# Page 2 | Denali Business Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Page 2 - Is Denali Business the right Accounting solution for you? Explore 61 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/20020/Denali-Accounting-Software/reviews

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Denali Business

3.9 (61)

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Page 2 - Reviews of Denali Business

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 26-50 of 61 Reviews

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Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

aS

autumn S.  
office admin  
Retail  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "software"

October 12, 2018

1.0

its slow at times and gets very expensive

Pros

the customer service is very friendly and helpful

Cons

its complicating at times and is very slow

Review Source

Response from Cougar Mountain Software

October 17, 2018

Autumn, We would love the opportunity to talk with you about the specific issues that you're seeing. One of our core values is "unparalleled customer success", and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience using our Denali software is second to none. Is there a specific issue that I can address that would improve your experience with Denali?

AH

Annette H.  
  
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing  
Used the software for:

### "DENALI is a disappointing followup to CMS"

July 18, 2014

2.0

Pros

I've been with Cougar since 1990 and have always felt their product gives way more value and flexibility than any other out there on the market. They had a good product in CMS ACT. They also have US-based customer service.

Cons

DENALI is not ready for roll out. It seems like Cougar forgot all the lessons they learned through their DOS and CMS products. The reports are terrible and less informative than those in CMS. I'm having to do manual calculations to determine taxable wages. They don't include sick time, vacation time, or PTO in their history reports, and frankly I haven't figured out where I can get an accurate reporting of total gross wages or taxable wages. Their sort fields work only intermittently (page break on employee = page break on every check!). Denali feels like it was cobbled together and rolled out before it had even measured up to the standards of ACT; it's definitely not an "upgrade"! I'm so disappointed in Denali that I am considering evaluating other software moving forward, as Denali is not meeting my needs or providing the data I need for our reconciliation and internal accounting processes. In all fairness, I haven't updated to Denali 4.1 SP1 yet, and some of these issues may have been resolved.

Review Source

JG

John G.  
IT Manager  
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Non-Profit, Multi country, Multi currency, multi user installtions"

August 18, 2016

2.0

Pros

Multi user and multi currency. the customer support is great. they do quickly respond to us. they have great remote desktop software to control your machine and quickly help with problems.

Cons

poor code requiring constant updates/fixes.., which most time is Full 3gb .iso install. since we are spread across the globe most of these I have to get very large iso across very slow, high latency, frequent dropped VSAT connections. frequent code generated end of year imbalances which requires yet another upgrade... hardcoded SA access for database queries.. published SA password so one code easily hack any competitors databases. until the last round of Installations very careful, undocumented tricks for installation.

Review Source

SALB

Shah Abdul Latif B.  
Software Engineer  
Computer Software  
Used the software for:

### "Very good solution if you can afford it."

February 2, 2018

3.0

Cougar Mountain Denali is a user-friendly system that offers a wide variety of modules and options. While a little generic in terms of capabilities it should meet the needs of many Small/Medium businesses that don't require advanced capabilities.

Pros

Available as a one time purchase or per-month payments. Can be directly purchased. Easy navigation. Two of the three bundles include Crystal Reports.

Cons

Has an overall high cost. Crystal Reports costs extra, even for the basic bundle. Data entry options and Report filters are not particularly intuitive. Not much graphic illustrations within most modules.

Review Source

CB

Cheri B.  
Office Manager  
  
Used the software for:

### "I would never reccommend Cougar Mountain "

November 23, 2015

1.0

I am very unhappy with Cougar Mtn. and the software...things do not balance and know one can tell us why. They have messed up our Customer notes and can not fix so now we really have a mess. When I ask a question, I am told they can not answer that and they don't know why the reports look the way they do??? One report won't even print out with the correct customer address and days have been spent trying to fix it and it wasn't fixed....customer order sheets have the incorrect address or no address

Review Source

Response from Cougar Mountain Software

April 29, 2016

Thank you for your feedback. We are certainly sorry that you have experienced these issues. Our records indicate that we have, on numerous occasions, attempted to recreate the issues you have noted. Thus far we have not been able to successfully identify an issue. We¿ve even used your data but still have not been able to reproduce the errors. We, unfortunately, see a pattern of customer problems related to the use of our heritage software (CMS Pro) and the new versions of the Windows operating system. When other customers have experienced these types of issues, we have seen that the upgrade to our newest version of accounting software, Denali, and successful data conversation, has eliminated many of the issues you have described. We encourage you to investigate upgrading from our older technology to the latest version of Denali accounting software.

