Client has Different Version of QuickBooks

[VAbyNellie]

Hello,
I was just contacted by a prospective client and they would like to hire me as their bookkeeper. Unfortunately, I have QB Pro 2010 installed in my computer and they use the 2009 version. I can load up files from earlier versions, but not the oppositive. I am trying to avoid going to their office one a week to do their bookkeeping. Any alternative? has anyone encountered this issue? Let me know! thanks!

[Balanced Business Service]

I have 2009 and 2010 QuickBooks installed on my computer. Most bookkeepers that I've checked with have 2 to 3 versions of QB for that reason. If your client will lend you their version of the software, you can install it on your computer for the purpose of working with their file.

[Your Virtual Wizard]

Stephanie has a good suggestion.

If you still need a solution, try contacting QBs support to see if they have a solution you can use.

Janine

[accurateAccounting]

I have the same question. I would like to hear from all of you experienced freelance bookkeepers how is this problem solved other than buying every version of Quickbooks. One lady wrote an article about why she hates Quickbooks for the same reason. It is kind of funny, check it out here:
http://www.sequenceinc.com/fraudfile...nd-quickbooks/

Thanks for replies,
Roy.

[StaceyStahl]

I am a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor. As part of the membership, I get a new version of QB every year. Since I take the certification exam every year, I also get a listing on their ProAdvisor website. I've gotten quite a few clients from that listing. Yes, it is expensive but it has paid for itself in the number of new clients I get.

[Balanced Business Service]

Thanks Stacey! I can't believe I didn't suggest that! That's how I got version 2010. Plus, as a ProAdvisor, I can call with any questions I have. I also feel it has paid for itself.

Roy, as far as buying "every version" you probably only need the 2 latest versions; 3 versions tops but I find that the latest 2 versions works fine.

Buying the software is the only over-head I have except for phone, insurance and other small monthly expenditures. Don't get me wrong; there are some things about QB that drive me crazy but all in all, I've been happy.

[StaceyStahl]

You're welcome. I really love the program.

[VAbyNellie]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am going to ask the client to give me her version so that I can upload to her computer. How about remote access? has anyone had to do that?

[Your Virtual Wizard]

Yes, I have used remote access (Logmein) for clients but there are two drawbacks:

I can be difficult to find the right time to log on when the client is not using the computer. There were times I was accessing the computer while the client was on even though we decided XX would be the right time. Sometimes that worked out and sometimes it did not which meant that I had to log on later which often meant that I had to rearrange my own work. I'm not saying it can't be done...

Also, anytime you use remote you open up your own computer to any viruses that might be transmitted from the client computer. Of course, my own antivirus caught most of it but the opportunity to infect my computer was a worry.

Otherwise, Logmein and others work well. So that might be a consideration in your case.

Janine

[Balanced Business Service]

Yes. There is Logmein.com which has a free version. Your client will have to start the account and give you a password and user name. This way it's their account and they can change the password whenever they want. Gives them the control which they should have. They can also use it for themselves if they don't already have a way to log in to their own computer or have a cloud system in place. Also, Mikogo which is session based. Depends on what the client is comfortable with. Logmein lets you in when you need it as long as their computer is on. Check with your client on scheduling. Mikogo (also free) sends an email and they have to accept and grant access/control to you for their computer. There are lots of others. Those are the two I use. Hope this helps. :-)