SNOHOMISH — It took about two days for manager Diana Eden to complete an inventory for the Earl Winehart Post No. 96 of the American Legion.
That’s because she did the work using an outdated computer system and a ledger. After receiving training from a group of students at the University of Washington’s Bothell campus, it takes her just minutes to manage the accounts.
“I’m not rushed anymore. I don’t spend so much time on this,” Eden said.
A group of five accounting students came to the Post, at 1201 First St. in Snohomish, once a week starting in December to provide training.
The new system will help the post run more efficiently and spend less on administrative costs. That will allow the group to invest more into the community through donations to the food bank, student scholarships and help to veterans, post Vice Commander Greg Guedel said.
Besides making the accounting process faster, the post now is less likely to make mistakes.
The process was similar to an audit with students learning how the post conducted its business, student James Forinash said.
“It was like a consult. We told them ways to improve the way they do business,” he said.
The students also got a benefit.
They gave a presentation for a competition with other schools in Washington, Montana, Oregon and Idaho. They won first place and are set to compete in a national competition later in the summer in Baltimore.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.