help for a beginner

First, Quickbooks is really a pretty easy software. I'd recommend getting yourself a copy and experimenting until you are comfortable. I'd rather see my client up and running from the start, instead of trying to play catch-up later on.

Second, yes, you can install the software on their machine at the salon, and either remote into their system or "burn" a copy and upload at your home office, and then transfer it back to them. I've done both, and they both work fine.

Technology is so great these days, that working remotely is no longer an issue. Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Hi....I'm not sure about the copyright as far as installing your QuickBooks at the salon, but I definitely agree with BusSolutions, playing catch up, even a couple months worth can be a huge headache.

I should clarify... I meant "burn" a copy of their data file...not pirate the software. You should buy the appropriate number of QB licenses, of course!!

:)

Some software offers multi-user packages and I'm not sure if QuickBooks is one of them, as I have not had the need.

I work in an office with 3 CPA's and we are using QuickBooks for most of our clients, converting all those on other software.

I have extensive experience using QuickBooks for ongoing accounting/bookkeeping.

The CPA's that I work with have extensive experience with doing accounting and tax returns.

How they are used to processing for their client is very different than what I do using QuickBooks. They are learning, but it really takes a shift in thinking. . .I encourage you to work through the process. . .you will be able to serve more clients on different levels if you become proficient in QuickBooks as well as tax prep.

For this client that you mentioned, if you know that the industry specific software interfaces with QuickBooks, then I would encourage you to move in that direction.

QuickBooks is a wonderful tool and is user friendly.

However, I would strongly suggest you spend as much time as you can going through tutorials and other help resources to really understand how QuickBooks works.

This is especially important if you haven't used other software for ongoing bookkeeping.

Practice with a sample file as well to get the feel of the program.

Doing ongoing processing is quite different than year-end work for a client and if you don't start your system correctly, you will run into problems later. (This sounds obvious, but I cannot stress this enough)

For instance, if you are paying bills, it is important to be consistant in how you do that. . .if you might want vendor detail reports down the road, you need to be sure that all bills are entered as bills, and when you pay them, you go through the 'pay bills' window. If you just cut a check to the vendor, you will not be able to run the same reports later.

This is only one, of many, examples of how important it is to think through the setup and maintenance of your client file. It will make your job easier in the long run.

Yes, do use QuickBooks. ..but it isn't as easy to start from scratch as you would hope. . .take your time. . .learn it well. . .once it is set up correctly, it flows very easily. . .

Hope this is helpful,

Laura Dion
Cents-able Bookkeeping

Hi Pejay. I too am new and found something wonderful... You can go on the intuit website and get a FREE trial of the 2006 accountant pro edition for 90 days on CD via US mail. This gives you ALL the versions of QBs (Quickstart, Pro, Premiers, Accountant that you can toggle between) Also, you can get a trial of almost anything else you wish. Also, intuit gives a "new business starter kit" cd to learn starting up, managing cash flow, marketing, taxes, legal tips... You can also get marketing materials for POS (Point of sale). You can also run a demo off of the internet. Also, I suggest that when you first install quickbooks you go thru the tutorial that shows as your first screen. Plan on 2-3 hrs (took me three with two little kids running around). I feel much more confident now that I know the basics.
Hope this helps!
Oh yes, forgot to mention the whitepapers available at intuit - checklists on what you need to get a client started and engagement letters:
https://accountant.intuit.com/proconnection/index2.cfm

and:
http://accountant.intuit.com/index.aspx?lid=intuitnav

HOPE THIS HELPS!
Michelle

Hi All,

I just got Quickbooks 2006 Premier for Accountants and I have current clients that are using 2005 and prior year Quickbook programs. Is their any way I can get their company file into Quickbooks 2006, update their bookkeeping and reports and then reimport it back into their current 2005 programs? I would hate for all of my clients to have to update to a new version every year just because their accountant does.

Please let me know.

Thanks.

You can work from home by using a Virtual Network. I have several clients and do all the work from my home/office by using a VNC and VPN. My clients leave there computers on and I can use my computer and do the work on their computer through the internet(VPN). Saves alot of gas $$. You can try GoToMyPC which is free for awhile.
Rozzsr@yahoo.com

I agree. I use VNC for several clients (and even to help my mom learn how to navigate!) It is free and easy to set up. One of the coolest features is that you can log-in to their machine and they can actually watch you take over. It is a great learning tool for your clients. You can download it for free at www.realvnc.com.

Rebecca Wirtz
Tucson, AZ

thanks so much for all of the great information. I will look into the Virtual network. Are they secure?

Yes. You need the I.P. address for your client and a password to log into their machine. Easy and secure.

Shush.. don't tell everyone about this trick. Here is a workaround that may work .. Import the file into 2006 work on it, then in 2006 go to File> Utilities> Copy company file for QuickBooks MAC, (It will be named companyname.MAC.qbb)
Then in the clients 2005 go to File> Restore> companyname.MAC.qbb in the save to part change the name to companyname.qbw..

Voila. 2006 to 2005.

No responsibilities as to the outcome are accepted here but they did work for me.

Graham Sorenson

Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor

This communication is NOT an official or even unofficial missive from Intuit INC. Any accounting advice is purely accidental and should be treated as such.

If they are tracking stock, there is a POS system from Intuit. Not sure how it works, but have heard good things about it.

I think it would be easier than having two softwares that may not mesh.

Glowing,

Marygrace~

Thank you sooo much! That is exactly what I needed, Graham. Do you mind if I ask you questions sometime? I've been using Quickbooks for only 2 - 3 years, and run into a lot of roadblocks sometimes. Please email me backchannel @ nazdak08@gmail.com.

Thanks.

Hi... as an aside to your response to pejay about the his salon client... do you have a preference for remote access, such as pcanywhere, gotomypc, or anything else? Of course, you'll have no responsibility for my success with your suggestions! Thanks, Lee

I REALLY like RealVNC. I've had nothing but success with it...and it is free!

thanks so much! I've been using Gotomypc... works well, but it's 20 bucks a month... far from free!

Thanks again... Lee

There are three different years on my computer for the clients who have not upgraded. I just make sure that only one version is open at a time. Each version is installed in it's own folder, not the usual default Program files>Intuit>etc etc.

My associates are using remote and the online version and enjoying working in their jammies until 2pm on some days.

:D

Graham,

I am in the planning stage of setting up a bookkeeping / write-up business and am planning to buy Quickbooks. I have a couple of questions. I will be setting up a side business out of my home and may have clients that run their own system, but then I may have some clients that will bring me their "shoebox" of receipts, invoices, etc. and I maintain all their books out of my home.
Will the premier edition allow me to setup multiple clients and maintain their books out of the "shoebox?" Is there a limit to the number of clients I can setup and run through Quickbooks? I don't want to have a system that will not allow me to set-up a company from scratch and enter data as if I were the company.

My background - I am a CPA with 10 years experience in tax, audit, consulting, and write-up work and a former manager at a national CPA firm.

Thanks.

MM

You can setup and run many QuickBook files. . .it is not a limit of the program, but of your hard drive. . .if you have the hard drive space, you can keep saving and using files til the cows come home.