Choosing the Best Accounting Service Provider for QuickBooks Online

Does it feel like you spend more time chasing down accounting issues than growing your business? Has staying on top of accounts payable and accounts receivable become a challenge, leaving you feeling overwhelmed? If you find your small business facing these and other growing pains, it’s possible that your current bookkeeping is struggling to handle an influx of clients. This is the right time to get help so you can get back to growing your business. 

How the Right Bookkeeping Service Can Keep Your Small Business Growing

Having an effective bookkeeping services provider is the backbone of any small business, ensuring financial stability and fostering growth. A competent bookkeeping service provides crucial insights into the company's financial health by meticulously tracking income, expenses, and financial transactions. Accurate records enable informed decision-making, facilitating strategic investments and resource allocation. 

Moreover, timely financial reporting aids in identifying areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities, optimizing operational efficiency. Additionally, compliant tax filings and adherence to regulatory requirements mitigate legal risks, fostering a trustworthy reputation. Ultimately, with the right bookkeeping service in place, small businesses can confidently navigate financial complexities, maintain transparency, and sustain steady growth trajectories.

‍How to Evaluate a Bookkeeping Service

Several key factors should be considered when choosing a bookkeeping service provider for your small business. Expertise in modern accounting systems is essential, enabling streamlined processes and real-time financial insights. Industry-specific knowledge is invaluable for navigating unique accounting nuances and regulations. To support informed decision-making, seek providers offering comprehensive services beyond basic bookkeeping, including financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. Additionally, prioritize dedicated customer service for prompt resolution of your questions and a supportive partnership fostering business success and growth.

Here are some more details to equip you with the essential qualities to consider when onboarding a bookkeeping accounting service so you can move beyond financial headaches and focus on expanding your thriving business.

1. Updated QuickBooks Certifications

QuickBooks is the most popular accounting platform in the US. It offers general accounting software and online services. Due to its user-friendly interface, QuickBooks Online is a staple among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It also has a network of partners that enables SMBs to choose as many features as they want based on their current stage of growth.

If you're looking to scale your business, chances are you’ll want to look at QuickBooks and ensure that your bookkeeping accounting service is an expert in this software. Ideally, they will have several certifications, including Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor and Certified Advanced QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. These certifications are end-to-end training programs that include an exam and a yearly recertification to ensure that accountants who undergo the program are regularly updated on new features. 

2. Industry-Specific Experience

Just because an accounting service uses QuickBooks doesn't mean it's the right choice for you. You should take a look at its services and client base to check if it covers your niche. For example, home service businesses have their own accounting challenges, such as delayed payables, inconsistent financial reporting, and inefficient payroll management (particularly for field employees or individual contractors).

A good accounting service will be aware of these concerns and provide measurable ways to handle them. For instance, you might want to confirm if they have an account receivable alert for aging or overlooked invoices or ensure they know how to use client data to provide accurate financial reporting.

In addition to requesting a demo from the services provider you are considering, you could also examine their client reviews to identify the areas where they have provided the most assistance to small businesses.

3. Comprehensive Services Beyond Bookkeeping

Although an accounting service primarily manages bookkeeping, its supplementary offerings could give you a leg up and help your business achieve financial success. For instance, an accounting service provider that provides payroll services could facilitate the integration of your current payroll and time-tracking systems with QuickBooks Online. This could effectively resolve payroll discrepancies, particularly for field employees with fluctuating hours.

Meanwhile, additional advisory services can help identify operational bottlenecks and recommend the right technology to address them. For example, tech consulting and professional services which analyze a business’ existing systems and processes to pinpoint areas for improvement or additional tools that could make these systems much more efficient.

4. Dedicated Customer Service and Support

You can gauge the professionalism of a bookkeeping service provider by its proactive communication of updates, sector developments, and insights to clients. You shouldn't have to chase them constantly for requests or information. A reputable accounting service will prioritize strong client relationships and white-glove service by consistently informing you about your financial status, including any pressing issues needing immediate attention. Moreover, accessing data or financial reports should be straightforward, particularly if transactions are updated in real time.

Ongoing support is another critical area that indicates whether an accounting service provider will be a reliable long-term partner. This support goes beyond troubleshooting and technical issues and involves proactively informing you of new features and regulations that might benefit your business. In addition, are they regularly seeking your feedback on ways to improve? Is it hassle-free for you to contact the right person instead of being passed around across various teams? The way a service handles customer complaints and requests shows their commitment goes beyond just managing your finances; it demonstrates they're invested in your business's overall success.

5. Tech-Savvy Solutions

Your accounting service provider should continuously seek ways to use technology to deliver better services. They may achieve this by exploring alternative technologies, platforms, and integrations.

The QuickBooks ecosystem offers a vast array of integrations categorized to address various small business needs. Some of the popular categories include CRM, payment and invoicing, inventory management, expense management, payroll, time tracking, and taxes. A tech-savvy provider will look for customized point solutions that address your specific needs and ensure these solutions integrate seamlessly with your general ledger in QuickBooks. This creates a unified financial picture and avoids the hassle of duplicate data entry.

By embracing technology and deeply understanding available integrations, your service provider can become a valuable partner in streamlining your finances and helping your business thrive.

Partner with Decimal for Expert QuickBooks Online Accounting Support

For small businesses, a QuickBooks Online accounting expert can offer tailored solutions that best address their concerns. Decimal partners with the right technology providers, including QuickBooks, to ensure you get the bookkeeping services your business deserves as it expands. Our direct partnership with QuickBooks ensures you enjoy priority customer service and the ability to “skip the line.” 

Ready to elevate your bookkeeping to the next level? Schedule a consultation with us to get started.