Does this sound familiar? Your business is growing, and you’re doing well, but that accounting spreadsheet just isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s time to start running your company like a legitimate business. You need better accounting software than that old spreadsheet. QuickBooks is a great solution, but it can be challenging to use, and accounting in itself is complex. You need an expert who knows QuickBooks as much as they know about accounting. This is where hiring a QuickBooks ProAdvisor can help. Keep reading to learn what to consider when trying to find the best consultant for your growing business.
Individual versus Consulting Firms
When looking for a ProAdvisor, the first decision you will need to make is whether to work with an individual consultant or a consulting firm. The right choice will depend on the size of your business, current challenges, budget, and future goals. For most companies, working with a firm is the right choice because they have a higher level of expertise, more resources, and a deeper pool of knowledge. It is especially beneficial for businesses who require more advanced skills and a scalable solution.
Certifications
There are a few levels of certifications offered by QuickBooks for their ProAdvisors. From most basic to the most advanced, the levels are QuickBooks Certification, QuickBooks Advanced Certification, and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Certification. For consultations who work with retail companies, there is also the QuickBooks Point of Sale Certification. Having the proper certifications is crucial for an excellent consultant. However, you should also consider the consultant’s training, experience, and level of expertise in the industry.
Services
Check out what services are offered by the individual or consulting firm. Before hiring them, you must verify that they provide the type of service that you are looking for. The best QuickBooks consultants provide a variety of services, so they can help their customers with whatever challenges arise. Having a wide range of services also indicates how knowledgeable the consultant is; if they offer more, they know more.
Experience
Extensive experience with QuickBooks, accounting, and business is also essential. Try to find a consultant with an excellent reputation for offering solutions that provide a significant return on the investment. When meeting with the consultant, you should also ask them how they overcame challenges in the past and how they helped clients to achieve their goals. Before hiring anyone, check out their online reviews. This will give you a better idea of what it will be like to work with them. Plus, if they did a good job in the past, you can rest assured knowing that they will likely do a good job in the future, too.
Needs and Goals
Lastly, you should also think about the unique needs of your business and your future goals. How much attention and assistance do you need from your consultant in order to be successful? Are you having trouble with one specific issue, or would you prefer a more hands-on help with a larger challenge? Consider the reasons why you need a QuickBooks ProAdvisor at this current moment. This will help you to narrow down your search and find someone who can provide what you require. But don’t just think about your current needs; you should also consider what you hope to accomplish with the help of your QuickBooks consultant. Do you only have a simple issue to fix, or are you trying to streamline your operations? Knowing what you need now and what you hope to accomplish in the future will aid you in your search for the right consultant.
Contact Fourlane, to learn more about our QuickBooks consulting services and how we can help your company to thrive.
