What Can a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Do for You?
When you’re a business owner, your finances are critical for survival. Being an entrepreneur or a new small business owner typically means being the bookkeeper for some time. If you know you won’t be able to manage or have run out of time and energy to track all your finances, you need to consider hiring a bookkeeper, accountant or certified public accountant (CPA). A knowledgeable professional can help you streamline your accounting and bookkeeping.
So, what aspects or qualities should you be looking for? What makes an exceptional bookkeeper, accountant or CPA? You should find someone who is a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor.
What Is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is an accounting and bookkeeping professional with specialized knowledge of Intuit QuickBooks. They receive a certification as a ProAdvisor by undergoing training and examination. These professionals may be small business advisors, accountants or CPAs. Their in-depth QuickBooks training gives them detailed knowledge of the QuickBooks system. As a result, these professionals often help clients set up and maintain QuickBooks software.
Under the main QuickBooks ProAdvisor title, individuals hold different certifications, including:
- QuickBooks Level 1 Certification: This certification covers essential features and workflows within the platform.
- QuickBooks Level 2 Certification: Those seeking more advanced knowledge can get this certification to understand features like reporting, inventory management and payroll processing.
- QuickBooks Point of Sale Certification: Bookkeepers and accountants can more effectively work with retail clients with this training.
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: Professionals with this certification have proficiency in QuickBooks Enterprise, which is a more robust software for larger businesses with more complex accounting.
QuickBooks Certified User vs. ProAdvisor
QuickBooks offers several different certifications, including QuickBooks Certified User. This certification is geared toward business owners or internal employees looking to increase their QuickBooks knowledge. The ProAdvisor certification focuses more on independent bookkeepers or accountants delivering services to others. Here are a few more differences between the two:
- Training: Training is optional for Certified Users and may include a paid live two-day class or self-paced training and live help. QuickBooks ProAdvisors go through a series of free, self-paced training modules.
- Exam: The exam to become a ProAdvisor is free. Exams are included free with Certified User training, but those who choose to skip training will have to pay separately for the exam.
- Certification validity: Certified Users maintain their qualifications indefinitely, while ProAdvisors must renew every year, meaning they are more likely to have the most updated knowledge.
- Skills assessed: The ProAdvisor exam covers more skills, especially those relevant to serving external clients. The Certified User assessment covers basic skills, especially tailored to those doing internal accounting.
What Does a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Do?
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor carries out various responsibilities and tasks that can help you make the most of the software, some of which include:
- Advising on software updates to ensure clients have the correct, updated version
- Teaching clients how to use the software effectively and make the most of their money
- Generating financial reports to stay on top of accounting, such as payroll and profit and loss
- Offering guidance on financial aspects like investments, cash flow and debt management
- Providing estimates before clients embark on projects based on the project’s cost and time frame
- Customizing software to the business’s unique needs
What Does Working With a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Look Like?
With a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, you get access to advanced knowledge of how QuickBooks works. Anyone certified in QuickBooks has studied lessons and courses to learn all the tricks and nuances of this software. They can help you troubleshoot issues such as balancing balance sheets and fixing bank feeds. They can also train you to use QuickBooks, boosting the productivity and efficiency of your departments.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor?
A QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor has extensive knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping services. They can act as an outsourced accounting department for small and medium-sized businesses.
Here’s a short list of some of their capabilities and the benefits they bring:
- Invoicing customers
- Reconciling your accounts
- Paying bills
- Setting up and customizing your software
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Offering discounts that extend to clients
- Updating on products and services
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor who is also a CPA can prepare tax returns, ensuring you stay compliant with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Why Hire a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
Working with a professional QuickBooks Certified Advisor has several advantages for your business. Consider the following reasons to hire a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Access a Bookkeeping and Accounting Expert
It’s wise to work with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor to get the best out of your software. A certified ProAdvisor has the expertise and knowledge to set up, manage and leverage your account to track your revenue, expenses and cash flow. They have resources and know-how to help you make the most out of the tools. They’ll also give you access to excellent customer service and support.
Save on Costs
ProAdvisors know how to set up your software correctly. An incorrect setup can lead to inaccurate information and financial statements, costing you a lot of money.
With a ProAdvisor, you can access exclusive discounts on add-ons, plug-ins and other added features. They can also help you decide whether your business needs a specific functionality. You’ll save money by investing in features designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of your company.
Gain Staff Education and Training
If you want to know about the intricacies of QuickBooks, a ProAdvisor can educate you about how the system works. They know the ins and outs of QuickBooks and have the expertise to guide and educate business owners and their teams. A Certified ProAdvisor can educate you and your staff on properly maintaining the system and provide best practices to avoid errors in the daily operations.
Know About Updates
QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors are the first to know about updates. They also receive exclusive invitations to events and conferences and early access to news from Intuit. When there is a new software update, a Certified ProAdvisor can advise you on how it will affect your business and schedule the best time to carry out the update, limiting the downtime your company may experience.
If complexities arise in software updates, the ProAdvisor has access to the customer support team directly from Intuit to help iron out any issues.
Why Trust Steph’s Bookkeeping Service?
Our team is run by Steph, who has over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting and holds a QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification. Besides Steph, our team includes several other expert bookkeepers with specialized expertise across numerous industries. Our in-depth knowledge of QuickBooks and the various sectors we serve enables us to give the guidance you need when making financial decisions for your business.
Besides contributing a high level of expertise, we work for your benefit. Our team is invested in your success and ready to offer guidance on everything from the accounting software you use to the overall financial health of your business.
Hire a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor
Going with a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor over a QuickBooks Certified User will go a long way. You receive various benefits and perks and gain peace of mind that your company’s financesare in expert hands. The yearly recertification required to maintain ProAdvisor status also ensures these professionals stay current in accounting, bookkeeping and QuickBooks software.
If you’re looking for a QuickBooks ProAdvisor near Chicago, turn to us. At Steph’s Bookkeeping Service, we are happy to help you and your business get back on or stay on track financially. Get started by contacting us today!
