2012 Write-Up Review of QuickBooks Accountant 2013
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QuickBooks Accountant includes full GL, AP, AR and check writing modules, and includes several multi-client management tools designed for write-up and multi-client management. The system includes streamlined tools for entering client transactions via a batch processes, and even a new Excel feature that can be used to paste more than 1,000 transactions at once.
Client data review tools include the ability to reclassify hundreds of transactions simultaneously, while professional users can perform write-offs of invoices from one screen with only a few mouse clicks. The system also now handles the corresponding sales tax by automatically posting a credit memo instead of a discounted payment. Review tools also aid in performing bank reconciliation functions, including quickly finding non-matching transactions, instantly matching unapplied vendor and customer payments and credits, and clearing the undeposited funds account from one screen.
Other new tools include an inventory trouble shooting function that helps spot discrepancies between the balance sheet and inventory valuation summary report, with the ability to quickly drill down to inventory counts and make adjustments.
With the Accountant’s Copy feature, client users can securely send their compressed files to their accountant, while the accountant also works on it to adjust prior periods, allowing both sides to keep working. After reconciliation and client data fixes, the firm can securely email journal entries, which clients can import automatically by clicking the attachment.
Check writing features allow multiple banks per client and, with a third party program, can print to plain paper or check stock, including client logos. The system integrates with payroll programs available from Intuit, which provide for live and after-the-fact processing and reporting. QuickBooks Accountant 2013 offers financial ratios, benchmarking and analysis tools from the Accountant Center screen or the client snapshots.
Reporting & Financial Statements: 4.75 Stars
The built-in QuickBooks Statement Writer provides full financial statement generation with linked editing in Excel and Word, and the ability to automatically update reports with the latest data with one click of the “live link” button. When viewed on-screen, reports offer full drill-down to transaction-level details.
The system includes more than 100 additional customizable report options covering areas of revenue, budgets, cash flow and period comparisons. Reports can be enhanced with charts, graphs and pivot tables. Customizable client communication templates are included, for cover sheets, letters and other documents. Full receivables management and invoicing are included with the program, including batch generation of client invoices that can be printed or emailed from the program, and with online payment options for clients via a secure Intuit website.
A trial balance utility provides beginning balances, current period transactions, period adjustments and ending balances for a user-defined time frame, with options for entering workpaper references and making adjusting entries.
Import/Export/Integration: 4.75 Stars
Since the system includes all of the other versions of QuickBooks, it easily imports client company files, and the QuickBooks File Manager automatically recognizes the year and correct format to save the files into. The program also offers data import and export from/to spreadsheets and CSV files, and offers wizards and guides for performing these tasks. Reports can be saved to Excel and PDF formats.
Although the company doesn’t offer a traditional portal, the Accountants Copy feature allows for an online approach to data transfer, allowing users to securely send their accountant a copy of their files for a defined time-frame, with just a few clicks. This allows clients and the firm to continue working within their own systems. QuickBooks Accountant 2013 directly integrates with the ProSeries, Lacerte and Intuit Tax Online professional tax systems for trial balance export, and can integrate with Intuit’s payroll systems.
Help/Support System: 4.75 Stars
The help functions in QuickBooks Accountant 2013 are numerous, from task and even field-specific help, wizards, tutorials, how-tos, topical guides and other resources, as well as the indexed utility. Online support resources include a knowledgebase and additional tools, as well as a user community with forums for specific topics. QuickBooks Accountant 2013 is designed for PC users, but the new lineup of 2013 client-side systems include a redesigned Mac version.
