If you’ve found yourself here, you’ve probably been searching for basic questions about whether Quickbooks is worth the cost and whether you should us it or rely on an accountant. It can be hard to find straightforward answers to these questions, so we’ve decided to tackle some common questions about Quickbooks below.
Should I get an accountant if I use Quickbooks?
Having Quickbooks doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t get an accountant. If you don’t have a background in finance, bookkeeping, or accounting, it’s usually worthwhile to get an accountant to manage that component of your business.
Do I need a bookkeeper if I use Quickbooks?
Having a bookkeeper is not a requirement for using Quickbooks, however, Quickbooks is an advanced program with a lot of quirks, and many people who use it without the guidance of a bookkeeper often find their information is inaccurate and messy. That’s why so many accountants, ourselves included, offer Quickbooks Cleanups. The fact is that most people who use Quickbooks without an accountant or bookkeeper will eventually find their books a mess and need professional help.
Should I get an accountant OR use Quickbooks?
These are not mutually exclusive. Many accountants will recommend you use Quickbooks (or another accounting software), while others will simply provide you with a login to upload documents to their platform (or simply have you email them to their team). Of course, the right choice for you can depend on your business, but getting started with an accountant, even if you’re hoping to use Quickbooks, will get you on the right path and mitigate potential errors.
Is Quickbooks the same as a bookkeeper?
Quickbooks is not the same as a bookkeeper. Quickbooks is am accounting software program, while a bookkeeper is a professional who is trained and certified to use accounting software and manage a business’ day-to-day ledger.
Can I do my own business accounting?
Of course. Any person can manage their own business accounting. The key difference in hiring a professional is that you spend less time on bookkeeping and more time building and running the core of your business, and a professional accountant can take on that component of the business.
When should I stop using Quickbooks?
If your Quickbooks data is getting more and more inaccurate, if you’re unable to input all information you need, or if the cost is getting too expensive, it may be time to stop using Quickbooks. Many business owners purchase Quickbooks with every intention of staying on top of their accounting, only to discover that it’s too tedious and the program is too convoluted to keep up with. When this happens, most people will transition to a professional accountant.
How much is a Quickbooks cleanup?
The cost of a Quickbooks cleanup depends on the accountant. Some charge by the hour, while others evaluate and offer a set price. Our Quickbooks Cleanups are priced at a Flat Fee, and starts with a consultation to understand your goals for the cleanup. You can read more about this service here: Quickbooks Cleanup, Fix, and Support.
Can I use Quickbooks without an accountant?
Yes, you can use Quickbooks without an accountant. However, keep in mind that this software was designed with accounting principles in mind, and caters to CPAs and Quickbooks certified bookkeepers.
How do I know if I need an accountant?
The simplest response to this question is that if you’re already asking about it, you probably need an accountant. There is no universal single indicator that a person or small business owner needs an accountant, but if you are in a scenario where you need to tackle financial issues outside of your immediate understanding, you will save yourself a lot of stress and headache by hiring an accountant, even if it’s only for a consulting period.
Do accountants prefer Quickbooks?
Many accountants prefer Quickbooks. There are several accounting softwares on the market, each one with their own quirks, but Quickbooks is the most common accounting software used by CPAs and bookkeepers.
Is Quickbooks becoming obsolete?
Like any software platform, Quickbooks changes over time. Some products are closed down, combined, and changed. If obsolescence is something you’re worried about, we recommend leaning on a CPA or bookkeeper to manage the accounting side of your business. Bookkeeping software just isn’t something you should have to worry about.
Why is Quickbooks online so slow?
Quickbooks online can be slow for a few reasons. Usually, it’s a bad internet connection, the software needs to be updated, there’s a bug in the software, or the computer isn’t strong enough to handle the processing.
Why is Quickbooks getting more expensive?
Quickbooks (Intuit) is a software platform designed to appeal to a broad market, but it is a product and their business’ goal is to make money. Many of their prices increased in 2021. Pricing is always changes with platforms and services, so it’s difficult to say exactly why, though it’s not surprising.
Is Quickbooks worth it for a small business?
This is a tough question to answer, and really depends on the business. If you have an in-house bookkeeper, have outsourced bookkeeping, or have an accounting consultant, Quickbooks will likely be worth it for your small business. If you are self-employed and don’t have anyone on staff who has experience with Quickbooks and general accounting, it’s probably better to look for an affordable outsourced bookkeeper. The learning curve for Quickbooks is pretty high, and if there’s one place you really don’t want to be making errors, it’s in financial documents in your business. Quickbooks 2023 is $549 plus tax, plus the time and resources your small business must spend setting it up, inputting information, and making journal entries, categorizing expenses, etc. If you’re considering getting Quickbooks, it’s absolutely worth it to schedule a consultation with an accounting and bookkeeping firm to understand the costs and services you get from a professional vs. through Quickbooks. Just know that you have many options when it comes to how you manage and track your bookkeeping.
Do I have to buy a new Quickbooks every year?
Yes. You’ll pay a yearly subscription in order to use Quickbooks. It is now subscription only, so you have no other option but to pay yearly.
