Making the Most of QuickBooks – Mistakes to Avoid
Getting the most out of your Quickbooks software is crucial to ensuring your business remains on top of its finances. Fortunately, several simple but essential tips can be used to achieve this. These include making the most of your Chart of Accounts and using automated and custom reports. Also, it would help if you avoided making any errors in your accounting.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a powerful accounting software option for small businesses. They offer a variety of features that make both solutions user-friendly and accessible.
QuickBooks Online offers significant accounting capabilities on the Web and in the software. However, Quickbooks software like Xero is better for larger businesses, while QuickBooks Online is better for small businesses.
The two accounting programs are relatively easy to learn and use, but some differences exist. For example, Xero allows users to enter transactions from anywhere, whereas QuickBooks requires that users go to banking to input a transaction. Depending on your particular account setup, this may need fixing in mapping consistency.
Chart of Accounts
In QuickBooks, a chart of accounts lists your various accounts. A good chart of accounts allows you to organize and track your finances. It can help you understand your financial position better and provide a means of comparison of your results.
You can set up a chart of accounts in QuickBooks by either manually adding new charges or using the auto-add feature. You can also edit and change existing accounts.
The accounting software is designed to make it easy for small business owners to manage their finances. However, a cluttered accounting chart can lead to accuracy in your financial statements. So, keep your chart of accounts clean and organized.
To find the chart of accounts in your QuickBooks:
- Select the Accounts menu from the navigation pane.
- Click Chart of Accounts. This will take you to a page with a few lists.
- Select the one you want to view. Once you have selected the chart of accounts, it will open a new window.
Automate Tasks
QuickBooks software is a convenient way to automate tasks. It allows you to create and send invoices, track expenses, and maintain cash flow. You can use built-in features or third-party tools to do the same.
In general, automation helps reduce the need for human input and can improve business productivity. It can also remove needless repetition and help improve the speed at which tasks are delivered.
Automation can take the form of simple emailing or more complex work processes. To determine whether an automated workflow suits your needs, you should test its functionality on a dummy data set.
Several apps on the market are compatible with Quickbooks. They are available both on the Web and in the app store. Some apps offer features like automatic emailing of invoices, automatic payment tracking, and integration with other business applications. The list of compatible apps is growing, so check out what options are available for your specific needs.
Some of the most popular workflows with QuickBooks include sending out an automated invoice, coordinating the receipt of payments, and following up with customers who still need to pay their bills. Aside from improving your productivity, automated workflows can remove unnecessary human involvement and improve the overall customer experience.
Customize Reports
QuickBooks offers a variety of pre-existing reports that users can customize. This allows them to focus on the details that matter. It also saves time.
Customized reports can be created by running or adding columns to an existing custom report. Users can also change the sort order and filters. They can also add notes to their accounts.
Customizing reports is easy. Once you select the Customize Report tab on the top right of your screen, you will see a series of options. You can choose different fonts and colors, apply formatting to a report, change groupings, and more.
Depending on the type of report, you can use the Column List to view subtotals and totals for each month. You can also change the alignment of your account by selecting the Alignment dropdown.
The Filter section lets you pick the accounts and customers you want to include in your report. It also gives you the option to sort by date or by category. For instance, if you’re going to show the number of rents paid by E-Commerce businesses, you can filter your report by rents and utilities.
Avoid Mistakes
QuickBooks is an excellent resource for recording transactions, but it can also lead to mistakes that cost you money. You should avoid the following ten mistakes, whether a new user or a seasoned pro. If you’re unaware of any of them, you risk your business.
One of small business owners’ most common errors is overlooking essential records. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to avoid this error.
The first is to back up your data files regularly. Backing up your QuickBooks data can save your company from disastrous data loss. You can back up your QuickBooks data through the software, on a USB drive or in a cloud backup service. A good backup is crucial if your computer crashes or you experience a power outage.
Another common mistake is to use the wrong settings for your QuickBooks software. It can result in inaccurate reports and inaccurate financial statements. This is particularly true if you are using the software for the first time.