BB

Bob B.  
Solution Consultant  
Accounting  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Great for small to mid-size buisenes"

March 11, 2018

4.0

Pros

Modular based product that allows businesses to choose from the suite not forcing businesses to purchase modules that are not needed. The modular base allowed us to purchased what we needed when we were ready.

Cons

The interface is a bit out dated and could use some revamping. The functionality is great just could used an update to the UI.

Review Source

AF

Anna F.  
Owner  
Logistics and Supply Chain  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Denali is a great product"

November 23, 2015

4.5

Pros

Security (audit trails), customization abilities, training videos, knowledgeable and timely answers to questions/problems.

Cons

Time zones. They are in MST and we're in EST. Even though they do have CSR available by 9 am our time to solve most of our problems, they are not usually fully staffed until later in the morning.

Review Source

AH

Annette H.  
Controller  
  
Used the software for:

### "CMS DENALI - Not Road Worthy"

November 26, 2014

2.0

I've used Cougar Mountain Software for about 25 years. Their ACT version was an excellent product. I had to convert to DENALI due to an OS upgrade. I have never been so disappointed in a Cougar Mountain product. Their reports are not nearly as robust as their ACT reports, their Payroll doesn't even provide the information you need to reconcile each month, let alone each year. I've had errors where unbalanced transactions post. Now, the general ledger and AP reports don't reconcile == and I have so little confidence in this software's reporting accuracy, I don't know where to even begin looking for a difference -- could be anywhere!! This review is for the 4.1.1 version. I am told the new version corrects some of the defects -- but they have miles and miles and miles and miles to go to catch up to their ACT version. At least their technical support people are pleasant. I've spent so much time on the phone with them, I'm wondering if we're related.

Review Source

KF

Kelly F.  
  
  
Used the software for:

### "easy customization"

April 18, 2017

4.0

The integration of all of the packages and the easy customization to your needs. I like that you can get as much detail or as little detail as you require on your reports. The financial statements, trial balances, and audit trails work to assist you in finding any posting errors. Security (audit trails), customization abilities, training videos, knowledgeable and timely answers to questions/problems. I like the integration of the modules (ie.e purchase order, to inventory, to accounts payable, to general ledger). This speeds up all data entry. We really like being able to archive reports rather than printing reams. Overall, this software is great!

Pros

I like the inventory control the best. I also like the fact that Cougar Mountain has regular updates and that they are always striving to improve their product.

Cons

I'd like to be able to better customize what and how a screen looks and acts.

Review Source

KR

Kathy R.  
Office Manager  
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "I have used Cougar Mountain Denali for 3 years. "

June 14, 2016

5.0

Pros

This product is very easy to use. It is user friendly. The support team is excellent. I receive return calls the same day.

Cons

Wish I had more options on the reports. The programing you can do yourself for custom reports hasn't been easy.

Review Source

JJ

Josh J.  
Operations Manager  
Civic & Social Organization  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Excellent Payroll System For Our Non Profit!"

September 26, 2018

5.0

Pros

We were really excited to get started with growing our non profit but quickly became weary of the accounting requirements when paying individuals. It's been an amazing growth step in our organization.

Cons

It took some time to transition into this platform from our regular payroll system. However, with their support this was a quick and easy transition.

Review Source

CB

Cindy B.  
President  
  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Phenomenal"

November 7, 2018

5.0

Pros

I love that the product is so functional. There are so many ways to use the system to meet the very specific needs of our company. The customer service is beyond awesome. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable, they are eager to help learn the product and use it to its full capabilities for your application. I could not recommend them more highly!

Cons

There is literally nothing I don't LOVE about Denali and Cougar Mountain Software. They have exceeded my hopes and expectations in all ways.

Review Source

BF

Bonnie F.  
Vice President  
  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Interstate Battery of Sioux City - Bonnie"

July 18, 2016

5.0

Pros

We have been using CMS since at least since 1987 and have had no problems, easy to work with

Cons

Support is awesome but we don't have to call very often at all, the whole group is great to work with

Review Source

JN

Jean N.  
Accountant  
  
Used the software for:

### "Long-term Customer"

April 21, 2016

5.0

I began using the software from Cougar Mountain in the early 1990's. I had previously used software from two other companies with the first being too skimpy on reports and the second developed a major glitch. The initial set-up of the information was easy, and once the system was up and running, I was thrilled with the results and the detailed reports. I have used and upgraded the software various times, and to this day I'm still extremely happy and quite content with Cougar Mountain. Due to the detailed reports which it is able to produce, we have been able to substantially keep our CPA fees to a minimum. We also use corresponding checks from Cougar Mountain for our Accounts Payable and Payroll transactions due to the ease of ordering, consistency, and fast shipping.

