Exhibit (h)(7)
FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 18th day of August 2003, between Citizens Funds (the
"Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust having its principal place of business
at 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxxxxx 00000, and BISYS FUND
SERVICES OHIO, INC. ("BISYS"), an Ohio corporation having its principal place of
business at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000.
WHEREAS, the Trust and BISYS entered into a Fund Accounting Agreement dated
September 29, 2000 (the "2000 Agreement"), whereby BISYS agreed to perform fund
accounting services for the Trust, which has continued in effect through the
date hereof;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that BISYS continue to perform fund accounting
services for the Trust and each investment portfolio of the Trust (except
portfolios that are or offer one or more classes that are exchange-traded funds
("ETFs")), as now in existence and listed on Schedule A, or as hereafter may be
established from time to time (individually referred to herein as the "Fund" and
collectively as the "Funds");
WHEREAS, BISYS is willing to perform such services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, BISYS and Trust wish to enter into a new Agreement in order to set
forth the terms under which BISYS will perform the fund accounting services set
forth herein for the Trust.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants hereinafter contained,
the Trust and BISYS hereby agree as follows:
1. Services as Fund Accountant
(a) Maintenance of Books and Records. BISYS will keep and maintain the
following books and records of each Fund pursuant to Rule 31a-1 (the "Rule")
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act"):
(i) Journals containing an itemized daily record in detail of all
purchases and sales of securities, all receipts and disbursements
of cash and all other debits and credits, as required by
subsection (b)(1) of the Rule;
(ii) General and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability,
reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, including interest
accrued and interest received, as required by subsection (b)(2)(i)
of the Rule;
(iii) Separate ledger accounts required by subsection (b)(2)(ii) and
(iii) of the Rule; and
Exhibit (h)(7)
(iv) A monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts (except shareholder
accounts) as required by subsection (b)(8) of the Rule.
(b) Performance of Daily Accounting Services. In addition to the
maintenance of the books and records specified above, BISYS shall perform the
following accounting services daily for each Fund:
(i) Calculate the net asset value per share and public offering price
utilizing prices obtained from the sources described in subsection
1(b)(ii) below;
(ii) Obtain security prices from independent pricing services, or if
such quotes are unavailable, then obtain such prices from each
Fund's investment adviser or its designee, as approved by the
Trust's Board of Trustees (hereafter referred to as the "Board");
(iii) Allocate income, expenses, and realized and unrealized gains and
losses on multi-class funds in accordance with a methodology
prescribed by Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
(iv) Post summary shareholder activity received from the Trust's
transfer agent and reconcile share balances and outstanding
payables and receivables for capital share transactions with the
transfer agent;
(v) Complete and return surveys from industry publications, including
but not limited to Lipper, Morningstar, Xxxxxxxx, XXXXXX, Standard
and Poors, and the Investment Company Institute;
(vi) Report daily cash availability to the Trust's investment adviser
or appointed sub-advisers;
(vii) Reconcile cash, foreign currency and security holdings with the
Trust's custodian;
(viii) Identify, research and post to the general ledger of the Funds all
corporate actions;
(ix) Provide the Trust's investment adviser and any sub-adviser with
access to Fundlink;
(x) Provide necessary assistance to the Trust's investment adviser
and, if applicable, the Trust's Valuations Committee with regard
to the fair valuations of securities;
(xi) Verify and reconcile with the Funds' custodian all daily trade
activity;
(xii) Compute, as appropriate, each Fund's net income and capital gains,
dividend payables, dividend factors, 7-day yields, 7-day effective
yields, 30-day yields, and weighted average portfolio maturity;
Exhibit (h)(7)
(xiii) Review daily the net asset value calculation and dividend factor
(if any) for each Fund prior to release to shareholders, check and
confirm the net asset values and dividend factors for
reasonableness and deviations, and distribute net asset values and
yields to NASDAQ, the Trust's transfer agent and other third
parties, as directed by the Trust;
(xiv) Report to the Trust the market pricing of securities in any money
market Funds at such times as agreed by the parties, with the
comparison to the amortized cost basis;
(xv) Determine unrealized appreciation and depreciation on securities
held in variable net asset value Funds;
(xvi) Amortize premiums and accrete discounts on securities purchased at
a price other than face value, if requested by the Trust;
(xvii) Update fund accounting system to reflect rate changes on variable
interest rate instruments;
(xviii) Post Fund transactions to appropriate general ledger accounts in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(xix) Accrue expenses of each Fund according to instructions received
from the Trust's Administrator or Sub-Administrator;
(xx) Determine the outstanding receivables and payables for all (1)
security trades, (2) Fund share transactions, (3) income and
expense accounts, and (4) other miscellaneous payables and
receivables;
(xxi) Provide accounting reports in connection with the Trust's regular
annual audit and other audits and examinations by regulatory
agencies; and
(xxii) Provide such periodic reports as the parties shall agree upon, as
set forth in a separate schedule.
