I am a newbie and am knee deep in researching this world of VA Bookkeepers. I have explored a few sites offering VA jobs, and I am seeing alot of requests for Bookkeepers using programs other than QBs. And I am wondering when you seek out clients are you sticking with just those that are using QB's, are you conforming to them? And I'm also wondering how hard is it to find tutorials to get the know how for a new system? Same question applies payroll systems?
I primarily use QuickBooks but am also versed in Quicken, Crystal Reports and Wind2 Accounting. To date, all of my clients have either used QuickBooks or asked my recommendation (which is always QuickBooks for ease of use).
I've always used Peach Tree and actually really like it. I am in the process of learning QuickBook as it seems to be the most popular. I will be offering both to my clients.
I utilize whatever system my client is currently using. I am trained on a great variety of financial programs. If the client does not have a preference, then I use QuickBooks.
I've used quickbooks the most as well, but I've just started learning simply accounting as well, I'm from BC, Canada, and most of the universities are using simply in their courses, so I figured it would be good to have more than one option.
As a bookkeeper with an education and experience in the area I believe once you understand the basics of a software you'll be able to jump from one to another with no problems. There are more popular ones for small business bookkeeping but the main thing is to learn the basics of bookkeeping.
Most of my bookkeeping clients use QB, however I do have a few that use Freshbooks and Outright. I also have experience in Peachtree but do not really offer it. It is a personal preference of what you would like to add to your services and if you feel comfortable learning their program.
So a quick follow up question...are most of your clients new business owners where you are setting up their books for the first time, so that you're able to start them on QB's? Or do most of your clients already in business and you're taking them over? And if they aren't already on a program of your preference, do you just go along with what they are using, or do you switch them over, if you can?
Most of my client are using QuickBooks. I am working with a new client that was using PeachTree and her CPA had been requesting for years to move to QuickBooks so the timing was right when she contacted me. I do have clients that I am setting them up from new or offering them an analysis on their current QB data file.
My recommendation for you when you are first starting out is to get good at one accounting software and to offer that service.
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Lori Fasciano Your Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
How many different programs do you use?
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
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