QuickBooks Pro is a desktop-based accounting application from Intuit that helps small businesses and professionals manage their financial activities. It is designed to make bookkeeping easier by combining common accounting tasks in one system.
About QuickBooks Pro Easy Accounting
QuickBooks Pro provides tools for organizing business finances, maintaining records, and preparing reports. It is commonly used by small business owners, accountants, and office administrators who need a straightforward way to handle daily accounting operations.
Main Features
- Bookkeeping Management: Record sales, purchases, expenses, deposits, and other financial transactions.
- Invoicing: Create professional invoices, track customer payments, and monitor outstanding balances.
- Expense Tracking: Categorize and review business expenses to understand spending patterns.
- Customer & Vendor Management: Maintain details of customers, suppliers, and transactions.
- Bank Reconciliation: Compare accounting records with bank statements to keep accounts accurate.
- Financial Reports: Generate reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow summaries, and tax-related reports.
- Payroll Support: Manage payroll features in versions that include payroll capabilities.
- Inventory Tracking: Track products, quantities, and costs in supported editions.
Benefits
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners and experienced users
- Reduces manual calculations and paperwork
- Helps maintain accurate financial records
- Saves time in preparing business reports
- Supports better financial decision-making
QuickBooks Pro is especially useful for small businesses, retail shops, service providers, and freelancers who need reliable accounting tools without the complexity of larger enterprise accounting systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, QuickBooks Pro is generally considered easy to learn for basic bookkeeping tasks such as entering income, recording expenses, invoicing, and running reports. It may take more time to learn advanced features like inventory, job costing, payroll, and detailed accounting workflows, but many small business owners and bookkeepers can become comfortable with it through practice and training.
A basic QuickBooks Online account is the Simple Start plan, which is typically about $38 per month in the U.S. before discounts or promotions. It includes basic bookkeeping features such as income and expense tracking, invoicing, financial reports, and one user plus accountant access.
QuickBooks is generally better for small businesses because it is easier to learn, has a larger user community, more integrations, and strong cloud options through QuickBooks Online. Peachtree (Sage 50) can be better for businesses that need stronger inventory, job costing, or more traditional accounting controls. The better choice depends on the business size, industry, and accounting needs.
Some accountants dislike QuickBooks Online because they find it less efficient for complex bookkeeping than desktop software, with concerns about slower workflows, limited customization, changing interfaces, subscription costs, and fewer advanced features for certain accounting tasks. However, many accountants use QBO because of its cloud access, collaboration tools, automatic updates, and integration with other business systems.
Some people are leaving QuickBooks because of rising subscription costs, changes to product availability (especially QuickBooks Desktop), concerns about feature limitations in QuickBooks Online, and frustration with interface changes or support experiences. Others continue using it because of its large ecosystem, accountant familiarity, integrations, and ease of use.
Common disadvantages of QuickBooks include subscription costs, limited customization for some advanced accounting needs, occasional performance issues with large company files, reliance on internet access for QuickBooks Online, and the need for add-ons or higher-tier plans for features like advanced reporting, inventory, and complex workflows. Some accountants also prefer other systems for larger or more specialized businesses.
Yes, you can learn QuickBooks for free online through free tutorials, webinars, videos, practice resources, and training materials from sources like Intuit’s learning resources and accounting education websites. Free resources are usually enough to learn basic bookkeeping, invoicing, bank connections, and reporting, while advanced certification courses may require payment.
Some accountants dislike QuickBooks because they may find it limited for complex accounting, less efficient for high-volume work, dependent on add-ons, or frustrating due to subscription changes and product updates. However, many accountants still use and recommend QuickBooks because it is widely adopted, easy for clients to use, and integrates well with many accounting workflows.
Peachtree (now Sage 50) and QuickBooks are both accounting software, but they have different strengths. QuickBooks is generally easier to learn, more popular among small businesses, and has stronger cloud features and integrations. Sage 50 (Peachtree) is often preferred by businesses that need more traditional accounting controls, detailed inventory management, and stronger job-costing features. The better choice depends on the business’s size and accounting needs.
People replacing QuickBooks often choose alternatives based on their needs. Common replacements include Xero for cloud accounting, Sage 50 for desktop accounting, Zoho Books for small businesses, FreshBooks for invoicing and service businesses, Wave for simple bookkeeping, and NetSuite or Sage Intacct for larger organizations needing advanced financial management.
Yes, QuickBooks can charge yearly fees depending on the product. QuickBooks Desktop Plus and Pro Plus are typically sold as annual subscriptions, while QuickBooks Online is billed monthly (though you may pay annually in some arrangements). Pricing depends on the plan, number of users, and available discounts.