(c) Special Reports and Services.
(i) BISYS may provide additional special reports upon the request of
the Trust or a Fund's investment adviser, which may result in an
additional charge, the amount of which shall be agreed upon
between the parties.
(ii) BISYS may provide such other similar services with respect to a
Fund as may be reasonably requested by the Trust, which may result
in an additional charge, the amount of which shall be agreed upon
between the parties.
(d) Additional Accounting Services. BISYS shall also perform the following
additional accounting services for each Fund, without additional compensation:
Exhibit (h)(7)
(i) Provide monthly a hard copy of the unaudited financial statements
described below, upon request of the Trust. The unaudited
financial statements will include the following items:
(A) Unaudited Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
(B) Unaudited Statement of Operations,
(C) Unaudited Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and
(D) Unaudited Condensed Financial Information;
(ii) Provide accounting information for the following:
(A) federal and state income tax returns and federal excise tax
returns;
(B) the Trust's semi-annual reports with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form N-SAR;
(C) the Trust's annual, semi-annual and quarterly (if any)
shareholder reports;
(D) registration statements on Form N-1A and other filings
relating to the registration of shares;
(E) the Administrator's or Sub-Administrator's monitoring of the
Trust's status as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended;
(F) annual audit by the Trust's auditors; and
(G) examinations performed by the SEC or other regulatory
agencies.
(iii) Provide sub-certifications in its capacity as Fund Accountant that
the Trust's officers may rely on in making the certifications
regarding the Trust that are required by Sections 302 and 906 of
the Sarbanes Oxley Act.
2. Subcontracting
BISYS may, at its expense and with prior notice to the Trust, subcontract
with any entity or person concerning the provision of fund accounting services
contemplated hereunder (a "Sub-Fund Accountant"); provided, however, that BISYS
shall not be relieved of any of its duties and obligations under this Agreement
by the appointment of such Sub-Fund Accountant and provided further, that BISYS
shall be responsible, to the extent provided in Section 5 hereof, for all acts
of such subcontractor as if such acts were its own.
Exhibit (h)(7)
3. Compensation
The Trust shall pay BISYS compensation for the services to be provided
by BISYS under this Agreement in accordance with, and in the manner set forth in
Schedule B attached hereto.
4. Reimbursement of Expenses and Miscellaneous Service Fees
(a) In addition to paying BISYS the fees provided in Section 3 and Schedule
B, the Trust agrees to reimburse BISYS for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
in providing services hereunder, including without limitation the following:
(i) All freight and other delivery and bonding charges incurred by
BISYS in delivering materials to and from the Trust;
(ii) All direct telephone, telephone transmission and telecopy or other
electronic transmission expenses incurred by BISYS in
communication with the Trust, the Trust's investment adviser or
custodian, dealers or others as required for BISYS to perform the
services to be provided hereunder;
(iii) The cost of microfilm or microfiche of records or other materials;
(iv) All systems-related expenses associated with the provision of
special reports and services pursuant to Section 1(c) herein;
(v) Any expenses BISYS shall incur at the written direction of an
officer of the Trust (other than an employee of BISYS) thereunto
duly authorized; and
(vi) Any additional expenses reasonably incurred by BISYS in the
performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement
(but not including any amounts related to pricing information,
other than as provided in paragraph 4(b)(iii), below).
(b) In addition, BISYS shall be entitled to receive the following amounts:
(i) Systems development fees billed at an hourly rate of $150 per
hour, as approved by the Trust;
(ii) Ad hoc reporting fees billed at an agreed upon rate; and
(iii) Charges for the pricing information obtained from third party
vendors for use in pricing the securities of each Fund's portfolio
pursuant to Section 1(b)(ii) of this Agreement, which shall not
exceed the amounts that would be incurred if the Fund were to
obtain the information directly from the relevant vendor or
vendors.
