QuickBooks Online ………Open Architecture

QuickBooks Online Takes on a Whole New Look, Open Architecture

Revamp of interface improves usability, while new open platform streamlines integration with related solutions.

Since it was launched over a decade ago, QuickBooks Online has been easy to use. It’s been quicker and “lighter” than the desktop versions, thanks to its cloud-based platform and a feature set that was more limited than the software at the top of Intuit’s food chain.

Still, Intuit recently did a major overhaul of its online offering, and the results will be startling to anyone who has visited the site even once.   Beyond being cleaner, leaner and more intuitive, this totally-rebuilt application sits on an open platform that readies it for users who want a state-of-the-art accounting solution that integrates seamlessly with the other web-based tools they use to run their businesses.

Those companies can access QuickBooks Online and its other business management systems from anywhere via a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet.

A Good Start:   You’ll most likely start your day on QuickBooks Online’s dashboard, its home page. Earlier versions of the application had a starting page, but it was overly busy and not as comprehensive as the new one. And it just didn’t incorporate today’s best web design.

As you move on to other elements of QuickBooks Online by clicking on the navigational tabs in the left pane, you’ll see this new emphasis on usability continued. Every screen has been rebuilt so that you’re not hunting around the page, looking for the rather small links to the tasks you want to do.

If you just want to get in and create a quick transaction, you can click on the X at the top of the page, which opens a list of links to the most commonly-used ones. Two other links here take you to tools that you’re likely to use regularly. A small icon opens a window containing your most recent transactions. And the magnifying glass gives you access to QuickBooks Online’s Search function.

The new QuickBooks Online also pulls together links that used to be scattered throughout the site. You can easily get to these by clicking the small wheel icon in the upper right corner. From here, you can work with:

  • Settings (Company Settings, Chart of Accounts)
  • Lists (Products and Services, Recurring Transactions, etc.)
  • Tools (Import Desktop Data, Reconcile, Activity Log, etc.)
  • Your Company (Your Account, Manage Users, etc.)

This consolidation of important site functions will accelerate your workflow greatly. You use the tabs on the left side of the screen to do your actual accounting work, while all of your other “background” tasks are accessible through one icon.

Everything Under One Roof

Intuit calls QuickBooks Online a “global small business operating system” because of its new digital architecture. Services that were formerly add-ons, like Payroll and Payment Services, are now a part of the site itself. And because it’s built on an “open platform,” it will be easier for third-party developers to create applications that integrate smoothly with QuickBooks Online. Hundreds of these are already available in the Intuit App Center.

This is what cloud computing is all about. Rather than using individual desktop applications that may or may not be able to connect with related products, QuickBooks Online can serve as your core small business accounting solution. As you need more functionality, you don’t have to upgrade to a new version or move to a different software family altogether. You simply add an integrated application that can use the data you’re already storing in QuickBooks Online.

Do you have questions about whether QuickBooks Online can manage your company’s business functions? Worried about security or just want more information? Contact us.  We will be glad to help you identify, determine and pic a customized solution that best fits your needs.

Yes, One Size does not fit All.  For some it is the Online Version and yet for some it will be the Desk-Top Version.  It all depends on the particular environment your business runs.

Ben D.

 

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QuickBooks 2014 Simplifies…Common Tasks

QuickBooks 2014 Simplifies, Accelerates Common Tasks

New version of desktop QuickBooks accomplishes goal of speeding up, refining your workflow.

If Intuit named its desktop versions of QuickBooks by the version number rather than the year, we’d be in version 20-something by now. QuickBooks, still the preferred software for small businesses, keeps getting smarter in its annual upgrades. Rather than pile on tons of new features in its upgrades, Intuit – for many years – has concentrated on making it easier for you to access the tools and data that are already there.

QuickBooks 2014 is no exception. Its combination of small-but-effective changes makes it easier to get in and do what needs to be done quickly and then get out and move on to activities that will help build your business.

If you do upgrade to QuickBooks 2014, head first to the new:

Income Tracker (Customers | Income Tracker).   QuickBooks offers numerous reports and other tools for following the progress of your incoming revenue, but this new feature provides the best we’ve seen in the software.

Estimates, Open Invoices, Overdue and Paid Last 30 Days – Within each bar is the number of related transactions and their total dollar amount.

You’ll use the drop-down lists directly below these navigational bars to set filters that define a subset of transactions. These are:

CUSTOMER: JOB, TYPE, STATUS and DATE.

ACTION. Once you’ve earmarked a transaction or transactions that you want to work with by checking the box in front of each name, you can select an action you want to take. If OPEN INVOICES is active, for example, you can receive payment for the transaction(s), print or email them. Where applicable, you can open a drop-down menu in the lower left of the screen and batch-produce invoices, sales receipts and credit memos/refunds.

