is learning QuickBooks ENOUGH to be a bookkeeper?

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

What are your thoughts on this hotly debated topic? :)

[@pennytracker]

I got started by purchasing a Udemy course on accounting and then obtaining my ProAdvisor and Advanced ProAdvisor Certifications. Then I took a similar path to yours...obtain a client or two...learn from them...add another client, etc. I've never taken a formal accounting course, not even in high school. After having my bookkeeping business for almost 2 years, I did the Coursera course and took the exam for Intuit's Certified Bookkeeping Professional certificate. While a lot of the course content was stuff I already knew, I did pick up a few solid "nuggets" of information that have helped my bookkeeping practices and my confidence level. Now I at least hold some type of format bookkeeping certification in addition to the ProAdvisor certs. If you don't have an accounting background, I would recommend Intuit's Certified Bookkeeping Professional.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I had it on my list to the Coursera course and certification, but I hadn't heard great things about it. It's helpful to hear your positive experience with it!

[@pennytracker]

@@FinePointsBookkeeping It definitely won't make you a CPA, but it helped me gain a lot of confidence in the area of the dreaded Journal Entries: Debits & Credits. Coursera says it should take 4 months to do the training. I completed the training in about 2 weeks: about an hour to 1.5 hours, 4-5 days/week. I put the videos on 1.5x speed, took the quizzes as I went, and then scheduled my exam through Pearson VUE and did it virtually. So, 1 month of Coursera cost me around $50 and the exam was $150...I felt like a $200 investment for some gained education AND an actual bookkeeping credential was worth it.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Love it, thanks for the tips!

[@SilviaArrambide]

@@pennytracker which Coursera course you take it?

[@lekeshahill2477]

I’ve had my bookkeeping business for 10 months and I’ve been an accountant for over 25 years.

[@BecomingBossC]

I am a Certified Public Accountant; so I feel comfortable starting a bookkeeping business or starting a part-time bookkeeping job. I have seen numerous bookkeeping opportunities that do NOT even require a high school diploma. They just require 1 - 2 years of experience.

[@whynot6058]

I work as an accountant too but Im interested in doing some bookkeeping on the side

[@jingles013]

Decided to try this bookkeeping route when I got tired of the 9-5 style, enjoy messing with numbers and analytical kind of things, and hope to slowly build it up in the coming years. My thought is to do strictly bookkeeping itself though and nothing beyond that.

[@nleposk1]

I have been doing bookkeeping for about 12 years, but until about a year ago I just did it as an employee for a snow removal company. Now I am trying to have my own business. I started helping another bookkeeper and now I am working with a couple clients including a non-profit. I am learning a lot. I would like to see some videos on more challenging topics like journal entries and loans

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Nicole! Love your progression of learning--that sounds perfect. Thanks so much for letting me know what videos you're interested in. You may be getting more advanced than my channel, :) have you checked out Hector Garcia's channel or Nerd Enterprises? I find them very smart and helpful. Thanks so much for watching!

[@nleposk1]

@@FinePointsBookkeeping I do watch Hector, I will have to check out Nerd enterprise, thank you!

[@deltanyc1]

I'm thinking of starting my own bookkeeping business. Been in corporate accounting for 35 years.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hey! Here are links to some of Morgan's free resources that detail how to get started that you may find helpful! Video: How to become a bookkeeper kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6q9p6aZZcyUrK8 Video: How to start your bookkeeping business kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4GZgGmHn5uVeaM Free Download: Decision Tree Chart - where do I start? finepoints.newzenler.com/f/decision-tree-chart Morgan also has a free masterclass that could help you in deciding if you want to get started with bookkeeping: Is bookkeeping right for me? finepoints.newzenler.com/fp/beginner-bookkeeping-masterclass-1 We hope these resources can help give you a jump start. Please reach out if you have any additional questions along the way. Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@juangraciaofficial]

I swear, I have an accounting degree, 3 years of experience in public accounting (KPMG & BakerTilly) and 2 years of experience in internal audit and most of what I know, I learned it from books I bought on Barnes and Noble and practicing excel with KZbin tutorials. Once you understand and practice with debits and credits, balance sheet and income statement, you're free to go. Later on learn taxes and the cash flow statement. And to this date, I haven't used the statement of capital lol

[@JN-hp5de]

Do you recommend any excel KZbin channels that focus on accounting concepts ?

