackbaud University can help give you the right start as you build your Financial Edge NXT story