Updating QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise – New Version

If you are using an older version of QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise (possibly no longer supported by Intuit) and you pay an annual fee for QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, you can update to the current version at no additional software cost.

When you pay the annual maintenance or subscription fee, you are provided a license to any newer version released during the year.  This means that if you pay an annual fee in November and the new version is released in the next September, you can download and install the new version.  Intuit does not send out CDs and often the email announcement of the new version is overlooked.   I find that many companies are not aware that they can easily upgrade.

Before upgrading any software, verify that your system meets the software installation requirements System Requirements  and that any other software you are using will not be affected by the upgrade.

When you are ready to upgrade to the latest version, follow these steps to download the software and locate your License Number & Product Number needed to complete the software installation.

Go to www.quickbooks.com/account and Login:
User ID = Usually your email address
Password = Enter your password or select “Forgot Your Password?” 

After you successfully login

In the Products & Services section select details of the desired version
Your License Number and Product Number will be displayed.  Make a note of these numbers, you will need them to install the software.

To download the software

Select the “Download Link, to install the “Set-up” program,
Select the Setup icon to perform the software download and install the software.

If you need any assistance, I am happy to help with the install and the data conversion.

Do you have too many Inventory Adjustments in QuickBooks?

In recent months, I have noticed several new clients had a HUGE number of inventory adjustments.  Some even had a couple dozen a day.  Large numbers of inventory adjustments are a warning sign that this feature is not being used correctly or that there is an internal control issue.

Inventory adjustments are used to correct quantities on hand, value, and/or Lot/Serial numbers.  Usually inventory adjustments are made after a full physical inventory or cycle counts. If numerous errors are detected during the counting of inventory, it’s possible that transactions are not entered properly, or it may be a sign of internal control issues, or theft.

Inventory adjustments should not be used to create assemblies or transfer inventory from one site to another.

  1. If you create inventory assembly items you can build assemblies.  Using this feature in Pro, Premier, and Enterprise finished goods are added to inventory and the raw materials used to make the finished goods are subtracted from inventory.
  2. If you have multiple warehouses, using Advanced Inventory on QuickBooks Enterprise gives the user an option to transfer inventory without affecting the value or lot/serial number.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please let me know.

It’s that time of year to look at payroll options…

If you are unhappy with your current payroll system, or if you want to automate the process of recording payroll; it’s the perfect time to evaluate payroll options.
I would like to tell you about Intuit Assisted Payroll. . This is the payroll service that I recommend for the following reasons

Payroll checks post directly to your QuickBooks file.

Intuit handles all tax payments and filing of forms.

Intuit is the largest provider of small business payroll services.

Pricing is competitive and most clients save money by switching to Intuit.

I can also offer a  20% discount on the monthly fee, for first year.
Call or email now to sign up! Ilene Eisen 831.373.8200 ilene.eisen@ie-solutions,biz

Don’t spend another year typing  payroll transaction in your QuickBooks Company file!!!

Starting a new payroll service in January, is both the best time to make a change and the busiest time to make the change.

Intuit is scheduling the conversion process appointments beginning November 1st o Be one of the first to receive training in 2016 and be ready to process your 2017 payroll timely!

QuickBooks Webinar Schedule

Ilene Eisen has scheduled webinars to be broadcast from May 2015 – December 2015.

Each webinar is two hours and will qualify for Continuing Professional Education (CPE).  All webinars will be scheduled at either 1 PM Eastern or 4 PM Eastern

The webinars will include

  • QB15 – QuickBooks 2015:New Features that Improve Reports & Save Time
  • QBBK – QuickBooks: Saving Time with Bank Feeds
  • QBBS – QuickBooks: Systematic Approach to Reconcile Balance Sheet Accounts
  • QBCR – QuickBooks: Customized Reports – Getting Information You Need Quickly
  • QBDR – QuickBooks: Client Data Review- Tools to Easily Correct Errors
  • QBES – QuickBooks: Getting the Most Out of Enterprise Solutions
  • QBIC – QuickBooks: Improving Security and Internal Controls
  • QBTK – QuickBooks: Tips & Tricks for Accountants
  • QBIN – QuickBooks: Inventory Fundamentals to Improve Efficiency and Reporting

Dates are listed on the ie-Solutions website https://ie-solutions.biz/seminars-and-webinars/

QuickBooks 2015 Accountant Toolbox

QuickBooks 2015 changes the way that Accountants and Bookkeepers can access Client data Review (CDR) and other features included in only the Accountant Versions of QuickBooks and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions (QBES) .  The new process uses the “Accountant Toolbox”, a new menu option on the Company Menu in both QuickBooks Pro and industry versions of Premier and QBES

Accountant Toolbox

The Accountant Toolbox gives full access to Client Data Review (CDR), Batch Enter Transactions, Period Copy, Working Trial Balance, and Accountant Center in QuickBooks Pro & Industry versions of QuickBooks Premier, and Quick Books Enterprise Solutions.    The toolbox is an amazing resource when working on the client’s records in a non-Accountant version.  The ability to “unlock” the toolbox is included in both the Intuit Pro Advisor program and QuickBooks Accountant Desktop Plus subscriptions and is accessed by using your Intuit login in conjunction with the External Accountant user rights.

