Why be a Certified Pro Advisor?

I don't think the certification in any way can replace accounting training. If you don't understand debits and credits, the certification won't do anything for you. The certification helps you be more proficient with QuickBooks, and gives validation to your QuickBooks skills. I have also gotten a couple of clients through the referral database, which makes it worth it for me. But you still need accounting training if you don't have it...

Regards,

Kim

I agree that it seems anyone can be a certified pro advisor regardless of accounting or bookkeeping knowledge. Just take the test enough times and you'll pass.

That is unfortunate for those people who possess the necessary accounting knowledge to give adequate advice. As well, it is unfortunate for their clients.

Nonetheless, I find that putting Certified Pro Advisor next to your name when dealing with QuickBooks users make them more confident in your ability to help them. Also, the software package and discounts provided to pro advisors seem worth the cost of signing up for the courses.

The Certified Pro Advisor course & exams are geared more toward the functions and features of Quickbooks than bookkeeping or accounting. The idea is to see if the person taking the exam can assess the needs of a client, sell the QB product, install it, and train the people who will use it. Basically it is a sales tool on the part of Intuit and provides some assurance that the product will be installed & operated properly by the user. Liken it to a car salesman - he doesn't really have to know how to drive, but he must know the product he is trying to sell.

I don't sell QuickBooks! I just don't understand why attacking ProAdvisors has become the thing to do on these message boards. Many of us have Bachelors degrees in Accounting with years of Accounting experience.

I agree. I don't sell QB either, but we got into the foray of the Advisor program back in 1999 when all our client started showing up with QB. We thought we needed to know what they were using anyway.

I think from the early days QB has made tremendous improements, but I suppose some people can get certified that probably shouldn't be. But I would venture to say the majority of Certified QB Advisors know what they are doing.

The main problems I have seen are from bookkeepers, accountant's, CPA's that don't know how Quickbooks operate that create the real problem for new clients that I get.

I certainly hope that the reference to bashing ProAdvisors was not in response to my post. I have been a Certified Pro Advisor for a number of years. There are benefits to being a Certified ProAdvisor such as the listing on the referral list, and more importantly, the exceptional response from the people at Quickbooks. That said, the idea on the part of Intuit is that ProAdvisors are a saleforce and a training mechanism for their products.An Advisor is paid only by receiving a full range of software for their use, at a discounted price, and sample software for sales purposes. Even if you are not "selling" their product your training of clients and the use of the various products almost assures future sales. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Hi. I am a CPA and up until know have just been doing Tax. I am thinking of adding Quickbooks consulting and wonder if you have any advice on the certification, marketing, type of clients to start with, etc.

Thank you.

I'm going to add my 2 cents....
The business processes that a company must employ on a daily basis are critical to ensure that their financial reporting is sound.
I see my role as a QB Pro Advisor as having a few dimensions:
1 - Installation & Training
2 - Design of Business Processes that correctly utilize the transactional capabilities of the QB system
3- Designing and/or providing training for the design of reports that effectively provide the client with insights to his/her business.
When I begin an engagement, I always stress to the client that I am not replacing their accountant.
I often work with their accountant to obtain the opening balances I'm going to need to setup their company file.
The accountants that I work with see that our roles compliment each other, and the overlap is cooperative.
If I were a CPA - I'm sure my focus would be different, but I have a sound business background in finance, systems and training.
My focus is in helping the client to derive the most benefit from their QB system on a daily basis. 
I always say -there is a niche for everyone - it's important to find yours based upon your strengths. 
The QB Advisor Program is very well designed and has helped me tremendously.
Bobbie