Exhibit (h)(7)
5. Standard of Care; Uncontrollable Events; Limitation of Liability
BISYS shall use reasonable professional diligence to ensure the accuracy of
all services performed under this Agreement, but shall not be liable to the
Trust for any action taken or omitted by BISYS in the absence of bad faith,
willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by it of its obligations
and duties. The duties of BISYS shall be confined to those expressly set forth
herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be asserted against BISYS
hereunder.
BISYS shall maintain adequate and reliable computer and other equipment
necessary or appropriate to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. Upon
the Trust's reasonable request, BISYS shall provide supplemental information
concerning the aspects of its disaster recovery and business continuity plan
that are relevant to the services provided hereunder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, BISYS assumes no
responsibility hereunder, and shall not be liable for, any damage, loss of data,
delay or any other loss whatsoever caused by events beyond its reasonable
control. Events beyond BISYS's reasonable control include, without limitation,
force majeure events. Force majeure events include natural disasters, actions or
decrees of governmental bodies, and communication lines failures that are not
the fault of either party. In the event of force majeure, computer or other
equipment failures or other events beyond its reasonable control, BISYS shall
follow applicable procedures in its disaster recovery and business continuity
plan and use all commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any service
interruption.
BISYS shall provide the Trust, at such times as the Trust may reasonably
require, copies of reports rendered by independent public accountants on the
internal controls and procedures of BISYS relating to the services provided by
BISYS under this Agreement.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, IN NO EVENT
SHALL BISYS, ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OF ITS OR THEIR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR SUBCONTRACTORS BE LIABLE FOR EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOST PROFITS, EACH OF WHICH IS
HEREBY EXCLUDED BY AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES
WERE FORESEEABLE OR WHETHER EITHER PARTY OR ANY ENTITY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
6. Term
This Agreement shall become effective as of August 1, 2003 and shall
continue in effect until July 31, 2005 (the "Initial Term"). Thereafter, unless
otherwise terminated as provided herein, this Agreement shall be renewed
automatically for successive one year periods ("Rollover Periods"). This
Agreement may be terminated only (i) by provision of a notice of nonrenewal in
the manner set forth below, (ii) by mutual agreement of the parties or (iii) for
"cause," as defined below, upon the provision of sixty (60) days advance written
notice by the party alleging cause. Written notice of nonrenewal must be
Exhibit (h)(7)
provided at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or any
Rollover Period, as the case may be.
For purposes of this Agreement, "cause" shall mean (a) a material breach of
this Agreement that has not been remedied for thirty (30) days following written
notice of such breach from the non-breaching party; (b) a final, unappealable
judicial, regulatory or administrative ruling or order in which the party to be
terminated has been found guilty of criminal or unethical behavior in the
conduct of its business; or (c) financial difficulties on the part of the party
to be terminated which are evidenced by the authorization or commencement of, or
involvement by way of pleading, answer, consent or acquiescence in, a voluntary
or involuntary case under Title 11 of the United States Code, as from time to
time is in effect, or any applicable law, other than said Title 11, of any
jurisdiction relating to the liquidation or reorganization of debtors or to the
modification or alteration of the rights of creditors. BISYS shall not terminate
this Agreement pursuant to clause (a) above based solely upon the Trust's
failure to pay an amount to BISYS which is the subject of a good faith dispute,
if (i) the Trust is attempting in good faith to resolve such dispute with as
much expediency as may be possible under the circumstances, and (ii) the Trust
continues to perform its obligations hereunder in all other material respects
(including paying all fees and expenses not subject to reasonable dispute
hereunder).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, following any such termination, in the event
that BISYS in fact continues to perform any one or more of the services
contemplated by this Agreement (or any Schedule or exhibit hereto) with the
consent of the Trust, the provisions of this Agreement, including without
limitation the provisions dealing with indemnification, shall continue in full
force and effect. Fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by BISYS but unpaid
by the Trust upon such termination shall be immediately due and payable upon and
notwithstanding such termination. BISYS shall be entitled to collect from the
Trust, in addition to the fees and disbursements provided by Sections 3 and 4
hereof, the amount of all of BISYS's cash disbursements in connection with
BISYS's activities in effecting such termination, including without limitation,
the delivery to the Trust and/or its distributor or investment adviser and/or
other parties of the Trust's property, records, instruments and documents.