QuickBooks is not shutting down entirely. Intuit has been phasing out some QuickBooks Desktop products and moving customers toward QuickBooks Online, a cloud-based platform. The change is mainly due to Intuit’s focus on cloud accounting, automatic updates, easier collaboration, and integration with other online tools. Many QuickBooks products and services continue to operate.
The best QuickBooks certification depends on your goal. For most bookkeepers and accountants, QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor is the most valuable because QuickBooks Online is widely used by businesses and accounting firms. If you work with desktop users, QuickBooks Desktop certification can also be useful. For a career in bookkeeping, the Online ProAdvisor certification combined with real practice experience is usually the strongest option.
You can learn the basics of QuickBooks in about 3–7 days with focused practice. Becoming comfortable with everyday bookkeeping tasks usually takes 2–4 weeks, while mastering advanced features like payroll, inventory, job costing, and accountant-level workflows can take a few months of regular use.
QuickBooks training costs vary widely. Free tutorials and webinars are available online, while paid courses may range from about $50–$500 for self-paced classes and $500–$2,000+ for instructor-led or certification programs. The cost depends on the training provider, course depth, and whether certification is included.
For beginners, use QuickBooks by first setting up your company profile and chart of accounts, then add customers and vendors, connect bank accounts, record income and expenses, create invoices, pay bills, reconcile accounts regularly, and review reports like Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet. Practice with a sample company file to learn safely before entering real business data.
No, there is generally no fully free version of QuickBooks with all accounting features. Intuit offers free trials and occasional promotions, and some accountants provide client access through their subscriptions, but QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop products normally require payment. For completely free bookkeeping, alternatives like Wave may be an option for basic needs.
The best software depends on your needs. Xero can be better than QuickBooks for some businesses because of its clean cloud interface and collaboration tools; Sage 50 can be better for businesses needing strong inventory and traditional accounting controls; Zoho Books can be better for lower-cost small business accounting; and NetSuite or Sage Intacct can be better for larger companies with complex financial needs. For many small businesses, QuickBooks remains popular because accountants and integrations widely support it.
The easiest version of QuickBooks is generally QuickBooks Online Simple Start because it has a beginner-friendly interface, guided setup, automatic updates, and basic features for tracking income, expenses, invoices, and reports. It is best suited for small businesses and freelancers with simple bookkeeping needs.
QuickBooks Online monthly pricing depends on the plan. In the U.S., typical prices are approximately: Simple Start — $38/month, Essentials — $75/month, Plus — $115/month, and Advanced — $275/month before discounts or promotions. Payroll, payments, and add-on services may cost extra.
QuickBooks Online is better for most businesses because it offers cloud access, automatic updates, easier collaboration with accountants, and access from anywhere. QuickBooks Desktop may be better for businesses that need advanced inventory, job costing, industry-specific features, or prefer a traditional installed program. The best choice depends on your business size, workflow, and accounting needs.
It depends on the QuickBooks product. If you cancel QuickBooks Online, you generally lose access to the subscription features after the service ends, though Intuit may allow limited access to view or export data for a period. If you cancel QuickBooks Desktop Plus, access may be limited because it requires an active subscription for continued use and updates. Older one-time purchase Desktop versions may continue to work without a subscription.
The number of licenses included with QuickBooks Desktop depends on the edition and subscription. A single-user QuickBooks Desktop license typically includes 1 user license, while multi-user plans can support up to 5 users (and some versions may support more). Each person who needs separate access generally requires an available user seat.
The number of users you can have in QuickBooks depends on the plan. QuickBooks Online supports up to 1 user on Simple Start, 3 users on Essentials, 5 users on Plus, and 25 users on Advanced (with additional accountant access available). QuickBooks Desktop user limits vary by edition and license, with many versions supporting up to 5 concurrent users.
Yes, multiple users can access QuickBooks at the same time, depending on the version and plan. QuickBooks Online allows multiple users to work simultaneously based on the subscription user limit. QuickBooks Desktop also supports multiple users at the same time when set up in multi-user mode with the required licenses and network configuration.
In QuickBooks Online, you can connect multiple bank and credit card accounts. There is no common fixed limit for most users; the number depends on your bank connections, subscription, and account activity. You can add accounts from different financial institutions and manage them through Transactions → Bank transactions.
Yes, you can use one QuickBooks Online login for multiple businesses, but each business usually needs its own QuickBooks company subscription. You can switch between company files using the same Intuit account, but you should not mix transactions from separate businesses in one company file.