More Descriptive Email:  If you regularly send invoices through email, you may have wondered how many of them actually get opened by your customers in a timely fashion. QuickBooks 2014 contains a new tool that makes the details of each invoice available within the body of the email itself.

 To access this template, open the:  Edit menu and select Preferences. Click on the Send Forms tab, then Company Preferences. Open the drop-down list to select the type of form you want to view or modify (pay stub, sales receipt, credit memo, etc.) and click the Edit button to see the actual template and follow the procedure through. 

They’re fairly simple to use, but one error will throw your message off.  We can help you get set up with these.

Smaller Changes:   Intuit has made many small-but-useful features to QuickBooks 2014, all designed to help you work faster and smarter, and simply to support more convenient operations. For example, the Ribbon toolbars on transactions now include a tab or menu that lets you open related reports.

 In addition:

  • QuickBooks’ color scheme has been changed.
  • The program runs faster.
  • You can now copy and paste lines within forms.
  • We can communicate with you (and vice versa) via an email window that’s been embedded into the software. This tool even auto-pastes the transaction in question into the email window.
  • There’s been some retooling of online banking (now called “Bank Feeds”), making it more accessible and understandable.

Upgrading to a new version of QuickBooks can be challenging, so we encourage you to let us know if you’d like to explore the process.

Improving your workflow and understanding your finances are critical and worth your efforts.    We will be glad to to assist you in your business improvement and let us know.

We are here to help.

Ben D.

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QuickBooks Made Easy

Contractors, Manufacturers, & Service Business Entities! 

Do you need to track costs per job, bill of materials, labor, profitability?

Do you need accurate financial reports on which to base decisions? 

Accounting in these industries is Different & WE CAN HELP!

ATTEND OUR QUICKBOOKS TRAINING & YOU WILL LEARN:

– How to setup & optimize QuickBooks correctly for your business
– How to avoid the 7 most common errors in QuickBooks
– How to optimize your Accounts Receivable & Payable for improved Cash Flow
– How to create & track Inventory and critical Inventory management tips
– How to track Sales Orders, Sales & Profitability by product, Advanced Reporting
– How to setup Jobs in QuickBooks, Bill of Materials, Over-Head, Assembly, etc.
– What Reports you   should review to prevent waste of company resources
– How to efficiently   manage Payroll, Sub-Contractors & MUCH MORE

Who Should Attend?

–   Business Owners & Partners for insight into short & long term business goals.

–   Accountants & Bookkeepers to improve QuickBooks Operations & Cash Flow.

Class size is limited.  Reserve your seat today!   

Introduction to QuickBooks:-       Contact us for a date

Advanced QuickBooks Training:- Contact us for a date

Time: 9 AM – 1 PM

Cost: $147.00.    Includes:  A FREE Student Guide & a light lunch is provided.

CALL 888 840 – 8825 to register & to pay by credit card Or 

Send a Check to: Accounting & Business Solutions, 2140 Shattuck Ave., Suite 808, Berkeley, CA 94704, with your name, return address and contact information. 

For any questions E-mail to:  ben@acctbusol.com  or call 510 847 4539.

 

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Is Accounting & Business Solutions Right for You?

Accounting and Business Solutions (ABS) based in Berkeley, provides general accounting, system setup, QuickBooks configuration, installation, bookkeeping, staff training and support to small and midsize companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. We help small businesses get started and mid-sized companies grow. We are committed to intelligently managing your books and ensuring your financial well-being.

Need assistance with QuickBooks or Enterprise Solutions? We are experts in using software solutions so you can remain focused on your core competencies. Trying to get back on track? ABS can assist you in reconfiguring the accounting needs of your business and the budgetary adjustments necessary for reallocation of your resources. Seeking customized financial management strategy to power your company’s growth? We have the skills and experience to help.

Providing a Range of Expert Accounting Solutions

  • Potential business owners – let us help overcome financial planning obstacles prior to launch.
  • Small or mid-sized businesses – we can assist with monthly, quarterly, or yearly financial reports, budget planning, payroll, management solutions and computer systems.
  • Small or mid-sized businesses experiencing growth – managing a growing enterprise and ensuring adequate cash flow can be a challenge. We can help.
  • Experiencing problems with your current accounting system – If your current accounting system is obsolete, inadequate or difficult, we’ll help you upgrade, or convert to a newer, more dependable and more user-friendly system

ABS has expert advisors on staff that have been certified to represent the Intuit’s Advanced Certified QuickBooks and Enterprise Solutions. We will review the financial needs of your company and help you design a customized accounting system that is easier to understand and to navigate. In addition, ABS will train personnel in the proper use of the system and will review monthly, quarterly or yearly transactions and managerial reports for accuracy.

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