[@juangraciaofficial]

@@JN-hp5de Not sure, never really used a specific channel, I just googled the problem at hand hehe Just make sure you can work with tables, filters and functions like sum, if, vlook up and that you have the good habit of linking everything with formulas or " = ". I think that's enough to be efficient. Later on you can google and figure out more advanced stuff

[@JN-hp5de]

@@juangraciaofficial Thank you ! starting my NEW journey down this path and I need to learn so much. Little overwhelming, but I'll take it one step at a time. Gracias !!

[@juangraciaofficial]

@@JN-hp5de You got this! Wish you tons of success 🌟

[@kathyswimsenpointe]

Looking at bookkeeping as small, remote, part-time job, probably with an employer. Been doing all financials for my aging mom. Also did my own books (albeit in a rudimentary way) for 15 years of my private counseling practice. And exposure to SAP while working at large corporation as finance admin for our dept. Decided to do Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Cert (in process) and self-learn QB (also in progress), using my mom’s finances. Last step will be getting ProAdvisor Cert (per advice of my CPA). Crossing fingers it’s enough 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@jenniferday2051]

I have a few years of basic bookkeeping for an employer. I am now branching out to take on clients. I am halfway through QBO ProAdvisor training, and am also a college student working on an accounting degree. Your videos have been such a big help to me the past few weeks as I research and plan.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

I'm glad Morgan's videos are helpful to you! Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@beccaboo9960]

The path i chose was to start with Google and youtube to get a basic understanding of job skills i need then next im on my quick books certification and after that i plain on getting excel certified and then build my business around that. I dont plain on sticking with qb as of now but i dont know much about software for business so this is a great free opertunity and i feel software comes and goes but excel has stood the test of time so i do want to be more then a beginner in that as well. Also my husband is in the process of taking over for the old owner so they also have systems in place so i will be learning along with him more about books.

[@maryroberts2753]

Definitely interested in beginning my own bookkeeping business.

[@lg3682]

Morgan, thanks so much for another encouraging video! I'm new to the bookkeeping world, with no prior experience. I am educated at this point, having done BL and QBO certification. I would say it has been challenging trying to start the business with no real world experience. However, like you said, I'm going to go slow, after trying to learn everything at once, almost burning out! I'm thinking I'll work for someone and learn the ropes first.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Thanks for sharing! Working for someone else first can be a great way to build your skills and experience before starting your own business. It could also help you network in order to find your first clients! Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@SilviaArrambide]

My husband is opening a business of landscaping and ask me to be his bookkeeper, my question is do I need to open an LLC for that? ... The Quickbooks Cetification should be enough for now or should I invest in other courses? I would like to see a video about an scenario where the spouse is the bookkeeper of the spouse's business... what should be consider, and maybe eventually the bookkeeper spouse decide to make a profession after some experience with the first client (the spouse) I hope this make sense to you :D. Thanks for all the amazing videos 🤩

[@JonesDi77]

I have a master’s degree in accounting and finance, but I ended up staying a job way longer than I should have, so I really did not put that learning into practice (outside of my duties as an account manager: billing, receivables, account reconciliation and etc), however, I do have the hands on experience completing books, but only though my education. Also, I am QuickBooks certified (QBO). I have been fortunate enough to enroll in programs to start a bookkeeping business, but, the problem is fear. Fear that I still don’t have enough ‘work experience’. How does one get over that fear?

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi DL! Thanks for reaching out! Morgan talks about this in her video "How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome"! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2Krh3yPn5uAp5o Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@Anna-ii3ee]

I'm, currently, making my way through a bookkeeping program with Penn Foster.

[@TxPeaches]

My concern would be how to check themselves. When reviewing the books do errors jump out? Entering bills in expenses vs items. I have found with QBs it's easy to make errors without knowing it. Example: company has been using QBs and upon an audit discovered expenses categorized as income. Duplicate deposits because of entering the deposit in the bank and undeposited funds. Errors can be expensive for a client. I started as a bookkeeper and now have my accounting degree. But as a bookkeeper I was under the supervision of an accountant. Learning how to review the Financial Statements to identify my mistakes, correct or adjust the accounts.

