How can I create a report the way I need it?

[Mike or Penny Novack]

Jonathon Exley wrote:

>I have been wondering about how to do the same report, but I haven't had
>the time to understand scheme. The best I have been able to do is export
>the account (which creates an XML file) and then parse it in a
>spreadsheet - clunky but does the job.
>
>A script could easily do the same thing - please post it if you do one.
>
>Jonathon.
>
>  
>

Yes and no (about "clunky").

I'm retired from many decades in the cypher mines so when the question 
came up whether I should code to produce the reports in the format 
required for a 501(c)3 of which I am treasurer the accountant person 
said "don't bother; just give me the data (raw reports) and I'll use my 
favorite editor to combine into a proper GAAP report. WHY? Because there 
is one heck of a lot more work (possibly) involved, work that more or 
less calls for the capabilities of an editor. Not only a fair amount of 
fixed text (the "accounting principles/rules" being used) but there can 
be notes attached to any unusual items/amounts referring to footnote 
explanations. For things like "the annual meeting expense is unusually 
high because we are on a cash basis and one large invoice from the 
previous year wasn't submitted till this year".

To have that much editing capability more or less reinventing the wheel 
and a major project. So export and use some existing editor.

Michael