Do You Really Need QuickBooks Training? Here’s When It Pays Off
Knowing when to invest in QuickBooks training can save you time, prevent mistakes, and lead to better decisions for your business.
🔑 Key Takeaways
QuickBooks is powerful—but confusing without the right guidance.
Training saves time, reduces costly mistakes, and boosts team confidence.
Not every business needs it—but many would benefit more than they realize.
Working with a certified QuickBooks consultant pays for itself fast.
When QuickBooks Training Is Worth Every Penny
Many small businesses get started with QuickBooks and think they’ll figure it out as they go. And for a while, that might work. But as your business grows, mistakes and inefficiencies can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
That’s when training stops being a luxury—and starts being a smart investment.
Signs You Could Benefit From QuickBooks Training
Here are a few clear indicators that it’s time to get some help:
You're spending hours each week reconciling your books
Your reports don’t make sense—or don’t match your bank statements
Payroll, invoicing, or taxes feel like a guessing game
You’ve had to undo mistakes from past entries
You know you're not using the full power of the software
Why DIY Can Backfire
Even if you're good with numbers, QuickBooks isn't just about math—it's about workflows, compliance, and automation. One wrong setup in your chart of accounts or payroll configuration can throw off months of data.
That’s why even experienced business owners can benefit from a short training session or setup review.
QuickBooks Training vs. Consulting
| Feature | Training | Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Learn how to use QuickBooks | Fix or improve how QuickBooks is set up |
| Best for | New users or teams | Growing businesses or complex operations |
| Format | One-time session or ongoing coaching | Strategic support tailored to your goals |
| Outcome | Confidence and clarity | Efficiency and better financial oversight |
When Training Pays Off the Most
Training delivers real ROI when:
You’re switching from QuickBooks Desktop to Online
Your team is handling bookkeeping or payroll for the first time
You’re getting inconsistent numbers from reports
You want to use more features but don’t know where to start
Even a one-hour session can prevent hours of frustration and help you make smarter financial decisions.
How We Help
At Peak Advisers, we’ve trained hundreds of Colorado businesses on QuickBooks Online, Payroll, Payments, and more. We meet you where you are and make it easy to feel in control of your financial tools.
👉 Book a free QuickBooks consultation now »
❓FAQ: QuickBooks Training
Is QuickBooks training worth it for small teams?
Yes—especially if you're wearing multiple hats and can’t afford bookkeeping mistakes.
How much does training cost?
We offer hourly or project-based pricing. Many clients see a return after just one session.
Can you train my team remotely?
Absolutely. We offer video calls and screen sharing to walk your team through step-by-step.
Do you provide training on QuickBooks Payroll or Payments too?
Yes, we provide support across the full QuickBooks ecosystem—including Payroll, Payments, Time, and more.
Need Help with QuickBooks? Here’s What You Can (and Should) Get Help With
Confused by QuickBooks? Whether you're stuck on setup, payroll, or reporting, this guide shows what you can (and should) get help with — and how Peak Advisers makes it easy.
Key Takeaways
✅ QuickBooks is a powerful platform — but it’s not always easy to master on your own.
✅ Many business owners struggle with setup, reporting, inventory, payroll, or integrations.
✅ Getting expert help can save you time, prevent errors, and improve decision-making.
✅ Peak Advisers helps businesses get the most out of QuickBooks — from setup to advanced workflows.
Why QuickBooks Is Powerful — And Sometimes Overwhelming
QuickBooks can do a lot — but that flexibility can also create confusion. Between setup, the chart of accounts, reconciliations, payroll, and inventory, many users hit roadblocks fast. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re using QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, or just getting started, expert support can make all the difference.
The Most Common Areas Businesses Struggle With
Here’s where most business owners and managers start looking for help:
• Choosing the right version (QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, or Intuit Enterprise Suite)
• Setting up the chart of accounts correctly
• Connecting banks and reconciling accounts
• Running payroll and managing payroll tax obligations
• Creating reports that make sense and support decision-making
• Managing inventory and job costing accurately
• Handling sales tax and filing deadlines
• Integrating apps or collaborating with multiple users
What You Gain When You Get Help
Getting professional support with QuickBooks eliminates the guesswork and ensures your system is working the way it’s supposed to. It’s not just about fixing problems — it’s about running your business more efficiently.
• Better accuracy and fewer errors in your financial data
• More time to focus on your business instead of your software
• Useful insights from reports you can trust
• Confidence that your books are clean and up to date
• Access to a team that knows QuickBooks and understands your goals
What QuickBooks Product Is Right for You?
Many businesses aren't sure which QuickBooks product is right for them. Here’s a quick guide to help understand the differences:
QuickBooks Online (QBO) is cloud-based and accessible from anywhere. It’s ideal for small to midsize businesses that need core accounting tools, invoicing, and access on the go. QBO comes in multiple tiers: Essentials, Plus, and Advanced — each offering different levels of functionality.
