Black Mountain Software review

Black Mountain Software is a good match for small towns, counties and special districts that want a cloud ERP without per-user fees. Its pricing page says cost is based on population size and the applications you need, with no per-user, usage or hidden fees, and free unlimited online training for all users. The fund accounting suite starts with a general ledger set up on a governmental account structure that follows fund accounting standards, then adds budget preparation linked to the ledger, receivables, asset management and cash receipting that updates other applications in real time. Personnel management covers payroll, human resources, ACA reporting and an eAccess employee portal. Community applications include permitting with inspections and violations, business licensing, cemetery management, special assessments and a PublicView open data portal. County tax, assessment and recording are available too. The catch is that you need a custom proposal to see any number, and the product is aimed at small and midsize governments.

Who it is for

small towns, counties and special districts

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• General ledger with a governmental account structure that follows fund accounting standards
• Budget preparation integrated with the general ledger
• Payroll, human resources and ACA reporting with an eAccess employee portal
• Permitting, business licensing, cemetery management and special assessments
• County tax, assessment and recording applications

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Pricing is based on population and applications, with no per-user fees
• Strength: Free, unlimited online training is included
• Strength: Staff come from small-town clerk and accounting roles, per the company
• Weakness: No published price; proposals are custom
• Weakness: Aimed at small to medium governments, not large cities
• Weakness: Fewer analytics and AI features than OpenGov or Workday

Key facts

• Pricing model: Population size and applications needed; no per-user fees
• Applications: Over 30
• Training: Free, unlimited online training
• Headquarters: Polson, Montana

Where it ranks

Black Mountain Software is No. 5 in our Best ERP for Local Government verdict.