If, for any reason other than (i) nonrenewal, (ii) mutual agreement of the
parties or (iii) "cause" for termination of BISYS hereunder, BISYS's services
are terminated hereunder, BISYS is replaced as fund accountant, or if a third
party is added to perform all or a part of the services provided by BISYS under
this Agreement (excluding any Sub-Fund Accountant appointed as provided in
Section 1 hereof), then the Trust shall make a one-time cash payment, in
consideration of the fee structure and services to be provided under this
Agreement, and not as a penalty, to BISYS equal to the balance that would be due
BISYS for its services hereunder during (x) the next twelve (12) months or (y)
if less than twelve (12), the number of months remaining in the then-current
term of this Agreement, assuming for purposes of the calculation of the one-time
payment that the fees that would be earned by BISYS for each month shall be
based upon the average assets of the Funds and fees payable to BISYS monthly
during the twelve (12) months prior to the date that services terminate, BISYS
is replaced or a third party is added.
Exhibit (h)(7)
In the event the Trust or any Fund is merged into another legal entity
(other than another Fund) in part or in whole pursuant to any form of business
reorganization or is liquidated in part or in whole (other than in accordance
with a decision by the Board to terminate such Fund because it is not
economically feasible) prior to the expiration of the then-current term of this
Agreement, the parties acknowledge and agree that the liquidated damages
provision set forth above shall be applicable in those instances in which BISYS
is not retained to provide fund accounting services consistent with this
Agreement, including the number of Funds subject to such services. The one-time
cash payment referenced above shall be due and payable on the day prior to the
first day in which services are terminated, BISYS is replaced or a third party
is added.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust may transfer one Fund to a
different service provider if it intends to offer a class of such Fund that will
be an ETF, and BISYS will waive the one-time payment with regard to such Fund,
provided however, that if the Trust abandons or fails to diligently pursue
registration and launch of such ETF class, such waiver will be void and the
one-time payment will be immediately due and payable.
The parties further acknowledge and agree that, in the event services are
terminated, BISYS is replaced, or a third party is added, as set forth above,
(i) a determination of actual damages incurred by BISYS would be extremely
difficult, and (ii) the liquidated damages provision contained herein is
intended to adequately compensate BISYS for damages incurred and is not intended
to constitute any form of penalty.
7. Indemnification
The Trust agrees to indemnify and hold harmless BISYS, its employees,
agents, directors, officers and nominees from and against any and all claims,
demands, actions and suits, and from and against any and all judgments,
liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of
every nature and character arising out of or in any way relating to BISYS's
actions taken or omissions with respect to the performance of services under
this Agreement or based, if applicable, upon reasonable reliance on information,
records, instructions or requests given or made to BISYS by a duly authorized
representative of the Trust, the investment adviser, administrator or custodian
thereof; provided that this indemnification shall not apply to actions or
omissions of BISYS in cases of its own bad faith, willful misfeasance,
negligence or reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties.
BISYS shall indemnify, defend, and hold the Trust harmless from and against
any and all claims, actions and suits and all losses, damages, costs, charges,
reasonable counsel fees and disbursements, payments, expenses and liabilities
(including reasonable investigation expenses) resulting directly and proximately
from BISYS's willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of
its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
hereunder.
The indemnification rights hereunder shall include the right to reasonable
advances of defense expenses in the event of any pending or threatened
litigation with respect to
Exhibit (h)(7)
which indemnification hereunder may ultimately be merited. In order that the
indemnification provisions contained herein shall apply, however, it is
understood that if in any case a party may be asked to indemnify or hold the
other party harmless, the indemnifying party shall be fully and promptly advised
of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in question, and it is further
understood that the indemnified party will use all reasonable care to identify
and notify the indemnifying party promptly concerning any situation which
presents or appears likely to present the probability of such a claim for
indemnification against the indemnifying party, but failure to do so in good
faith shall not affect the rights hereunder except to the extent the
indemnifying party is materially prejudiced thereby. As to any matter eligible
for indemnification, an Indemnified Party shall act reasonably and in accordance
with good faith business judgment and shall not effect any settlement or confess
judgment without the consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not
be withheld or delayed unreasonably.
The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate at its own expense
or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any
claims subject to this indemnity provision. If the indemnifying party elects to
assume the defense of any such claim, the defense shall be conducted by counsel
chosen by it and reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, whose
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. In the event that the indemnifying
party elects to assume the defense of any suit and retain counsel, the
indemnified party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel
retained by it. If the indemnifying party does not elect to assume the defense
of suit, it will reimburse the indemnified party for the reasonable fees and
expenses of any counsel retained by the indemnified party. The indemnity and
defense provisions set forth herein shall indefinitely survive the termination
of this Agreement.
