I have a customer who has QB for Mac 2009 for her business. I just purchased QB 2010 Premier for Accountant. How do I work on the books for her company? I do have a Mac, but do not have QB for Mac. Can she make me a second user for her QB Mac 2009?
To answer your question, Mac does not have an "accountant user" type like QB Windows--if you want to open her file on your Mac, you'll need a QB 2009 Mac license. But to answer the broader question--how to update the client's books--has several answers:
You have a number of options, including:
1. "Windows backup" created by client and sent to you for work in QuickBooks Windows.
2. QB Mac company file on a Mac in your office (this appears to be what you asked about).
3. Remote access to the client's computer.
If you still have it installed, you can open her file in QuickBooks 2009 Premier, which gives you all the Accounting-specific tools you're used to in QuickBooks Premier. She just needs to send you a "Windows backup" by going to File>Backup to QuickBooks for Windows. The main disadvantage of this approach is your changes can't be "merged in" when you're done--she should wait until you return the file or expect to re-enter transactions when you return it.
Alternatively, you can get the client's .qb2009 file and open it on your Mac. This means you'll be familiar with QB Mac and more easily answer any questions the client has. But it also has the "locked out" issue of option #1.
Finally, you can use a web-based remote access service (there are many, including WebEx, GoToMeeting, Adobe Connect, or iChat if you have a Mac) to connect directly to the client's computer. This has the advantage of updating the client's data in real time (the client doesn't have to refrain from entering invoices while you have the file), but the downside of occupying the client's computer while you're working.
Different accountants have different preferences...it's all up to you and your client as to which tradeoffs you're willing to make.
I should point out that #2 also avoids the Mac/Win conversion process of #1, but this is quite reliable in recent versions (one notable limitation is that reconciling accounts does not display properly on the Windows or Mac side; it's designed to reconcile in one or the other, not both).
Thank you. I am afraid if she sends me the file and I send it back too many times it may cause a loss of information.
She isn't on her QB a whole lot, how to I access the .qb2009 file and open on my Mac, do I need a Mac license for that?
I have been working on the remote access. This may be the best option.
If you want to work on her native QB 2009 for Mac file on your Mac, then, yes, you'd need a license for that software. If remote access is working well for you, I think that might be the best option.
