Caswell Beach builds financial strength through MAS program

The software conversion program involves the transition from a town’s current accounting software to Black Mountain Software (BMS), which has been specifically designed with small town governments in mind. Along with funding the conversion, the League pairs the town with an accounting mentor to walk them through the process, providing support and best practices for the town’s financial staff. This function of the program is what would ultimately prove most valuable for Caswell Beach. 

“Being able to pick up the phone and call [the League’s] Cindy Graham every single day … gave me an understanding of what I was doing and made sure it was right and was a best practice for the town,” McGowan said. “Personally, without the League to get me through it, I don’t know that I could have succeeded in the position.”  

“No matter whom I worked with there, all of them were not afraid to pick up the phone and ask for assistance,” Cindy Graham, NCLM Accounting Specialist, said. “It made me feel valued and that what the League has provided has value.” 

Several months after implementing the software, the town hired Katie Atkins as the full-time finance officer.  

“I helped to bridge the gap during these transitions and to keep them financially sound, keep them compliant,” Graham said. “Then Katie was hired, and she was very motivated, and everything just flowed from there.” 

Atkins came into the role with a background in accounting and with the added benefit of having worked with BMS in a previous position, aiding in the transition. Still, she shared how the training provided additional support as she settled into this new position. 

“It was exciting knowing that I had worked with software, but I have never had the resource of the League before,” Atkins said. “It has been an invaluable tool to have a mentor … It gave me a sense of confidence to know that I had that backing.” 

In addition to instilling confidence in town staff, Atkins also highlighted the assurance the software offers residents that their tax dollars are being used wisely. The software has streamlined the town’s financial processes, allowing staff to access reports easily and ensuring accuracy of the town’s accounts. 

“For residents, it's the confidence to know that their money is being used the way it should be, accurately and efficiently, in helping us continue to grow,” Atkins said. 

Through two years of participation in the MAS program, Caswell Beach has made significant strides in building a strong financial foundation, improving its audit procedures, and leveraging available resources to support long-term stability.  

“Caswell Beach was a huge success, especially in overcoming the obstacles involved with transitioning staff,” Graham said. “I’m proud of Katie. She handled all the finances, made wise financial decisions, and helped the town feel comfortable during the process. The main goal of this program is to help the finance staff become self-sufficient so that they can do these things on their own—and she accomplished that.” 

“Being a small community with limited funds, our resources are limited,” Atkins said. “Knowing that at any time of day I could call Cindy and jump on a call … I think that has brought Caswell Beach into better financial compliance … and I really do owe it to the program.”