[Problem] Ledger conversion to Quickbooks

[BrightIdeas]

I have a new client that I interviewed with last week and I don't know where to start! What I was told on the phone BEFORE I arrived was that they needed "computer" help....setting up emails, creating forms, etc. During the interview, I find out that they have been paying a CPA to come in weekly to handwrite all checks, process payroll (manually), and ALL accounting functions are(were) being done with "pencil and ledger". And the kicker....he fired the CPA the day before my interview. WOW.... I decided that priority-wise, getting the payroll done was #1 (since I could do this fairly easily.....I haven't done it manually in a LOOOONG time!), I also installed Quickbooks Pro 2009 and am setting it up from the ledger sheets that I am finding. What a mess! I really want to help this company out, I was/am a bit overwhelmed! would appreciate anyone's comments on prioritizing.

[Action Jackson VA]

Hi,

Priorities:
1. Like you said Pay Roll
2. Getting the database in Quickbooks done, vendors and employees, put in account information for payments received and payments sent etc.
3. Payables - Hopefully he has given you the invoices
4. Receivables - Hopefully you have a list of vendors
5. Past tax information - Hopefully you have at the minimum the past 3 years.
6. Take a break
7. Create a daily log for your review and review it daily.

That is what I would do. I hope that helps.
Andrea

[Virtual Office Management]

I come a accross this all the time. Set up quickbooks. If payroll is the priority, set it up first. Then you need to review any government filings to make sure the right amounts are correct. I then usually look at the bank balance. Then I look at the accounts receivable and accounts Payable. That usually cleans up 95% of the balances. Then I look at all the other accounts. Good luck.