Using QuickBooks to track time - Virtual Assistant Forums

mmangen · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009

Does anyone out there use the time tracking feature in QuickBooks?

If so, what do you like/dislike about it?

Thanks!

lanelt · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009

I tried using the QB timer but it didn't work for me. I had to log in to the timer then log out of my books to log in to my client's books to work (I'm a bookkeeper) then log back in to my books to shut off. It was a hassle.

If you're not doing bookkeeping it might work. I didn't think it was very efficient for a timer, changing tasks wasn't as easy as I wanted.

ksteckler · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009

I havent used that yet, Id like to know how well it works! For me, so far I found the good old fashioned excel works best for me...I created a sheet that uses some forumlas and it's formulated for the way I work.

Office Goddess · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009

I track my time on an Excel spreadsheet that allows me to put in multiple clients and mark break time in the middle, if necessary. (PM me if you want a copy).

Kbennitt · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2009

I use the time tracker for a client I sub contract with and it works pretty well. I have Vista so have the deskto timer which is so much easier than the online or file version. Especially when working on bookkeeping projects.

The only thing I don't like is that it creates a new line or every entry and you can't edit the time once it has been loaded into QB without losing some of the data. (frustrating when you want to edit a note)

Otherwise, I really like it and it integrates well. Makes invoicing a little easier too!

**For my own time I use the timer, but log everything in excel. I'm not happy with the QB invoices layout and feel so I created my own. Makes it easier to add multiple jobs to a single invoice when subcotracting.**

VBSVirtual · #6 (**permalink**) 02-12-2009

I tried using QuickBooks timer and did not like it. There are too many keystrokes and not time efficient. I have tried many things to date to streamline the tracking of my client time. The most efficient method that I have found is to just keep it simple. I purchased a timer and I keep it placed in front of my computer. It is a nice timer that you can record time going both ways. I can set the timer for an hour and it will alert me when that hour is up. Also, I can start the timer when I start a project and it will track until I turn off. It records in hours, minutes and seconds. As soon as I complete a project I will post the time to the appropriate client ClientSpot. Then I print out my client reports at end of month for invoicing.

Brenda Violette
VBS Virtual Assist, LLC

Gulf Coast Office Support · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009

I use the QuickBooks timer and love it. There is a separate timer application that you can install that allows you to use the timer without having QB open. Then when it's time to invoice, I export the timer activities and import into QB for invoicing.

Kathya · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Office Goddess

I track my time on an Excel spreadsheet that allows me to put in multiple clients and mark break time in the middle, if necessary. (PM me if you want a copy).

I would love a copy of the spreadsheet!

Thanks,

Kathya