Switching to Quickbooks Online (QBO)

Written by Shelley Ricketts on Jun. 11, 2019

Considering making the switch from Desktop (Quickbooks or Sage) or paper to the cloud? (QuickBooks Online (QBO))

If you are currently using the Desktop version of QuickBooks, you need to be aware that QBO is not the same program and doesn’t really look anything like the Desktop product.  Don’t let that scare you off though!  The QBO program is designed to have the same flexibility and user-friendly settings that you are used to seeing in the Desktop version. It has a slightly different look with a few different terms and menus to choose from.

So why would you make the switch?

Here are a few reasons why the cloud and QBO might be the right choice for you:

Accurate and timely information.

By utilizing features like bank downloads, matching and receipt retention, your financials can be prepared faster and with less errors than other methods.

Real time anywhere access to your data.

Quickbooks Online is accessible from your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device anywhere and anytime. Need to create an invoice while you are at a jobsite or access financial information for a meeting with your bank?  The benefits of having real time access to live data are endless and more and more business owners are understanding how important this can be.  Oh yes, the other benefit of live data in the cloud is no more backups!

QBO is accessible from your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device anywhere and anytime.

Historical data can be converted

If you’ve been in business for a while, there will be a lot of accounting data you need and want to retain from your current accounting software.  You can convert your QuickBooks desktop file to QBO and it will bring in your historical information. There are a few best practices to consider before converting your data file so it’s a good idea to get in contact with a QBO ProAdvisor who can help you with the conversion.

There’s an App for that

Quickbooks Online is a really great program to manage the finances and accounting pieces of your company but Intuit will be the first to admit that they aren’t an expert at everything.  However, they’ve designed QBO to integrate with other programs that add features to QBO.  This allows you to custom build QBO to include the features that you need.  There are apps available for job estimating and billing in the field, time billing, advanced inventory management, processing receipts and expense reimbursements, online sales etc…the list is growing daily.

Collaborate with your Accountant or Bookkeeper

You can invite up to two accountant or bookkeeper users to have access to your data file. Many companies have questions or need extra support throughout the year and not just when it comes time to file taxes.   Having shared access allows your accountant or bookkeeper to easily work with you and provide the support you need when you need it.

There are a lot of great reasons to make the jump into the cloud but there may also be a few reasons not to.   Before you make the switch, we recommend that you consult with a QBO ProAdvisor to make sure that accounting in the cloud is the right fit for your company.

If you would like more information or have any questions, feel free to contact us at 780.466.6204, or click here to send us an email.

Thanks to Shelley Ricketts, QuickBooks and QBO Proadvisor, of KWB Chartered Accountants for providing this content.

Shelley Ricketts

Shelley Ricketts

Cloud Accounting Manager

Shelley joined KWB in January 2011 as a part-time accounting technician subcontractor. Prior to joining KWB, she worked in a similar role with a smaller accounting firm for over twelve years but was looking for a change and KWB delivered the work environment and flexibility that she was looking for.

Along with many years of public accounting experience, Shelley brings an extensive bookkeeping background to KWB and is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor (QBO Advanced Certification, QB Desktop Certification and NAIT Accelerated Accounting Certification), as well as being a Workflow Implementation Specialist (or as Shelley calls it, the Cloud Whisperer), In addition to working on corporate files, she also provides remote and on-site client training and assistance in both Quickbooks and Simply Accounting.

Shelley lives outside of Sherwood Park on an acreage with her husband and two boys, three horses and two dogs. Away from work and the acreage, she enjoys camping trips with the family and afternoon trail rides with friends.

Shelley is the Treasurer for the War Horse Awareness Foundation and has been since the Foundation began.

Shelley’s favourite quotation: “What you do today can improve all your tomorrows” – Ralph Marston.

Shelley's Contact Information

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