8. Record Retention and Confidentiality
BISYS shall keep and maintain on behalf of the Trust all books and records
which the Trust and BISYS is, or may be, required to keep and maintain pursuant
to any applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including without limitation
Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under the 1940 Act, relating to the maintenance of books
and records in connection with the services to be provided hereunder. Any
records required to be maintained and preserved pursuant to Rules 31a-1 and
31a-2 under the 1940 Act which are prepared or maintained by BISYS on behalf of
the Trust shall be prepared and maintained at the expense of BISYS, but shall be
the property of the Trust and will be surrendered promptly to the Trust on
request, and made available for inspection by the Trust or by the Commission at
reasonable times.
In case of any request or demand for the inspection of such records by
another party, BISYS shall notify the Trust and follow the Trust's instructions
as to permitting or refusing such inspection; provided that BISYS may exhibit
such records in any case where (i) disclosure is required by law, (ii) BISYS is
advised by counsel that it may incur liability for failure to make a disclosure,
(iii) BISYS is requested to divulge such information by duly-constituted
authorities or court process, or (iv) BISYS is requested to make a disclosure by
the Trust. BISYS shall provide the Trust with reasonable advance notice of
disclosure pursuant to items (i) - (iii) of the previous sentence, to the extent
Exhibit (h)(7)
reasonably practicable, and BISYS will cooperate with the Trust (at the Trust's
expense) in any action the Trust may take to seek an injunction or otherwise
lawfully prevent such disclosure.
9. Activities of BISYS
The services of BISYS rendered to the Trust hereunder are not to be deemed
to be exclusive. BISYS is free to render such services to others and to have
other businesses and interests. It is understood that Trustees, officers,
employees and Shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in
BISYS, as officers, employees or otherwise and that partners, officers and
employees of BISYS and its counsel are or may be or become similarly interested
in the Trust, and that BISYS may be or become interested in the Trust as a
shareholder or otherwise
10. Reports
BISYS shall furnish to the Trust and to its properly authorized auditors,
investment advisers, examiners, distributors, dealers, underwriters, salesmen,
insurance companies and others designated by the Trust in writing, such reports
and at such times as are prescribed pursuant to the terms and the conditions of
this Agreement to be provided or completed by BISYS, or as subsequently agreed
upon by the parties pursuant to an amendment hereto. The Trust agrees to examine
each such report or copy promptly and will report or cause to be reported any
errors or discrepancies therein.
11. Rights of Ownership
All computer programs and procedures employed or developed by or on behalf
of BISYS to perform services required to be provided by BISYS under this
Agreement are the property of BISYS. All records and other data except such
computer programs and procedures are the exclusive property of the Trust and all
such other records and data shall be furnished to the Trust in appropriate form
as soon as practicable after termination of this Agreement for any reason.
12. Return of Records
BISYS may at its option at any time, and shall promptly upon the Trust's
demand, turn over to the Trust and cease to retain BISYS's files, records and
documents created and maintained by BISYS pursuant to this Agreement which are
no longer needed by BISYS in the performance of its services or for its legal
protection. If not so turned over to the Trust, such documents and records will
be retained by BISYS for six years from the year of creation. At the end of such
six-year period, such records and documents will be turned over to the Trust
unless the Trust authorizes in writing the destruction of such records and
documents.
13. Representations and Warranties
(a) The Trust represents and warrants that: (1) as of the close of business
on the effective date of this Agreement, each Fund that is in existence as of
the effective date
Exhibit (h)(7)
has authorized unlimited shares, and (2) this Agreement has been duly authorized
by the Trust and, when executed and delivered by the Trust, will constitute a
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Trust, enforceable against the Trust
in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors and secured parties.
(b) BISYS represents and warrants that: (1) the various procedures and
systems which BISYS has implemented with regard to safeguarding from loss or
damage attributable to fire, theft, or any other cause the records, and other
data of the Trust and BISYS's records, data, equipment facilities and other
property used in the performance of its obligations hereunder are adequate and
that it will make such changes therein from time to time as are reasonably
required for the secure performance of its obligations hereunder, (2) it has
sufficient personnel and resources to carry out its duties under this Agreement
and (3) this Agreement has been duly authorized by BISYS and, when executed and
delivered by BISYS, will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of
BISYS, enforceable against BISYS in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general
application affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES REGARDING QUALITY,
SUITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE
(IRRESPECTIVE OF ANY COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE) CONCERNING THE
SERVICES OR ANY GOODS PROVIDED INCIDENTAL TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT BY BISYS ARE COMPLETELY DISCLAIMED.
