Pro Advisor Program

Thanks for the suggestion Joey. Unfortunately, when I have taken software courses in the past, it typically begins with File, Open...,

Before I offer any services, I want to will make sure I am well versed in the software - and that's what I thought I was investing in when I bought the software and the "Pro Advisor" program.

I will begin by going through the "Training Guide" setting up "dummy" companines and progress from there. I may end up taking some of the courses as you suggested - I just wanted to see if anyone else had experienced the same issues.

Thanks Again Joey! I appreciate you input. Unfortunately, that wasn't the way Intuit reps explained it to me. (Go figure.)

I'm not disappointed I ordered the software - it seems to be very user friendly and the capabilities appear to be what I will need, but at a later date. I am disappointed in the way it was presented and the way the questions I posed were answered.

There are a couple of things you can do to learn more about QuickBooks.

1) Hire a seasoned ProAdvisor. Many of us who have been using the program for years can explain it so it is very easy to use.

2) Read the QuickBooks message boards and try the things out for your self. I learn everyday from trying the suggestions on the board.

HI.. look first at the Beta for a new test./certification at http://accountant.intuit.com for the "Certified QuickBooks User" course.

Should help with getting a goood handle with QB

Both you and Joey are correct. The program was explained to me as it was to you however, I have been using Quickbooks and enroll myself in courses to keep current with my knowledge of the software. If I were you I would probably enroll in some clasess as well, you will be glad you did. Good Luck on the exam!

It's interesting that I find this dicussion before making a decision. I am also new to QB although not new to accounting. I am considering taking the Proadvisor program also so that I can learn more about the program and be able tmo help others. I met a potential client who has QB Pro version 2004. I have Premier Accountant 2006.

Please help me with this next stupid question. Here's my thinking...if a business knows QB enough to enter their revenues, expenses, etc why would they need me? Could they not print their own financial reports? Could they not use the Bank Rec feature to reconcile? Please give me insight as to how I can be helpful other than tax time.

Also, I've invested in the Premier Accountant 2006 version, I'm considering Proadvisor. I'm cautious about taking any course. I have seen some "training" and tutorials through the website. I don't want to take somebody's course just to do like the person mentioned before--"file, open".

Are their online courses that would helpful without my having to sit in somebody's class?

Someone mention about installing each version in different folders so that we could assist others. It's hard to visualize that without going through the process, but let me ask. If I buy Proadvisor now, am I going to get QB versions (all of the cds) from the beginning of time? for 2002, 2003, 2004, etc. If not, how would I be able to "assist" the client with 04 version?

Please help me see the light...

Don't get too fustrated. If you are at all interested in taking a course, contact Real World Training. When I was in Public Accounting, I took this course mainly for CPE credits. It is a two day course but you can register for day 1 or day 2 or both. This is helpful, since they give you a disk to work on at home (at least they used to). Yes, day one starts with File, Open (lol), but as you get into the day and into day two, it gets into tricks, fixes and other unique things you may want to know. Once you have taken the course, maybe the proadvisor exams will be easier.

Don't worry, I haven't passed the first exam for 2006 yet, either!

Thanks for the encouragement. I have passed all of the quizzes (it may help that they explain the answers), but on the exams, you think you have answered correctly, but it doesn't tell you which ones you missed, and that's a little frustrating.

I'll check in to the classes.

"Frustrated in the South"....you are not the only one in the South a little frustrated with making a decision on how best to learn QBs before enrolling in the ProAdvisor Program. As you know, the Intuit site does not indicate an advanced level of knowledge of QBs is required....just that you be familiar with the program and comfortable working with some of the functionality.

Grasor1's beta test recommendation sounds like a good starting point. He recommended that approach in one of my earlier posts and that is going to be my next step.

Intuit offers a self-study course entitled "Mastering QB's for Accountants" (cost $300). If anyone has experience with that course, your input would really be welcome.

"...if a business knows QB enough to enter their revenues, expenses, etc why would they need me? Could they not print their own financial reports? Could they not use the Bank Rec feature to reconcile? Please give me insight as to how I can be helpful other than tax time."

Not necessarily. They might know how to use the program and have absolutely no understanding of Accounting. The messes that people who have a basic knowledge of QuickBooks can make is pretty amazing. I have one client who posted invoices from the same vendor for similar items to 3 different accounts in one month!

But... there are many typical QuickBooks errors that you might not catch if you are not very familiar with QuickBooks. Duplicate entries of income and expenses are very common. As are incorrect postings for liabilities. Payroll tax errors, Sales tax errors, COGS errors are all things that can easily be missed.

I still think that hiring a QuickBooks ProAdvisor to teach you QuickBooks could be a great investment. We know where to look for common errors and where to look for uncommon errors.

Thanks for responding. The scenerio you decribe is the very reason why I really would rather do an all or non approach. A potential client approached me in that we can "do this together" and she had never done QB or accounting or anything of the such. I try to take the approach "let's get it right the first time". I went through a season of cleaning of folks accounting books and it was not fun. (using a different accounting software)

Unless that client really knows QB, I think it would save both the business owner and the accountant time AND money.

Dear Frustrated in the South,

I too was in your situation when I first enrolled in the ProAdvisor program - knowledgeable about accounting, but not QB.

While going through the QB ProAdvisor course, I took EXCELLENT notes. I wrote down just about everything. This was, admittedly, time consuming. However, I passed the exams on the first try because I had my notes to guide me.

The notes also served a couple other functions:

1. To help cement the concepts into my mind. Writing them down, after first reading them on the screen, was another avenue for the information to get into my brain.

2. A reference guide. For a while after passing the ProAdvisor exams, I frequently referred to the notes when questions arose.

I hope this helps. Take care!

"Thanks for responding. The scenerio you decribe is the very reason why I really would rather do an all or non approach. A potential client approached me in that we can "do this together" and she had never done QB or accounting or anything of the such. I try to take the approach "let's get it right the first time". I went through a season of cleaning of folks accounting books and it was not fun. (using a different accounting software)

Unless that client really knows QB, I think it would save both the business owner and the accountant time AND money."

I have a new client. I'm working to get him set up in QB. He insists on standing over my shoulder and asking questions every time he doesn't understand something, which is about every three seconds. It is incredibly frustrating, because he doesn't understand the software, he doesn't understand accounting principles, and he gives the strong impression that he doesn't trust me.

Next time I go into his office I'm going to tell him that I want him to leave me alone. I'll do it politely, but if he doesn't leave me alone I will no longer work for him, because it's just too distracting and time consuming for him to demand answers every time he doesn't get what I'm doing.

So, I can relate to what you say here. It is definitely a good approach to "get it right the first time". Trying to train somebody as you go is not a good plan.

I would like to summarize for you the insights you have been given. But first recognize that you are new to QB and have not experienced the critical nuances of this program. I took a long time to pass the certification. I gave up in 2003 and didn't try again until 2006. Those three years gave me the experience I need with the program. You sound much more motivated so don't give up.
Take your time. Read the question more than once. The devil is in the details.
Use practice companies. Take extensive notes and refer to them. Read the help explanation. Hire a QB Certified ProAdvisor to tutor you. You can do it if you don?t give up!

GOOD LUCK!

Instead of taking extensive notes I have since taking the 2003 exams printed out the multiple window screens, sub-screens, sub-sub-screens, quizzes and exams. I will then write any needed notes on the print-outs. While taking the exams I will refer to the print-outs and notes. In the subsequent years I replace the pages that have changed, delete the eliminated ones and insert the new pages. I have three white notebooks with multiple dividers and sub-dividers with the needed sub-sub-dividers. Finally, if you would like more information please feel free to contact me.