From early on in my world of QuickBooks, I have seen drastic changes in the accountant’s perception of QuickBooks Financial Accounting software. Back in 1992, for instance, accountants played a very significant role with their customers, guiding them on how the accounting system was going to play out. Many used Creative Solutions and the customer entered sales and expenses and then received reports and feedback at a later date. Other customers sent off all of their information in a packet (also referred to as the shoebox) on a monthly, quarterly or sometimes annual basis. Data was compiled and reports were used after the fact for financials or tax returns. But when QuickBooks hit the shelves and people felt the freedom to buy a PC and load their own software, the accounting world was tipped over onto its head. It has never been the same.
I remember teaching QuickBooks at Walsh Business School with a roomful of accountants. Some were truly excited to learn this revolutionary software. Others begrudgingly sat through the class to find out what the fuss was all about. And then there were the ones who wanted to kill the messenger. Why? Because their customers discovered that if they had QuickBooks AND they searched the web for help, then they would be able to do their own accounting and get their own reports. On top of that, when the recession came, entrepreneurs flooded the market. At the same time, business owners just grabbed QuickBooks and put in the invoices or the checks and expected the accountant to do a tax return based on that little bit of information. Well, all hell broke loose.
Needless to say, we are on a different playing field at a faster pace these days. I’ve been in the QuickBooks world for over 20 years and it’s harder than ever to choose the “Right For Your Business” solution, or combination of solutions, that meet each customers individual needs. Although all of this automation makes information more available and reduces the amount of data entry, there are so many choices on the market that it is a wonder how Technology In A Box can keep up. And we have TECHNOLOGY in our company name. But that is our job. We don’t do tax returns or financial statements. We provide the tools to support small and large business accounting systems that we help design. One that minimizes data entry and maximizes accuracy, automation and integration. We are here, and always have been, to support our accountant friends. We are part of their support team so they can focus on their business model of supporting and guiding their customers.
I’ve had many close relationships with CPA’s and accountants in my 20+ years in this QuickBooks world. I’ve seen the same familiar faces when I speak on behalf of the MACPA and I welcome and appreciate referrals from those accountants who find me on the, Find a Pro Advisor website sponsored by QuickBooks. I am blessed to have a team of these very special people who, sight unseen, call upon me to help them help their customers. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them and this is not just lip synch. I hope to do more this year in my outreach to accountants as they have contributed to our growth for so many years. If you’re out there listening, please let me know what information you need or how we can build a better QuickBooks solution. I’m here, reach out to me anytime!
