Mastering the Transition from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online
Dec 25, 2023QuickBooks, a cornerstone in accounting software since its inception, has undergone significant transformations, the most notable being the pivot from its Desktop version to QuickBooks Online (QBO). You may have received a notification from Intuit that the 2024 version of Desktop will be its final one. This move, marked by the phasing out of support for older desktop versions, has sparked extensive dialogue among accounting professionals, stirring up evaluations of the benefits and challenges of transitioning to a cloud-based platform.
Switching from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a significant decision. It requires a detailed look at what each offer regarding features, how they work, and the benefits they bring to accountants and their clients over time. Look at external software in addition to QuickBooks Online to ramp up the technology for your client and automate many of the tasks done manually with QuickBooks Desktop.
People who have been using QuickBooks Desktop for a long time might initially find moving to QuickBooks Online (QBO) a bit tough. However, it's essential to recognize the improvements in the move to QBO. It offers better reporting features and easy integration with other apps and marks a significant advance in updating accounting practices.
One main reason for this switch is the growing use of cloud-based services. QuickBooks Online (QBO) can be used on any device and offers features that make it easy to work together. These benefits are significant in today's world, where digital technology is vital. QBO also helps accountants work more efficiently and productively, thanks to features like automated tasks, smoother workflows, and instant access to data.
Moving to QBO might take some time and effort at the start, but the benefits in the long run are significant. QBO's ability to grow, change, and adjust makes it a good option for accountants who want to keep their practices up-to-date and provide top-notch services to their clients.
In a field like accounting, that's constantly changing with new technology. Choosing QBO fits well with the ever-changing world of accounting and financial management, showing a forward-thinking approach for professionals.
I made this change for my clients years ago and never looked back. I methodically moved the clients from desktop to online using these tips below:
- Informed the client that I will no longer be supporting Quickbooks Desktop
- I offered to upgrade their files for FREE as part of this transition.
- I provided one-on-one training via Zoom to teach my clients how to use the new product.
- I shared the training videos in QuickBooks Proadvisors so that the client could self-learn as I did the migrations.
- I changed my billing from hourly to fixed fees at that time.
- I made the clients pay me upfront (no more doing the work and then billing)
- I found a bookkeeper who supported clients who wanted to stay in Desktop.
How many clients moved over out of my 20-25 clients? All of them! None of them left me, and they paid me more to do the work. I could automate many of the processes, which allowed me to do the job more efficiently. I was able to take on more clients. It was a win-win for my firm and the clients.
In conclusion, moving from QuickBooks Desktop to QBO requires thoughtful planning and consideration. By taking advantage of QBO's growing capabilities and the new possibilities it offers for improving accounting practices, professionals can achieve ongoing success in the increasingly digital accounting world. Think of it this way: you are setting the client up for a successful future, staying on top of technology.
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