Intuit — QuickBooks Premier Contractor 2011

Intuit - QuickBooks Premier Contractor 2011
877-683-3280
http://quickbooks.intuit.com

From the July 2011 Review Construction and Contractor Accounting Systems

Best Fit:
Small construction companies that do not require advanced tracking needs.

The Choose an Edition option utilized by QuickBooks has gained popularity in recent years. Choosing an edition when installing QuickBooks provides users with the required chart of accounts necessary to properly run their business type. QuickBooks also continues to add new features to each annual release, keeping QuickBooks fresh. While not suitable for construction companies or contractors with advanced tracking needs, the Contractor edition of QuickBooks will provide small construction companies with the capability to handle their job functions well.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS:

QuickBooks has consistently maintained an easy-to-use interface which has a tendency to be crowded, although improved customization capability has allowed users to implement the navigational interface to better suit their business. Centers are the main navigational tool used in QuickBooks, along with a functional toolbar at the top of the screen. Workflow areas are also displayed on the main screen. Data-entry screens are consistent throughout QuickBooks and contain the necessary lookup options. Numerous navigational tools and user options are also available throughout. The company snapshots feature provides users with a summarized view of company status, including pertinent information such as aging reports, payment status, and the ability to set up quick links to frequently used functions. Remote access is available through an optional QuickBooks add-on, and QuickBooks also integrates with CRM products. Conveniently, QuickBooks is designed to work with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

CORE ACCOUNTING CAPABILITIES:

QuickBooks Premier Contractor 2011 offers solid core accounting functionality including GL, AP, AR and PR. New in 2011 is the ability to utilize a batch system that allows users to process multiple invoices for the same services. Another great new feature, the Paid Date Stamp, allows users to stamp all paid invoices. The construction version of QuickBooks offers industry-specific headings for all job-related functions. Payroll functionality is included, but an optional payroll service is available, as well. QuickBooks also offers a banking feature that allows users to easily track all checks in and out, and easily reconcile bank statements. For a small business product, QuickBooks provides users with an excellent audit trail function, with a comprehensive report that provides detail about every transaction and system access completed.

Managers can specify access levels for each user, including either full or specified access. Specified access allows managers to choose specific areas that users will be able to access.

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR-SPECIFIC FEATURES:

The system offers good estimating capability, with the ability to complete custom estimates and create templates for use in future estimates. Existing estimates can also be edited for current clients, and multiple estimates can be completed for each job. Job costing and tracking reports allow users to track job-related cost items, including the ability to compare estimates to actual. Users can process change orders and additional information added to any job as it progresses. While not available as a separate entity, subcontractor information including both expenses and payments can be tracked as an additional service item. Subcontractor time can also be tracked.