14. Insurance
BISYS shall maintain a fidelity bond covering larceny and embezzlement and
an insurance policy with respect to directors and officers errors and omissions
coverage in amounts that are appropriate in light of its duties and
responsibilities hereunder. Upon the request of the Trust, BISYS shall provide
evidence that coverage is in place. BISYS shall notify the Trust should its
insurance coverage with respect to professional liability or errors and
omissions coverage be canceled. Such notification shall include the date of
cancellation and the reasons therefore. BISYS shall notify the Trust of any
material claims against it with respect to services performed under this
Agreement, whether or not they may be covered by insurance, and shall notify the
Trust should the total outstanding claims made by BISYS under its insurance
coverage materially impair, or threaten to materially impair, the adequacy of
its coverage.
15. Information Furnished by the Trust
The Trust has furnished to BISYS the following, as amended and current as
of the effective date of this Agreement:
Exhibit (h)(7)
(a) Copies of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust and of any amendments
thereto, certified by the proper official of the state in which such Declaration
has been filed.
(b) Certified copies of the following documents:
(i) The Trust's Bylaws and any amendments thereto;
(ii) Resolutions of the Trustees covering (A) approval of this
Agreement and authorization of a specified officer of the Trust to
execute and deliver this Agreement and authorization for specified
officers of the Trust to instruct BISYS hereunder, and (B)
authorization of BISYS to act as fund accountant for the Trust.
(c) A list of all officers of the Trust and any other persons (who may be
associated with the Trust or its investment advisor), together with specimen
signatures of those officers and other persons, who are authorized to instruct
BISYS in all matters.
(d) Two copies of the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information
of each Fund.
16. Information Furnished by BISYS
BISYS has furnished to the Trust evidence of the following:
(a) Approval of this Agreement by BISYS, and authorization of a specified
officer of BISYS to execute and deliver this Agreement;
(b) Authorization of BISYS to act as fund accountant for the Trust.
17. Amendments to Documents
The Trust shall furnish BISYS written copies of any amendments to, or
changes in, any of the items referred to in Section 15 hereof forthwith upon
such amendments or changes becoming effective. In addition, the Trust agrees
that no amendments will be made to the Prospectuses or Statements of Additional
Information of the Trust which might have the effect of changing the procedures
employed by BISYS in providing the services agreed to hereunder or which
amendment might affect the duties of BISYS hereunder unless the Trust first
obtains BISYS's approval of such amendments or changes, which approval shall not
be withheld unreasonably.
18. Legal Advice; Reliance on Prospectus and Instructions
BISYS may apply to the Trust at any time for instructions and, with the
Trust's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, may seek advice from
counsel and accountants for the Trust with respect to any matter arising in
connection with BISYS's duties, and BISYS shall not be liable nor accountable
for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith in accordance with such
instruction or with the opinion of such counsel
Exhibit (h)(7)
and accountants. As to the services to be provided hereunder, BISYS may rely
conclusively upon the terms of the Prospectuses and Statement of Additional
Information of the Trust relating to the relevant Funds to the extent that such
services are described therein, as well as the minutes of Board meetings (if
applicable) and other records of the Trust unless BISYS receives written
instructions to the contrary in a timely manner from the Trust.
Also, BISYS shall be protected in acting upon any document which it
reasonably believes to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the
proper person or persons. The Administrator will not be held to have notice of
any change of authority of any officers, employees or agents of the Trust until
receipt of written notice thereof from the Trust.
19. Compliance with Law
Except for the obligations of BISYS set forth in Section 8 hereof, the
Trust assumes full responsibility for the preparation, contents and distribution
of each prospectus of the Trust as to compliance with all applicable
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
the 1940 Act and any other laws, rules and regulations of governmental
authorities having jurisdiction. BISYS shall have no obligation to take
cognizance of any laws relating to the sale of the Trust's shares.
20. Notices
Any notice provided hereunder shall be sufficiently given when sent by
registered or certified mail to the party required to be served with such notice
at the following address: if to the Trust, to 000 Xxxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000,
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000; with a copy to the Trust at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx,
Xxxx 00000, Attn: President; and if to BISYS, to it at 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000; Attn: President, or at such other address as such party
may from time to time specify in writing to the other party pursuant to this
Section.
