Foundation Software Brings Accounting Software Expertise to University of North Florida Construction Management Program
Curriculum explores how software technology can automate and streamline financial reporting activities for construction businesses.

August 7, 2006. Cleveland - Foundation Software, a national developer of construction accounting systems, has teamed with the University of North Florida (UNF) to enhance the construction computing curriculum of UNF's Building Construction Management program, which is offered through the College of Computing , Engineering and Construction. The three-session course, to be held the week of October 23, focuses on introducing students to construction accounting technology with a special emphasis on how technology can be used to streamline all necessary accounting and financial reporting activities for construction businesses.

Fred Ode, CEO/Chairman of Foundation Software, created the curriculum and will teach the sessions. A former educator, Mr. Ode has over thirty years experience working within the construction accounting software industry, is a widely published author and has presented at various construction industry conferences.

The course will cover the importance of solid job cost reporting and provide a step-by-step look at how an integrated accounting system can help contractors automate and streamline their daily accounting, financial management, and reporting activities. A demonstration of routine daily accounting activities - from setting up a new job, processing payroll, tracking equipment, entering accounts payable, and more-will highlight how technology can not only increase efficiency, but improve profitability for contractors.

"As a construction software developer for many years, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of how contractors work," Ode said, "and I have seen first-hand how technology can offer real solutions to construction challenges. "My hope is that students will learn the capabilities of current construction accounting software and remain open to new technology solutions throughout their careers."

David Dubbelde, Ph.D, Assistant Professor for UNF's Department of Building Construction, is enthusiastic about the value that visiting technology professionals will add to their growing construction management program at University of North Florida. "As future construction project managers, students need to be aware of software programs that have application to both general and specific tasks related to the successful completion of projects," Dubbelde said.

Furthermore, Dubbelde stated, "Because technology is constantly changing, it is crucial to the students' education that they are introduced to cutting-edge systems. Thus, when they graduate they bring to industry current knowledge about these systems which can be a plus, particularly for those companies whose technical expertise has languished."

Foundation Software has assisted other colleges, including Michigan State University and Ohio University , with coursework that focuses on job cost accounting technology for construction. "I am pleased to see that more schools today are emphasizing technology in their curriculum," Ode said. "Equally important is that students are learning how to manage both the field and the financial sides of construction."

About the Presenter: Fred Ode is founder and Chairman/CEO of Foundation Software, Inc. He started the company in 1985 after spending several years developing customized software systems for the construction market. Ode has managed the growth and development of Foundation - from a start-up company to a leading supplier of construction accounting software. The company today serves thousands of clients from a wide variety of construction trades.

Ode is a well-known author and speaker on various topics related to construction, accounting and technology. He is a contributing writer for various industry journals including Construction Executive, Construction Accounting & Taxation, Construction Business Owner, and Builders Exchange, The Magazine . His most recent speaking engagements include presentations at the 2006 World of Concrete, the 2006 ABC Education Conference Technology Theatre, as well as various roundtable and panel discussions at industry tradeshows.

Contact:

Tracie Kuczkowski, ext 222
tak@foundationsoft.com
800.246.0800

Foundation Software, Inc.T - Since 1985, Foundation Software has helped thousands of labor-intensive contractors improve their accounting, job-costing and overall financial management with Foundation for Windows construction accounting system. Foundation uses powerful Microsoft ® SQL technology, which provides robust reporting, ease of use and superior data flexibility. The software suits a wide range of construction trades. For information, visit us online at www.foundationsoft.com or call (800) 246-0800.