Yes, you can teach yourself QuickBooks using free tutorials, practice files, videos, and hands-on experience. Many people learn basic tasks like invoicing, expenses, bank reconciliation, and reports on their own, while advanced bookkeeping and accounting features may require more structured training or certification.
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor typically charges around $50–$150+ per hour, depending on experience, location, services provided, and whether they are doing basic training, bookkeeping, cleanup work, or advanced accounting support. Highly experienced consultants or specialists may charge higher rates.
Yes, you can become a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor for free by joining the QuickBooks Online Accountant program, which provides access to free training, certification courses, and accountant tools. You can complete the certification at your own pace without paying a fee.
Becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your experience and how much time you spend studying. The certification training is self-paced, and someone familiar with bookkeeping may complete it quickly, while beginners may need more time to learn both QuickBooks and accounting concepts.
Benefits of becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor include free QuickBooks training and certification, access to accountant tools, the ability to advise and support clients, increased credibility, marketing resources, and opportunities to build a bookkeeping or accounting practice. ProAdvisors can also stay updated on QuickBooks features and connect with potential clients.
Yes, the Intuit ProAdvisor Academy is generally free for members of the QuickBooks Online Accountant program. It provides training, learning resources, and certification courses for accountants and bookkeepers who want to become QuickBooks ProAdvisors.
The QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor program is free when you join QuickBooks Online Accountant. It includes access to training, certification, and accountant tools. However, optional services, additional software subscriptions, or advanced training programs may have separate costs.
Benefits of being a QuickBooks ProAdvisor include free training and certification, access to QuickBooks accountant tools, increased credibility with clients, the ability to offer QuickBooks setup and support services, networking opportunities, and resources to help grow a bookkeeping or accounting practice.
QuickBooks certification is the credential you earn by passing QuickBooks training and exams that show your knowledge of the software. A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is a member of Intuit’s accountant program who has access to ProAdvisor resources, tools, training, and certification opportunities. In short, certification proves your QuickBooks skills, while ProAdvisor is the professional program that provides training, benefits, and client support resources.
Yes, you should put a QuickBooks certification on your resume, especially if you are applying for bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, or administrative roles. List it under Certifications or Skills and include the specific credential, such as QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification, along with the completion date if relevant.
Yes, QuickBooks ProAdvisor Academy is free for members of the QuickBooks Online Accountant program. It provides access to training, certification courses, and learning resources for accountants and bookkeepers who want to become QuickBooks ProAdvisors.
Some accountants dislike QuickBooks Online because they may find it less efficient for complex bookkeeping, with fewer advanced desktop features, limited customization in some areas, subscription costs, and changes to the user interface. However, many accountants use QBO because it allows cloud access, real-time collaboration, automatic updates, and easy client sharing.
With a QuickBooks certification, you can pursue jobs such as bookkeeper, QuickBooks specialist, accounting assistant, accounts payable/receivable clerk, payroll specialist, small business accountant, and freelance bookkeeping consultant. The certification can help demonstrate QuickBooks skills, but employers also value accounting knowledge and practical experience.
The QuickBooks ProAdvisor discount depends on the product and offer available. ProAdvisors may receive discounts on QuickBooks subscriptions they purchase for their own firm or clients, but the exact percentage varies and can change over time. The best place to see current discounts is the QuickBooks Online Accountant ProAdvisor portal.
QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors can earn different amounts depending on their role, experience, and location. Bookkeeping employees may earn around $40,000–$70,000 per year, while experienced QuickBooks consultants or freelance ProAdvisors may earn $50–$150+ per hour or more through client work. Those who run their own bookkeeping practice may earn higher incomes depending on the number and type of clients.
Yes, you can convert Peachtree (now Sage 50 Accounting) data to QuickBooks, but the process usually requires a conversion tool or service. You can use tools such as the QuickBooks Conversion Tool (when supported) or third-party conversion services to transfer lists, accounts, customers, vendors, and transactions. The available conversion options depend on your Sage 50 version and the QuickBooks product you are moving to.
The easiest QuickBooks version to use is generally QuickBooks Online Simple Start because it has a simple interface, guided setup, automatic updates, and cloud access from anywhere. It is best for small businesses that need basic income, expense tracking, invoicing, and financial reports without advanced accounting features.
Yes, Peachtree (now Sage 50 Accounting) can be a good choice for small businesses that need detailed accounting features, strong inventory tracking, job costing, and more traditional desktop accounting tools. However, many small businesses choose QuickBooks because it is generally easier to learn, has broader support, and offers more cloud-based features.