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is a desktop-installed solution designed for businesses that need advanced inventory tools, customizable reports, and up to 40 users. Product-based companies often use it because their workflows are more complex.
Intuit Enterprise Suite (IES) is a completely different solution built for growing businesses that need a full operational platform — including financials, payroll, HR, marketing, and more. It’s cloud-based, AI-powered, and ideal for companies with multiple entities or highly complex needs
How Peak Advisers Can Help
We help business owners like you choose the right QuickBooks product, set it up properly, and fix what’s not working. Whether you need training, cleanup, a full migration, or tips that make using QuickBooks easier and more efficient for day-to-day management of your books, Peak Advisers is your trusted partner.
Let’s Solve Your QuickBooks Challenges — Together
Use the button below to schedule a free consultation, or reach out to us through our contact form here. You can also call 303-801-4772. We’ll talk through what’s going on — and how we can help you get back on track quickly.
FAQ: Need Help with QuickBooks?
Q: What’s the difference between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise?
A: QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution best for small to midsize businesses. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is a desktop-installed platform built for businesses needing advanced inventory, reporting, and multi-user access.
Q: What is Intuit Enterprise Suite, and how is it different?
A: Intuit Enterprise Suite is a cloud-based, all-in-one platform that includes accounting, payroll, HR, marketing, and more. It’s built for growing businesses with complex operations and is not the same as QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise.
Q: Do I need help setting up QuickBooks, or can I do it myself?
A: While some users can set up QuickBooks themselves, many find that expert setup saves time and avoids costly errors. Peak Advisers helps ensure your chart of accounts, integrations, and reporting are done right from the start.
Q: Can I switch from one version of QuickBooks to another?
A: Yes, and Peak Advisers can help with data migration and setup. Whether you're moving from Desktop to Online, or upgrading to a more advanced plan, we make the transition smooth and accurate.
Q: Does Peak Advisers offer QuickBooks training?
A: Yes. We provide customized training for individuals and teams to help you get the most out of your QuickBooks system, based on your specific business needs.
How (and Why) to Back Up Your QuickBooks Desktop Company File
Don’t risk losing your entire QuickBooks company file. Learn how to set up local and automatic backups, restore saved data, and protect your business.
Your QuickBooks company file is more than just data—it’s your business. If you lose it, you lose critical customer records, financial history, and invoices you can't easily recreate.
And yes—it happens more often than people think.
Here’s how to protect your QuickBooks Desktop file with proper backups, so your business never skips a beat.
📋 Quick Summary:
Backups are essential—losing your file could end your business
You can create local or automated backups inside QuickBooks
Backups should be stored on external devices or secure cloud drives
Restoring a backup can undo recent changes or recover from disaster
Need help? We can guide or handle it for you
Why Backups Matter More Than You Think
We’ve all lost files—Word docs, spreadsheets, presentations. It’s annoying, but manageable.
But lose your QuickBooks company file, and you’re dealing with:
Lost customer/vendor records
Missing transactions
Hours (or days) of rework
Possible IRS or legal problems
Major financial impact
Even if your office is safe from natural disasters, hardware failure, corruption, or hacking can happen anytime.
Step 1: Make Two Key Decisions
Before setting up your backup in QuickBooks Desktop, ask yourself:
Where will the backup be stored?
USB drive
External hard drive
CD/DVD
Secure cloud storage
Do you want to back up manually or automatically?
Manual gives you control
Automatic protects you when you forget
💡 Tip: Store backups in a separate location from your office. That way, you're covered in case of fire, theft, or equipment failure.
Step 2: Create a Local Backup in QuickBooks
Go to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup
Choose Local Backup and click Options
Choose your storage location (e.g. USB drive)
Set your preferences:
Add a date/time stamp?
Limit number of saved backups?
Get reminders every X file closings?
Select Complete verification
Click OK
📌 You must be in Single-User Mode to run a backup.
File > Switch to Single-User Mode
Also, make sure your QuickBooks is updated:
Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop
Step 3: Schedule Automatic Backups
Want peace of mind? Let QuickBooks back up your file on a schedule:
After setting local backup options, click Next
Choose to back up:
Immediately
On schedule
Both
To schedule:
Click New
Choose days/times
Click Store Password and enter your Windows password
Click OK
You can return and edit this schedule anytime.
Step 4: Restore a Backup (Use Caution)
If something goes wrong, you can restore a saved file:
Go to File > Open or Restore Company
Select Restore a backup copy > Next
Choose Local backup > Next
Find and select the
.qbbfileDecide where to restore it
Rename to avoid overwriting
Choose a different folder if needed
Click Next and follow prompts
⚠️ Warning: Restoring will overwrite your current file if you use the same name and location.
