On January 28, 2018, a team of four SunPlus system experts, from the Inter American Division (IAD) and the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA), arrived on St. Croix. Headed by Brother Donald Modeste, the team upgraded the North Caribbean Conference (NCC) Treasury’s accounting software, SunPlus, and provided training for staff.
The SunPlus accounting software is a commercially-produced package which is parameterized to meet the SDA Church’s unique not-for-profit requirements. It helps the Church to deliver convenient service and financial security across the organization. Church leaders have targeted 2019 as the year for full system-compliance by conferences, missions and institutions around the world.
Brother Modeste, who is the SunPlus Consultant for the English, French and Dutch Caribbean territories of the IAD, emphasized the importance of securing the Church’s financial activities: “The money given by the members will be protected through this system. Because of that, we do not only have to upgrade the system but we need to give the leaders information on how to use the system properly.” According to Sister Sanida McKenzie, the NCC Treasurer, “The training was much needed in order to take the Conference to the next level since it was designed as a tool to use with the new accounting manual to manage church funds.”
Another team member, Sister Aileen Stoute, the Accountant/ SunPlus Liaison for CARU, echoed similar sentiments: “We have to make sure the donor will be comfortable where the donated amount will go. We are doing it all around the World Church. We seek standardization in practice. If someone should leave NCC and travel to another Conference, they should be able to effectively carry on work-related activities. With three entities in the Caribbean Union to get on board, we are well on our way to full compliance.”
With vital input from team members, Brother Colin Ross and Brother Triston Samuel, the group worked tirelessly to update and transfer data. The NCC Treasury personnel spent three days testing the system upgrades and anticipates improved efficiency and accuracy, once it is fully deployed. Brother Modeste elaborated on the FUND accounting module which, when properly configured, is able to apply policy appropriations automatically. Regional experts agree that, in time, administrators will realize the value of the investment and training and the visiting team concurred.