Unlock Accountant Toolbox

In the past if you were on a non-Accountant QuickBooks edition either in your office or at a client’s site, logging into QuickBooks as an “External Accountant” user would give you access CDR with limited functionality.   In version 2015 non-Accountant versions you can still access CDR however you will now have full functionality.  To use the Accountant Toolbox log into the company file as and External Accountant user and then select the Company Menu – Unlock the Accountant Toolbox and login to your Intuit account when prompted.  The login account will tell Intuit if the rights to “unlock” the Accountant Toolbox.  After the toolbox is unlocked, the menu option will change from “Unlock Accountant Toolbox” to “Accountant Toolbox” and there will be a sub-menu with the toolbox features.

 

QuickBooks Options for Mac Users

Recently I’ve been working with many Mac users who want to use QuickBooks software for their business.  These clients usually have QuickBooks for Mac.  However if this program does  not meet the needs of your business, you can also use QuickBooks Online  or one of the Windows versions QuickBooks (Pro, Premier, Enterprise) using  Hosting, Dual Boot, or a Virtual Machine.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a web-based version of QuickBooks available in three versions http://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/compare/ . .   Using QBO and an internet connection, you will have 24/7 access and can integrate the software with other applications designed to work seamlessly with QBO.  Intuit has also developed a free download for the Mac that gives the user a native Mac experience when using QBO http://quickbooks.intuit.com/quickbooks-mac-app/ . Using QBO, you pay per user per month/year. This is the only option discussed in this article where you do not purchase or lease the software.

Hosting Services

QuickBooks can be hosted by authorized QuickBooks Hosting services.  In this scenario, you would purchase or lease the software.  You will also pay an annual or monthly fee to the hosting company to access their server.  The software is installed on the Hosting Services’ secure server and you would access the software application by logging into the site.  Using this option you can pay per user per month/year.  You would NOT be responsible for maintaining a Windows network and you would have 24/7 access.  Hosting software is a great option to reduce the cost supporting multiple platforms and managing a network.  This option usually includes backups and additional security.  Check References and perform due diligence before selecting a hosting service.  This is the only one of the three Windows options that I would recommend for multi-user access to QuickBooks (Pro, Premier, or Enterprise) on Mac, however it is also the most expensive option since it includes additional services.

Dual Boot

Mac users can install Boot Camp software on newer MACs to have the option of loading Windows on start-up rather than the native operating system. http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/ . Before selecting this option, verify that your Mac is compatible with Boot Camp at http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204048 . Once you have set-up Boot Camp you will need to purchase and install the desired Windows operating system.  Once the installation is complete, start the computer using Windows and then install a Windows version of QuickBooks.  You could then access the software anytime you start the computer using Windows.  With a Windows operating system loaded you can run Windows programs taking full advantage of all the computer’s components.  This is a good option if the user will be using Windows for an extended period of time and does not mind restarting the computer to access Mac programs.  This option works best with only one Windows user.  For multi-user access, hosting, QuickBooks Online or the QuickBooks for Mac are better options.

Virtual Machine (VM)

A Virtual Machine gives the computer user the ability to easily work in multiple operating systems on the same computer without restarting the machine.  Two very popular programs to create a Virtual Machine on a Mac to run Windows software are Parallels http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ and Fusion http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/ .   Once you have loaded software to create a Virtual Machine (VM) you would then load the Windows operating system and then install a QuickBooks Windows version.  My clients who use these programs tend to go back and forth between the Mac & Windows throughout the day and love the convenience of using the software. The cost of this solution would include both VM software and also purchasing the desired Windows operating system. I would recommend this solution if you have just a single QuickBooks user in the office and do not need multi-user access.  For multi-user access, hosting, QuickBooks Online, or QuickBooks for Mac are better options.

