Recently, QuickBooks has been moving its users to an entirely cloud-based accounting application. Short of delving into some of the more advanced features, like adjusting journal entries or integrating third-party apps, you shouldn’t need a lot of prior knowledge to get a minimum value. Like a lot of accounting software, the simple entry screens take care of most of that for you. Don’t know your “credits” from your “debits”? That’s OK. What this amounts to is that you don’t need to have a strong accounting background to use QuickBooks pretty effectively. Some customization options also let you tailor major reports so you can play around and save them for later. That said, basic invoice entry can be extremely straightforward, and connecting your QuickBooks account to bank accounts can make importing transactions easy. Of course, that does depends on the depth of features and options you have available. One of the biggest appeals of QuickBooks for contractors is that it can be really simple to use. In most cases, you should be able to purchase a higher-level plan right from inside the application.
Because QuickBooks Online doesn’t currently require a contract, you’re free to switch plans at any time. That means no downloads or installations to use the app on your desktop. Upgrading between QuickBooks Online editions is easy too - first, because it’s cloud-based. If needed, you can always purchase more users - currently up to 25. Notice, that’s different from a “concurrent user,” where you might have 15 people with logins but only so many can be logged in at once.
So each user has their own separate login credentials.
So there’s room to grow before moving into a true job cost accounting system with other software.įor starting out, QuickBooks Online Plus gives you up to five named users. With small business editions like “Essentials” and “Plus” - plus payroll add-ons - you can get numerous other important features too. run basic reports like P&Ls and cash flows.QuickBooks Online “Self Employed” edition, for example, lets a single user: That can be perfect if you’re really just looking to get your accounting jumpstarted as you’re working toward growth. To begin with, whether you’re an established GC transitioning off spreadsheets or a roofer launching out on your own, QuickBooks gives you options. You Can Start out on QuickBooks for Construction That said, here’s why we can recommend QuickBooks for contractors. More extensive job costing, specialized billing and complex payroll can mean contractors eventually experience some limitations. So contractors can still benefit from using QuickBooks for construction. While it isn’t designed for construction, it’s made to work for a wide range of businesses. QuickBooks® is among the best accounting systems for smaller companies, and for contractors just starting out, it’s a great place to begin toward an organized accounting system.