Yes, you can buy QuickBooks Desktop versions that do not require a monthly subscription in some cases, but Intuit has moved many products to subscription-based pricing. QuickBooks Online always requires a monthly subscription, while older perpetual-license Desktop versions may be available through existing licenses or resellers but may not receive current support or updates.
There is no single replacement for QuickBooks; alternatives depend on the business needs. Popular options include Xero for cloud accounting, Sage 50 for desktop-style accounting, Zoho Books for small businesses, FreshBooks for invoicing-focused businesses, and NetSuite or Sage Intacct for larger companies needing advanced financial management. Many businesses still use QuickBooks because of its widespread accountant support and integrations.
Yes, you can learn QuickBooks on your own using tutorials, practice files, online courses, and hands-on use of a QuickBooks account. Many people learn the basics of invoicing, expenses, bank reconciliation, and reports independently, while advanced topics like payroll, inventory, and complex accounting may require more structured training.
After learning QuickBooks, salary depends on the role, experience, and location. In the U.S., a QuickBooks bookkeeper often earns around $40,000–$60,000 per year, while experienced QuickBooks specialists or accounting professionals may earn $60,000–$80,000+ per year. Freelance QuickBooks bookkeepers may charge hourly rates depending on their skills and client base.
The time needed to learn QuickBooks depends on your goal. Basic skills like entering transactions, invoicing, expenses, and running reports can usually be learned in 10–20 hours of practice. Becoming comfortable with bookkeeping tasks may take 40–80 hours, while mastering advanced areas like payroll, inventory, job costing, and accountant-level workflows can take several months of regular use.
The fastest way to learn QuickBooks is to combine short video lessons with hands-on practice: learn the basics of company setup, chart of accounts, customers/vendors, invoices, expenses, bank reconciliation, and reports, then practice using a sample company file. Many beginners can learn basic QuickBooks skills in 1–2 weeks with daily practice.
The cheapest way to get QuickBooks is usually to use QuickBooks Online Simple Start with a new-user discount or promotion, or get access through an accountant who provides client access. For very basic needs, you can also look for limited free trials or lower-cost alternatives, but full QuickBooks features generally require a paid subscription.
QuickBooks Easy Start is another name sometimes used for the basic QuickBooks Online Simple Start plan. It is designed for small businesses and includes basic features such as tracking income and expenses, creating invoices, connecting bank accounts, and running financial reports. It is intended for businesses that do not need advanced features like inventory, projects, or multiple users.
If you mean QuickBooks Online Easy Start (Simple Start) certification, there is generally no limit on how many people can earn the certificate. Each person completes the training and certification individually through Intuit’s certification program. If you mean a different “Easy Start certificate,” please specify.
Yes, QuickBooks can do payroll through QuickBooks Payroll, which helps businesses calculate wages, withhold taxes, pay employees, file payroll tax forms, and manage payroll records. Features vary by plan, and some businesses use third-party payroll services that integrate with QuickBooks.
QuickBooks is used by many small and medium-sized businesses, including freelancers, consultants, retail stores, restaurants, contractors, professional service firms, nonprofits, and startups. It is commonly used for tracking income and expenses, invoicing customers, managing bills, payroll, bank reconciliation, and preparing financial reports.
Yes, QuickBooks is worth learning if you want to work in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, or small business finance. It is one of the most widely used accounting platforms, and QuickBooks skills can help you get bookkeeping jobs, freelance clients, or improve your own business financial management.
To create invoices in QuickBooks, go to Sales → Invoices → Create Invoice, select the customer, enter the products or services provided, add the amount and payment terms, review the invoice, and send it by email or print it. When the customer pays, record the payment in QuickBooks to keep your accounts updated.
QuickBooks can feel expensive because Intuit charges subscription fees for ongoing access to cloud features, updates, security, customer support, integrations, and payroll services. The pricing also reflects its large ecosystem, accountant network, and business features, though some users find the cost high compared with simpler bookkeeping alternatives.
QuickBooks is generally easy to learn for basic tasks like invoicing, recording expenses, bank reconciliation, and running reports. It becomes more challenging when learning advanced areas like payroll, inventory, job costing, and complex accounting rules, but most beginners can become comfortable with the basics in a few weeks of practice.
Some accountants dislike QuickBooks because they may find it limiting for complex accounting, slower for high-volume work, less customizable than some professional systems, and affected by subscription costs and product changes. However, many accountants still use QuickBooks because it is widely adopted, easy for clients to understand, and integrates well with accounting workflows.
Yes, QuickBooks Desktop has historically been available as a one-time purchase license, but Intuit has moved many Desktop products to annual subscription plans. QuickBooks Online does not offer a one-time license because it is subscription-based. If you already own an older perpetual-license version of QuickBooks Desktop, you may continue using it, but newer features, support, and updates may be limited.