[@israelalvarado9720]

I entered a couple of facebooks Groups and when I asked questions they were very rude to me even though the name of the Facebook group is helping new bookkeepers. I really don’t know why some of the experience bookkeepers get upset when someone is trying to learn, I must say that even though some were very rude to me, others were nice and they were able to answer a couple of my questions. I also know that some of them make it sound more complicated than what it really is. I am not so sure why they do that.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Israel! I'm sorry to hear that you have come across some unhelpful bookkeepers in your Facebook groups. Morgan recommends the Facebook group "the successful bookkeeper". Maybe try asking your questions in that group! Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@israelalvarado9720]

@@FinePointsBookkeeping got it :)

[@biboylibao]

good advice if you don't have the relevant experience to show in your portfolio to offer to prospective clients

[@gracedufrene3597]

I am learning QuickBooks right now. Suggestions on other places/things to keep learning about what to do next. I'm so green but eager to learn more, help

[@citizena3143]

I must say that this is a great vid. Confidence t start is relative to everyone. I think doing a volunteer bookkeeping job to gain experience and confidence can make a difference. I just don't know of any that are accessible online. Maybe you can expound on this for your next topic. Thanks much.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi! Thank you for the recommendation! I'll let Morgan know you are interested in this topic for a future video! Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@Ducttapeanddenim]

Hi! I’ve been enjoying your videos. I’m a small business owner and I’ve been doing my own books since I started. I’d like to start a new business doing books for other small creatives. I have your checklist and I’m trying to decide what program to get into. But for right now I’m currently working on my QB ProAdvisor certification. Thanks for the helpful videos! I’m learning a lot. Oh… I did take accounting in college for my business minor. But that’s been a while.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

It sounds like you have some great experience and will be able to help other small businesses! Glad you are enjoying Morgan's videos! Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@ahmedwaylaboy7299]

Hello, Why doesn't someone hire newly certified bookkeeper outside of US?

[@pamkelly]

New to Bookkeeping

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Pam! Thanks for letting me know!

[@braekaufman916]

I recently found your videos and have been bingeing them! They have been so helpful, thank you. I am taking the QBO certification. The BL is quite an investment so I’m hoping to get educated in stages like you. You mentioned building on your education later- what did you do? I want to take a certificate course at the community college, but I would love more help with the business/marketing side of getting started. Also, I would love to hear more about finding a niche. Thanks!

[@anantgoyal1419]

Hi, Love from India. Thanks for providing so much value and knowledge. I must say you are very beautiful.☺ In past i was doing CA and went to the last stage of this course, but was not able to complete it due to personal reasons. I also went through 3 years training under a practising CA handling clients accounting books, and everything from accounting to finalisation of financial statements. now i am undergoing through QB Pro Adviser training and i am quite confident about passing both Pro and advance certification. However, I am not sure from where will i get my 1st and subsequent client, as there are already a lot of people on freelance websites providing same services. will i be able to standout from the crowd.

[@shelisepaulson7559]

Thinking about getting into this and start up a business. I’m a bit overwhelmed and would love to know what my first step should be

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Shelise! Thanks for watching. I would reccomend starting with this free QuickBooks training, instructions here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnzGdKWEarihY6c I also have a free checklist on how to start a bookkeeping business: Checklist: Start a bookkeeping business finepoints.newzenler.com/f/start-a-bookkeeping-business-checklist-1 More resources on my website: www.finepoints.biz/for-bookkeepers Hope that helps!

[@wahivalleys3011]

It might be a crazy question, but if you don't know, then ask. I'm new to the bookkeeping industry and Quickbooks. My question is this, "Is there a streamlined version of Quickbooks simply for "bookkeepers," or no, a bookkeeper needs to know ALL of what Quickbooks does, and there is only "1" QBs certification for bookkeepers, accountants, etc.? Thanks, Wahi' Valleys

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hey! As a bookkeeper you will want to use QuickBooks Online Accountant to organize your clients and access their account. This is where you will find the (free) ProAdvisor Certification as well. Honestly, you don't need to know ALL that QuickBooks can do, but knowing the basic functions is important. Otherwise, you just need to know where to go to find answers when you get stuck. Morgan has a video on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ-VfIqwfL1psNk. Hope this helps! Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@GK-bt6dn]

Thank you for all your videos! Could you please answer my question? ;) It is ideal if a client has a business bank account only. But how do you record the transactions if the client mixes up the expenses, uses personal credit card for business expenses, then pays for those transactions from a business account. Also, that means to enter manually these credit card transactions? The client pays personal credit card business ecpenses next month, not the same month. And it mixes up reconciliation. Could you please make a video about this. Thank you in advance.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hey! Check out this video Morgan made on clients who mix business and personal expenses and how to fix it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5TSdaKmqqhjfsk Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@edranoemillacalles2610]