For additional information please contact Ilene Eisen at ie Solutions Ilene.Eisen@ie-solutions.biz

Ilene Eisen to Speak at Inuit Virtual Conference

Ilene will be speaking that the Intuit Virtual Conference , Wednesday December 10, 2014  she will be presenting:

QuickBooks Desktop Accountant: Your Friend at Year End (Part 1 of 2)

This course has been designed to introduce the accounting professional to strategies for working with your clients’ QuickBooks company files at month‐end or year‐end. It provides an overview of  the tools and features that streamline the process of evaluating and correcting your client’s QuickBooks data as well as those tools and features that enable you to work efficiently and directly with your client on month‐end and year‐end accounting processes & financial reporting. These tools are available with your QuickBooks Accountant Desktop Plus 2015 subscription or QuickBooks Accountant Desktop 2015 software, and QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 15.0 software

QuickBooks Desktop Accountant: Your Friend at Year End (Part 2 of 2)

Your clients’ QuickBooks data is seldom clean enough or complete enough for you to use when preparing their year‐end financial statements and / or income tax returns. In this session, we will “walk through the Balance Sheet” using the tools and features covered in the previous session (QuickBooks Desktop Accountant: Your Friend at Year End ‐ Part 1) to quickly find AND correct mistakes, allowing you to confidently use the QuickBooks trial balance to prepare your clients’ returns. You will also learn proactive steps you can take with your clients to keep their data accurate throughout the year – to streamline both income tax return preparation and periodic financial statement preparation.

 

My Virtual Office

This month I moved out of the office space I had rented for the last 8 years!  In the last year I have worked from the office, hotel rooms, airport lounges, my kitchen table, and anywhere else with an internet connection when I had to get work done.  I found that the only advantage to being in my office was multiple monitors!  For efficiency over the years I have moved more services and data to the “cloud” and this has significantly reduced my costs and increased flexibility!

Remote Access Software – This service allows me to log in with clients to work remotely on their desktop for training and problem resolution.

Webinar Software – This software gives me the ability to present webinars to large groups of people regardless of location.

Voicemail – This online service sends me an e-mail with my messages included in a sound file and a transcribed conversation that I can read easily.

QuickBooks – This software lets me e-mail invoices and estimates and the merchant services link allows customers to pay their invoices online.

Office 365 – This subscription gives me full Microsoft functionality anywhere any place. I also store my files using the SharePoint which is included in the service and synchronize the files with my desktop and laptop so I have all my files with or without an internet connection.

Internet Fax Service – This service accepts my faxes and sends me an e-mail with an attached PDF of the fax.

These services and software also allow me to more responsive and flexible to client needs.  They have also made my business more convenient for my clients.

 

 

Creating a QuickBooks Period Copy

There are times when you may need to send someone a copy of your QuickBooks company file but you do not want to give them access to all transactions.  This could be in response to the Internal Revenue Service, a subpoena, lawsuit, etc.  Once the decision has been made to supply specific information, you can use a utility available in the Accountant version of QuickBooks or QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Accountant  to create a “Period Copy” of your data file.

I recommend that you make a backup of your file, Restore the backup to your computer using a different file name, and then make a period copy from this backup.  Therefore you will not be affecting the company file.  Keep in mind that creating the period copy can take several minutes to several hours depending on the size of the company file, I generally run this overnight.  Below are the instructions for how to make the period copy using the newly created data file

File Menu – Utilities – Condense Data

In the Condense Data screen select the third option “Transactions outside a date range (to prepare a period copy of the company file),  Enter your Date Range , Select Next

Select create one summary journal entry (recommended), Select Next

Select Summarize Inventory Transactions (recommended), Select Next

Select all the listed in the next two screens, Select Next

Select Begin Condense

After the utility runs verify that the balances are correct !

Accounting Software Formats

Many firms are looking to upgrade or replace their accounting software.  They look forward to a more efficient system but are concerned about making such a large change and the consequences of making the wrong decision.  In the past we looked at fairly similar features and the higher the price the better the software we found.  Today all bets are off and it’s hard to even compare prices of possible solutions. 

The accounting software ecosystem has changed and there are terms that we may not be familiar with or we may not completely understand.  In this article, I’d like to discuss the options:  cloud applications, hosted software, client-server software, and desktop software.  All of these options are very different and the option you choose will significantly affect your access, functionality, workflow, and costs.

Cloud Applications are programs that reside on the software provider’s servers and they are installed and updated by the provider.  You will not need to maintain servers or take daily backups, examples of such applications are QuickBooks Online, NetSuite,and  Xero. 

Hosted Applications are not really a program but a hybrid solution where you select an accounting solution that meets your needs and it is installed on a server provided by a “hosting” company.  This option allows you to choose a software package that meets all your needs without having to maintain a server and the necessary IT staff. 

Client Server Applications are programs that reside on your server and are accessed from various workstations.  The computing is performed at the server and therefore is faster and does not require as robust workstations.  

Desktop Applications are programs that vary from very basic to advanced software that reside on your workstation/computer,  These applications can be single user or accessed by other users on your network. The computing is performed at your computer and will be dependent upon the speed of your computer (and network if shared with other users) Examples of such applications are QuickBooks, and Peachtree. 

I hope this summary has helped you understand the Accounting Software options and will help you narrow down an appropriate software for your business.