Don’t Risk It — Let Us Help
Restoring files, setting up backups, or switching computers can get complicated fast. One small misstep and you could lose more than you recover.
If you're not 100% confident in how this works, contact Peak Advisers. We’ll walk you through it—or handle it for you.
❓ FAQ: Backing Up QuickBooks Desktop
Q: How often should I back up my QuickBooks company file?
A: We recommend backing up every day you use QuickBooks, especially before closing the program.
Q: Where should I store my backup?
A: Use an external device (USB, external hard drive) or cloud-based secure storage—not your main computer.
Q: Can I schedule automatic backups?
A: Yes. QuickBooks Desktop lets you create a schedule that runs even when you're not at your desk.
Q: How do I know if the backup worked?
A: If you selected “Complete verification,” QuickBooks checks the file before saving it. You’ll also see a confirmation screen.
Q: What if I overwrite the wrong file?
A: You may lose data permanently. That’s why we always suggest renaming your backup files and storing them safely—or contacting us first.
Need Help with Backups or Restores?
Don’t wait for a disaster to find out you weren’t prepared. We can:
Set up your automatic backup system
Walk you through restoring old data
Review your current backup plan for peace of mind
📩 Reach out to Peak Advisers, and let’s protect your business together.
7 Smart Habits for Getting the Most Out of QuickBooks Online
7 smart habits in QuickBooks Online can save you time and improve accuracy. Learn how to stay organized, run reports, and get the most out of your data.
QuickBooks Online works best when you follow a few simple habits that keep your financial data accurate, up-to-date, and usable. These aren’t rules—but they are best practices we recommend to every business we work with.
🔍 Quick Summary:
Reconcile accounts monthly
Categorize transactions daily
Run aging reports weekly
Set user permissions
Add reorder points for inventory
Use “Ask My Accountant”
Review Profit & Loss weekly
Let’s break them down.
✅ 1. Reconcile Your Accounts Monthly
This is the best way to make sure your QuickBooks Online data matches your bank and credit card records. Regular reconciliation helps you avoid future cleanup headaches and keeps your books audit-ready.
Where to go:
Transactions > Reconcile
🔧 Need help reconciling? We can help you make it happen.
✅ 2. Categorize Transactions Daily
Stay on top of your books by categorizing every transaction as it comes in. It keeps reports accurate, makes tax time easier, and prevents backlog stress.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget to mark transactions as Billable when needed to recover costs from clients.
✅ 3. Run Weekly Aging Reports
Monitor cash flow by running these reports every week:
A/R Aging Summary (who owes you)
A/P Aging Summary (who you owe)
You can also view invoice/payment status under:
Sales > Customers
Expenses > Vendors
📊 Learn how to use QuickBooks Online reports.
✅ 4. Set Up User Permissions
Don’t give everyone full access. Assign roles based on what each team member needs to do. It protects your business and reduces the risk of errors.
Where to go:
Gear icon > Manage Users
✅ 5. Add Reorder Points to Inventory
Too little inventory? You lose sales. Too much? You tie up cash. Use reorder points so QuickBooks alerts you when stock gets low.
Where to go:
Sales > Products and Services > Edit item
📦 Want help managing inventory? We offer QuickBooks setup and training.
✅ 6. Use the “Ask My Accountant” Account
If you're unsure how to categorize a transaction, don't guess. Use a holding account labeled Ask My Accountant so we can clean it up later.
To create it:
Go to Chart of Accounts > New, choose Expense, and set the detail type as Other Business Expenses.
✅ 7. Review Profit & Loss Weekly
Your P&L shows your income, expenses, and net profit in one place. Checking it weekly helps you spot trends early and make smarter decisions.
📌 Bonus Tip: Let Us Handle the Tough Reports
QuickBooks Online includes advanced reports like the Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows—essential for loan applications, tax planning, and big decisions. But they can be tricky to interpret.
That’s where we come in.
We can help you generate these reports and explain them so you always know where your business stands.
❓ FAQ: QuickBooks Online Best Practices
Q: How often should I reconcile in QuickBooks Online?
A: Monthly at a minimum. Reconciliation confirms that your books match your bank and credit card records.
Q: What’s the “Ask My Accountant” account used for?
A: It’s a temporary account to hold uncategorized expenses until your accountant can review and assign the right category.
Q: How do I know if I’ve set up user roles correctly?
A: Each user should only have access to the tools they need. We can help you audit and adjust your permissions setup.
Q: Why run aging reports weekly?
A: Staying on top of what’s owed to you—and what you owe—prevents cash flow issues and missed payments.
Q: Do I really need to check Profit & Loss every week?
A: Yes! Weekly review gives you insight into how your business is doing now, not months later.
👋 Let’s Simplify Your QuickBooks Experience
From setup to training to ongoing support, Peak Advisers is here to help you get more from QuickBooks Online—and save time doing it.
📩 Get in touch with us today to learn how we can support your business.