I want to start

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Edra! Starting a bookkeeping business is a wonderful idea! Here are links to some of Morgan's free resources that detail how to get started that you may find helpful! Video: How to become a bookkeeper (kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6q9p6aZZcyUrK8) Video: How to start your bookkeeping business (kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4GZgGmHn5uVeaM) Free Download: Decision Tree Chart - where do I start? (finepoints.newzenler.com/f/decision-tree-chart) Morgan also has a free masterclass that could help you in deciding if you want to get started with bookkeeping: Bookkeeper Business Coach Masterclass (finepoints.newzenler.com/fp/beginner-bookkeeping-masterclass-1) We hope these resources can help give you a jump start. Please reach out if you have any additional questions along the way. Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@tinak5314]

thank you for your videos!! i'm leaning QBO on my own at the moment, WITHOUT the program. :) i'm going to help my brother with his business, but i think he's dragging his feet and just wants an excuse to pay me since our father passed at Christmas (i was our father's sole caretaker for 10+ years and lil bro feels bad)...in any case, i still actually really want to lean QBO. i want a different career path...i'm 52 and very tired of standard customer service. :) plus i'm getting nowhere at the company i've been at now for over 8 years. you mentioned bookkeeping forums. do you have a list or suggestions of any to join? thank you again!!

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Here's a video Morgan did about asking around in FB groups for people to connect with: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmOXq3aLmaapp9k & one on networking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqCWnZ1pZ6p9fdE -- the Successful Bookkeeper on FB is a group that Morgan recommends checking out. Hope this helps! ~Gabe, FP admin

[@fnl8887]

Do you have any opinions on the Penn Foster Bookkeeping program? Thank you!

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Morgan has not worked with this program, so she does not have any advice. Sorry! Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@beatricecartagena7160]

I have my Associates degree in Business Administration. I had to take 2 accounting classes and loved it. I wanted to continue and get my CPA. That was in February. I am currently unemployed because of my Lupus flare. I want to start my business so I can work from home when I'm not in pain. I pray this works for me.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Beatrice! Sounds like you have a great plan! Hope you are finding Morgan's videos helpful in learning how to start your own business! Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@beatricecartagena7160]

@FinePoints Thank you, I am finding her videos very informative.

[@Yandz_04]

Hi there, will quikbooks work if you have a bookkeeing business. If not what would you suggest

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hey! Yes, you can use QBO for your bookkeeping business as well. If you sign up for a free QuickBooks Online Accountant account they give you a free QBO account for you to use as well. Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@janemacnaughton4851]

Hi, I have a full time good paying job. I plan on retiring in four years. I want to continue to earn a good income after I retire from my current career. What advice can you give me to start a business while working full time. How many hours do I need to budget to learn Quickbooks, market for clients? My goal is acquire my first client by May 2023.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Jane! Check out Morgan's course Bookkeeping Business Coach! She walks you through step-by-step on how to set up your bookkeeping business. It's structured to open your business in 4 weeks but you can go at your own pace as well. Here is the link to her course: finepoints.newzenler.com/courses/bookkeeper-business-coach. Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@MovieNarratives]

Very nice vid. I am a also a certified qb proadvisor but i dont have any actual experience in qbo. Do you know where to volunteer for some qbo works?

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi! Morgan suggests asking your friends if they need any help or maybe a small business in town! Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@MovieNarratives]

@@FinePointsBookkeeping but my problem is qbo is not commonly used here in my place, in the philippines. Well, thank you for your suggestion. I have learned a lot in your vids. 😊

[@ahmedwaylaboy7299]

I'm a certified QuickBooks online advisor from UAE. I am reaching out to CPAs, accounting firms and financial advisors in the US to get overloaded work from them. But they don't outsource or hire virtually someone outside of the US.So what should I do?

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Ahmed! Sorry to hear you are having trouble getting clients in the US from overseas. Check out this video Morgan made about starting a bookkeeping business from overseas! You might find some helpful information in it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/joOukIqtbJd1obM Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@tiffanyrobinson4719]

If someone is interested in A/R A/P and invoices is QB a good way to start your knowledge? what route would you recommend?

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Tiffany! Morgan recommends taking the QuickBooks Online Accountant ProAdvisor courses. It will teach you the basics in bookkeeping that you need to work with your first client! Krista (FinePoints Assisstant)

[@helenatraslavina6834]

I love it. I am an Accountant and I would love to start my own business. Can I volunteer for you? That would be an amazing experience for me.

