Setup for QuickBooks

Start with a Solid Foundation

Most QuickBooks problems we see trace back to the first few weeks. Accounts get created on the fly, customers are entered three different ways, and opening balances never quite match the bank. A careful setup avoids that, and it takes far less time than untangling it later.

What a setup involves

• Choosing the version. We talk through QuickBooks Online and Desktop and what suits your business.
• Chart of accounts. An account list that fits your industry and matches what your tax return and financial statements will need.
• Opening balances. Bringing in balances from your prior records or from the start date you choose.
• Customers, vendors and items. Entering lists in a consistent, easy-to-search way.
• Bank and credit card connections. Linking accounts so activity can be reviewed and matched.
• Payroll and sales tax. Deciding whether and how these are handled, in coordination with our payroll service if you use it.

Switching from another system

If you are moving from spreadsheets or from different software, we help decide what history to bring across and what to leave behind. Often a clean cutoff date and good opening balances are better than importing years of messy detail.

Built with your tax return in mind

Because Botwinick & Botwinick, CPAs PC also prepares business tax returns, we set up accounts so the numbers line up with what has to be reported. That saves reclassification work at year end.

Next Steps

Once the file is ready, your team will need to know how to use it. Our training is a natural follow-up. If you already have a file that is not working well, a tune-up may be a better starting point. You can also see all QuickBooks services.

QuickBooks is a registered trademark of Intuit Inc.