Review Source

JD

James D.  
Director  
Philanthropy  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "The Importance of Audit Trails"

April 14, 2017

5.0

It's a real nightmare when you get audited. It's even worse when the accounting software you paid good money for doesn't facilitate the aforementioned audit. Now, with Cougar Mountain accounting software, we don't have to worry about a thing. Running a non-profit is challenging enough and keeping up with the accounting doesn't make it any less challenging. We weren't taking any chances this time around so we went with CM's Denali Business Summit edition.

Pros

The ability to control access at almost any level. I can easily restrict access to certain employees.

Cons

I feel like some of the add-ons should come with the highest level package.

Review Source

TS

Thomas S.  
Owner  
Mining & Metals  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Antique or Old - Not Innovative or Disruptive "

November 17, 2016

2.0

I used cougar Mountain software, Denali For about a week when I realize the software was old, antiquated, and lackluster. In today's business world I need a software that as agile and innovative so I can be disruptive in making excellent business decisions. While the product might be cheap you get what you pay for.

Pros

I thought I liked price, think again

Cons

Antiquated, old, lackluster simply not good compared to what's in the market today.

Review Source

CM

Christine M.  
Controller  
Logistics and Supply Chain  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "I've had a pretty great experience so far with Denali, "

May 9, 2017

4.0

Pros

The system is user friendly and pretty easy to navigate. I like that I can add modules at anytime. The customer service is fantastic!

Cons

I would like to be able to customize my own reports. But it may be that I'm not familiar enough yet with the reporting to realize there is a report out there that is what I'm looking for. I'm still new finding my way around.

Review Source

HA

Humbert A.  
Administrator  
  
Used the software for:

### "Admin"

July 22, 2009

2.0

We run a distribution company with about 8-10 routes, and I'm seriously looking into QB Premier. The one thing I know that cougar has better than QB's is their customer specific pricing. But we are looking to go with handhelds on our routes and the software that will communicate with the handhelds and Qb's will handle customer specific pricing.

Pros

Not Sure of anything significant

Cons

Not intuitive at all. Very expensive for support, and you will need support.

Review Source

LS

Lezah S.  
Business Manager  
  
Used the software for:

### "Accurate, easy to use."

April 4, 2016

5.0

I used Cougar Mountain software for 15 years, changed briefly to a software that catered to our State reporting. I switched back to Cougar Mountain and I feel like I have a product I can rely on. LOVE-IT.

Review Source

mD

mark D.  
managing member  
  
Used the software for:

### "Generally good integrated package"

January 14, 2016

4.0

Good integrated product. Generally difficult to get a tech support person right away or during non-peak business hours. POS falls short with marketing tools to support retention / repeat business.

Review Source

CO

Clement O.  
Controller  
Civic & Social Organization  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Cougar Mountain Review"

January 19, 2017

2.0

The product was fairly easy to use. However, it did not meet our expectations nor was it easy to use. We would ask customer support for help but could never get the issues rectified.

Review Source

MHM

MEHEDUL HASAN M.  
CEO & Founder  
Food & Beverages  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Another Best "

April 6, 2018

5.0

For a combination of software, customer support, and account executive representation. Highly Recommended

Pros

Best customer service no doubt hare. Easy to work with CMS and Manages inventory access at any level.

Cons

Few add-ons cost extra money and the payroll has bugs. Can’t able to look back at transactions and it complex for the beginner

Review Source

RO

Regina O.  
Finance Manager  
  
Used the software for:

### "Used in a small non-profit, GL for about 4 years and Payroll for over 10 years"

December 23, 2015

4.0

The software is easy to learn and use. We don't use all of the available features but the ones we use work well. The reporting is substantial and easy to access and customize. We have always received very helpful and knowledgeable support when needed. The only "con" I would mention is that the "Help" screens within the software are sometimes a little hard to follow.

Review Source

DS

Dan S.  
  
Retail  
Used the software for:

### "Very Satisfied "

December 4, 2014

4.5

Pros

I like the integration of the modules (ie.e purchase order, to inventory, to accounts payable, to general ledger). This speeds up all data entry. We really like being able to archive reports rather than printing reams.

Cons

I would like for the updates to be easier to install.

Review Source

KT

Kim T.  
Township Clerk  
  
Used the software for:

### "Super user-friendly and great support staff"

March 8, 2016

5.0

Very cost-effective yet plenty of features. Compares well to BS&A and other larger fund accounting systems and much better than QuickBooks. Customer support always top-notch. Highly recommend it for smaller municipalities who want all the features of a sophisticated fund accounting system at a reasonable cost.

Review Source

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