Anthony Martini CPA

QuickBooks

Why use QuickBooks?

QuickBooks is the small business accounting software of choice today. Over the years our firm has worked with or installed many different accounting software products in use by our clients. These software products have ranged from low end to mid-range software costing many thousands of dollars. During this time, we have witnessed the evolution and expansion of the QuickBooks suite of products.

In our professional opinion, we consider the following key factors to be the most significant reasons for choosing QuickBooks if you have a small business:

The software is extremely adaptable to most small businesses. All documents and reports can be customized to the business needs. Reports can be readily exported to other applications.
Easy to use once properly setup, the software does an excellent job of recording, organizing and reporting the financial information of the business enterprise in accordance with established accounting standards and methods.
QuickBooks is compatible with many vertical market applications which allow industry specific software applications to export directly into QuickBooks, and more of these applications are being integrated all the time. Examples include: Point of Sale, Construction, Medical etc.
Because the installed user base of QuickBooks is so extensive, the product has been widely tested and is very stable and reliable. When you compare all the features and functionality of this software in relation to its cost, there is simply no other product in the market at this level which offers a better value for the small business enterprise.
Realizing that many small businesses have or soon will outgrow the capabilities of QuickBooks, Intuit has recently released its next generation software called QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions which allows a much larger business organization to use the product. For example, QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions is a better fit for a business with perhaps 100 to 200 employees, $10 million in sales with network access up to 10 simultaneous users.

Does this mean that QuickBooks is right for every small business? No. Absolutely not. Even in consideration of all these positive attributes, there are situations in which QuickBooks is not the right fit for certain businesses. Also, as in most non-custom developed software, there will usually always be some limitation or situation that causes frustration. As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, we are trained to recognize when these circumstances exist and can suggest alternatives.

What QuickBooks benefits does our firm provide?

QuickBooks, like any accounting software is merely a tool. Just as the purchase of woodworking tools will not turn a novice into a fine craftsman, neither will accounting software by itself effectively manage your business. In this regard, as with most skills, there is simply no substitute for knowledge and experience. Our QuickBooks software knowledge is complimented by years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, taxation and business advisory services across a wide range of industries. This gives us an unparalleled advantage in helping you - the small business owner - implement a successful QuickBooks setup for your company.

What makes our approach to accounting software implementation different?

Often times as businesses and their related internal information requirements grow, an assortment of applications and procedures develop without any real overall central design or planning. Over time, these processes become habits simply because "it has always been done that way". But, it is key to recognize that it may not be the best or most efficient way.

For these reasons our QuickBooks advisory process goes beyond simply choosing software preferences and setting up your chart of accounts. Rather, through the process of interviews and observations our objective is to define the optimal flow of information processing through your organization and define the goals to be achieved with the end result.

When this is accomplished, redundant tasks can be eliminated and an accounting information system can be configured in such a way that allows the organization to function at peek efficiency. Ultimately, this translates into many benefits among which include lower manual labor costs, higher levels of customer satisfaction, optimal purchasing and management of inventory, greater accuracy and usefulness in reporting, improved overall profitability of the organization, etc.

Because we are CPA's and have broad experience in financial reporting, taxation issues, business entity structures etc. we look at all these combined elements of your organization because they are all important factors to be considered in designing an accounting software setup and providing training. Therefore, unlike a computer guru, we take a very comprehensive approach when setting up an accounting software system.

Personal Training in setting up and using QuickBooks is available to you. Sure, seminars are great, but when you go back to the office and attempt to apply this training, do you still find that you have questions or that your setup situation for your business requires a non-standard approach not covered in the seminar? If so, then you will appreciate our approach because we work with you in setting up your company in your office. more...

QuickSetup: Although QuickBooks is designed for the layman to understand, the initial setup and installation must be done correctly in order for future information to be accurate. more...

QuickTune-up: Whether you need to prepare for tax time, a financial review or you just need to clean up some problem areas, you'll be prepared with a QuickBooks Tune-up. In four (4) hours, a QuickBooks Professional Advisor will help you clean up and organize your bookkeeping system. more...

QuickAnswers: Never Hesitate to Ask a Question! Employees in your accounting department will find comfort in knowing an Expert in QuickBooks is only an email or phone-call away. Email and telephone support prevents many wasted hours of aggravation and embarrassment. more...

QuickBooks Tips: Please take a look at our list of QuickTips to save you time and make your QuickBooks experience even more productive. more...