21. Assignment
This Agreement and the rights and duties hereunder shall not be assignable
with respect to a Fund by either of the parties hereto except by the specific
written consent of the other party. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and
shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.
22. Governing Law and Matters Relating to the Trust as a Massachusetts
Business Trust
This Agreement shall be governed by and provisions shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. To the extent that the applicable
laws of the State of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the
applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control. It is expressly
agreed that the obligations of the Trust hereunder shall not be binding upon any
of the Trustees, shareholders, nominees,
Exhibit (h)(7)
officers, agents or employees of the Trust personally, but shall bind only the
trust property of the Trust. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have
been authorized by the Board, and this Agreement has been signed and delivered
by an authorized officer of the Trust, acting as such, and neither such
authorization by the Board nor such execution and delivery by such officer shall
be deemed to have been made by any of them individually or to impose any
liability on any of them personally, but shall bind only the trust property of
the Trust as provided in the Trust's Declaration of Trust.
23. Privacy
Nonpublic personal financial information relating to consumers or customers
of the Trust provided by, or at the direction of the Trust to BISYS, or
collected or retained by BISYS to perform its duties shall be considered
confidential information. BISYS shall not give, sell or in any way transfer such
confidential information to any person or entity, other than affiliates of BISYS
except at the direction of the Trust or as required or permitted by law. BISYS
shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards
reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of,
and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of records and information relating
to consumers or customers of the Trust. The Trust represents to BISYS that it
has adopted a Statement of its privacy policies and practices as required by the
Commission's Regulation S-P and agrees to provide BISYS with a copy of that
statement annually.
24. Miscellaneous
(a) Paragraph headings in this Agreement are included for convenience only
and are not to be used to construe or interpret this Agreement.
(b) This Agreement constitutes the complete agreement of the parties hereto
as to the subject matter covered by this Agreement, and supercedes all prior
negotiations, understandings and agreements bearing upon the subject matter
covered herein,including, without limitation, the 2000 Agreement.
(c) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
an original but all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same
agreement.
(d) No amendment to this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing
and executed by both parties hereto. The parties hereto may amend such
procedures as may be set forth herein by written agreement as may be appropriate
or practical under the circumstances, and BISYS may conclusively assume that any
special procedure which has been approved by an executive officer of the Trust
(other than an officer or employee of BISYS) does not conflict with or violate
any requirements of the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws or then-current
prospectuses, or any rule, regulation or requirement of any regulatory body.
* * * * *
Exhibit (h)(7)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
CITIZENS FUNDS
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
------------------------
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Treasurer
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxx
------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxx
Title: President- Fund Services
Exhibit (h)(7)
SCHEDULE A
TO THE FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN CITIZENS FUNDS
AND BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
Funds
Citizens Money Market
Citizens Income
Citizens Emerging Growth
Citizens Global Equity
Citizens Small Cap Core Growth
Citizens Core Growth
Citizens International Growth
Citizens Value
Citizens Balanced
Citizens Ultra Short Bond
Citizens Prime Money Market
Citizens 300 Fund
Exhibit (h)(7)
SCHEDULE B
TO THE FUND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN CITIZENS FUNDS
AND BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
Fees
The following fees are per annum and shall be charged monthly in arrears:
$0 - $1 Billion in assets 3.50bp
>$1 billion - $2 billion in assets 2.00bp
in excess of $2 billion 1.25bp
For each class of a Fund in excess of one $3,000 per class
Incremental assets are aggregated across the entire family of Funds (excluding
the Prime Money Market Fund) to determine the fee for each Fund. The above fees
are subject to a minimum of $22,000 per Fund per year, except that each of
Citizens Global Equity and Citizens International Growth shall be subject to a
minimum fee of $30,000 per Fund per year. Additional funds will be subject to
the appropriate minimum based on whether the equities traded are primarily
U.S.-listed or non-U.S. listed.
Assets of the Citizens Money Market Fund are subject to the basis points noted
above. Any assets of the Citizens Money Market Fund invested in another Fund
covered by this agreement will not be included in the assets of such other Fund
for purposes of determining the fee with regard to such Fund.
The Prime Money Market Fund is subject to the following annual fees based on its
separate assets (no aggregation with other Funds) in excess of assets invested
by other Funds covered by this Agreement:
$0 - $400 million 1.00bp
in excess of $400 million 0.50bp
