What is "Accountant's Access" for Banking and Bookkeeping Software?

Managing your business’s finances can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it all by yourself. That’s where "Accountant's Access" for banking and bookkeeping software comes into play. Accountant's Access is a feature that allows you to grant your bookkeeper (or accountant!) direct access to your financial data. This access can be controlled and limited, ensuring that your bookkeeper only sees what they need to see to help you keep your books in order.

Why It's Useful

Giving your bookkeeper access to your banking and bookkeeping software can save you time and reduce stress. With Accountant’s Access, they can log in and review your financial records directly, without the need for back-and-forth emails or file transfers. This streamlines the process of reconciling accounts, preparing financial statements, and ensuring everything is up-to-date for tax season. It also allows your bookkeeper to catch and correct any errors in real-time, providing you with more accurate and timely financial information.

The Downsides of NOT Using Accountant's Access

You’ve probably already guessed it - not using Accountant’s Access means you’ll spend more time managing your financial data manually. You’ll need to export reports, compile documents, and send them to your bookkeeper, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This lack of direct access can lead to delays in identifying and resolving discrepancies, potentially causing inaccuracies in your financial records. Additionally, without Accountant’s Access, you may miss out on valuable insights and advice from your bookkeeper, as they won’t have the complete and immediate access they need to provide the best guidance.

How to Add an Accountant User to your QuickBooks Online file

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add an accountant user in QBO:

Step 1: Log In to QuickBooks Online

First, log in to your QuickBooks Online account using your username and password. Ensure you have administrative access, as only administrators can add new users.

Step 2: Navigate to the Manage Users Section

Once you’re logged in:

1. Click on the Settings gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

2. In the dropdown menu, select Manage Users under the "Your Company" section.

Step 3: Add a New User

In the Manage Users section:

1. Click on the Accountants tab near the top of the screen - this is a crucial step that will provide your bookkeeper with special access to the accounting tools and reports they need.

2. Click on the green Invite button.

Step 4: Enter Your Bookkeeper’s Contact Info

1. Enter your bookkeeper’s name and email address in the provided fields.

2. Click Save to send an invitation to your accountant.

Step 5: Your Bookkeepers Accepts the Invitation

Your bookkeeper will receive an email invitation from QuickBooks Online. They need to:

1. Open the email and click on the invitation link.

2. Follow the prompts to accept the invitation and set up their access.

Once your bookkeeper accepts the invitation, they will have access to your QBO account. You can see their status in the Manage Users section, where you can also manage or remove their access if needed.

Accountant’s Access is a powerful tool that can make managing your business’s finances smoother and more efficient. Don’t let the hassle of manual data management hold your business back - embrace Accountant’s Access and keep your finances on track!