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Helena! Thank you for reaching out to ask about working with Morgan. At this time Morgan is not looking to bring on additional help. Morgan does have a course "Bookkeeper Business Coach" that you can sign up for where she walks you through how to start your own bookkeeping business. You can find more information about it here: finepoints.newzenler.com/courses/bookkeeper-business-coach Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@mattbilliot7627]

Hello! Just caught this video and i have a quick question. Could someone learn bookkeeping and quick books through taking Udemy courses instead of taking an CPA course in college? Would that give them a starting point to begin with like the basics? Thank you!

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Matt! Yes, that is definitely an option. In order to be a bookkeeper you do not need to take college courses. Morgan has a list of her favorite courses to learn bookkeeping here: finepoints.newzenler.com/f/certification-chart-freebie Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@marjn1030]

Kind of🤔

[@katherinewolford1599]

Someone with a 4 year degree in finance, like myself, they are an accountant not a bookkeeper! I paid for my education and find it offensive to be called a bookkeeper! Now I'm working on my Masters to sit for my CPA license and again I'm not a bookkeeper!!

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

I feel you! You've worked hard! What do you think about bookkeepers calling themselves accountants (if they don't have the official schooling, but have gained work experience)?

[@cj21278]

Ok Karen. Sounds like a little “I’m better than you” attitude going on here.

[@amker5]

Dear Katherine, why don’t you take that phat education and go apply it in a meaningful way? Beats leaving disparaging random remarks to strangers on KZbin. Bookkeepers make the world go round!✨

[@deborrahbarker579]

You are an accountant, and congratulations on your hard work. However, there are people making money just doing bookkeeping .

[@m.b.8521]

Im a bookkeeper and find it offensive when they call me an accountant. I work smarter not harder.

[@morahoffman360]

I wanted to ask if you get paid as a vendor for your service business or if you have your clients 1099 you

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Mora! I'm not sure what the answer is. It's hard to understand the intricacies without being close to the business and situation. Sorry I'm not able to help more, but I would recommend utilizing Facebook groups. They have been awesome for Morgan to get specific questions answered by kind & helpful bookkeepers. She likes "The successful bookkeeper" but there are lots of options on FB! Here's a video she made about how to get your questions answered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ-VfIqwfL1psNk Krista (FinePoints Assistant)

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Mora! I'm a contractor and get a 1099 from my clients. :) From, Morgan

[@SoulLove-mu3sf]

Let’s be clear you do not have to go to school for four years you can go to your local community college and take just a couple of classes like a college accounting class a QuickBooks class whatever kind of class you need and that will help supplement the QuickBooks certification pro advisor that you got. That’s also be very extremely clear about the fact that you do absolutely need some sort of schooling you cannot do bookkeeping and mess with peoples finances without having some kind of school under your belt you need to know the financial accounting equation and how to use it it irritates me that people are going out into the bookkeeping world and they have no schooling nor any experience whatsoever and there’s a lot of people out there telling people that they could do it with no experience and not knowing anything and just QuickBooks that’s bullshit it’s not true and you’re gonna mess with peoples lives and you don’t have that right nobody does so what you need to do is get yourself a couple semesters under your belt 40 hours of bookkeeping under your belt you don’t need a four-year degree there’s a place in Utah I can’t remember the name of it but they offer at your own pace it’s a couple grand just buying the books and teaching yourself it’s so simple just teach yourself that’s what I did by the book at your local community college or online and learn it it’s called college accounting you gotta have that you should not be a bookkeeper without that and if you are and you’re not taking a college accounting class shame on you just shame on you and I feel sorry for your clients

[@FinePointsBookkeeping]

Hi Melanie! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience! Krista (FinePoints Admin)

[@generalofwar6027]

So as someone who knows nothing about this and I'm just curious what exactly is somebody that's just learning QuickBooks missing that they would be messing with people's lives out of curiosity specifically what does it not cover to do the job of bookkeeping? From what I understand the software connects to their bank account you correctly categorize the transactions software does the math and shows profitability and expenses. What am I missing?

[@whiterabbit6341]

@@generalofwar6027 If that's all there was to it . . . no one would pay for your services, they'd just do it themselves. I earned a Certificate in Accounting online, and all I can tell you is that QBO makes WAY more sense if you understand basic accounting. You need to know why/how those transactions are properly categorized, QBO isn't always right. You need to be able to spot mistakes. And most important, you need to know how to fix them. QBO generates great reports, but you need to understand what you're looking at so you can better explain them to your clients. Software is only as good as the person using it. :)