It depends on the QuickBooks version and license type. With QuickBooks Desktop, a single-user license is generally intended for one user but may allow installation on more than one computer for the same user in certain cases; multi-user access requires additional user licenses. QuickBooks Online does not require installation and can be accessed from multiple devices based on the subscription’s user limits.
Yes, two people can use the same QuickBooks account if the subscription supports multiple users. In QuickBooks Online, you can invite additional users and assign permissions. In QuickBooks Desktop, multiple users can work on the same company file if you have the appropriate multi-user license setup and are on the same network.
Currently, most new QuickBooks products require a subscription. QuickBooks Online is subscription-only, and newer QuickBooks Desktop versions are generally sold as annual subscriptions rather than one-time purchases. Older perpetual-license versions of QuickBooks Desktop may still work if you already own them, but they are no longer the main option for new buyers.
Yes, you can share QuickBooks with your accountant. In QuickBooks Online, you can invite your accountant as an accountant user with special access to review and manage your books. In QuickBooks Desktop, you can share the company file with your accountant by sending a backup file, portable file, or using a hosting setup.
For a single user, QuickBooks Online Simple Start is typically about $38 per month before discounts or promotions. QuickBooks Desktop pricing varies by edition and subscription, but a single-user plan is often around $1,000+ per year depending on the version and features included.
Yes, you can load QuickBooks Desktop on two computers if your license terms allow it, such as using the same licensed user on multiple devices. However, a single-user license does not allow two people to use it at the same time. QuickBooks Online can be accessed from multiple computers because it runs through a web browser.
Yes, you can transfer a QuickBooks Desktop license to another computer by installing QuickBooks on the new computer, signing in or entering your license information, and moving your company files (such as through a backup or portable company file). You should deactivate or remove the old installation if required by your license terms. QuickBooks Online does not require license transfers because it is accessed through your account.
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is a trained QuickBooks professional who helps businesses set up, manage, and troubleshoot QuickBooks. They may provide services such as bookkeeping, account setup, training, payroll support, cleanup of financial records, reporting, and advising clients on how to use QuickBooks effectively.
QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Pro Plus are very similar desktop products. QuickBooks Pro refers to the software edition, while QuickBooks Pro Plus is the subscription version that includes the Pro features plus ongoing support, updates, and security enhancements. Pro Plus is generally sold as an annual subscription, while older Pro versions were sold as one-time licenses.
The cost to hire someone for QuickBooks work depends on the service and experience. A bookkeeper may charge about $30–$75 per hour, a QuickBooks ProAdvisor may charge $50–$150+ per hour, and monthly bookkeeping packages may range from $200 to $1,000+ per month depending on transaction volume and complexity.
Yes, becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor can be worth it if you want to offer bookkeeping services, work with small businesses, improve your accounting skills, or attract clients. It can increase credibility, provide access to training and tools, and help you find opportunities, though the value depends on how actively you use the certification.
QuickBooks Pro Plus typically costs around $1,000+ per year for a single-user subscription, depending on the current Intuit pricing, promotions, and edition. Pricing can vary based on the number of users and included features.
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is not automatically a bookkeeper, but many ProAdvisors are bookkeepers or accountants. ProAdvisor is a certification and training program showing expertise with QuickBooks; a certified person may provide bookkeeping, training, setup, cleanup, payroll, or consulting services depending on their skills and experience.
QuickBooks ProAdvisor training is self-paced and can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks depending on your experience and how much time you study. Someone familiar with bookkeeping may complete the certification quickly, while a beginner may need more time to learn both QuickBooks features and accounting concepts.
To become QuickBooks ProAdvisor certified, create a free QuickBooks Online Accountant account, sign in to the ProAdvisor training section, complete the certification courses, pass the certification exam, and receive your ProAdvisor certification badge. The training is self-paced and covers QuickBooks features, workflows, and accounting practices.
The best QuickBooks certification for most people is QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification because QuickBooks Online is widely used by small businesses and accounting firms. It is especially valuable for bookkeepers, accountants, and consultants who want to work with clients. If you work with businesses using desktop software, adding a QuickBooks Desktop certification can also be useful.
Yes, the QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification exam is generally open book. You can use available learning materials, help resources, and notes while taking the exam. The goal is to test your ability to use QuickBooks and find the right solutions, not just memorize information.
To become a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, create a free QuickBooks Online Accountant account, access the ProAdvisor training and certification section, complete the required courses, pass the certification exam, and receive your certification badge. You can then use your ProAdvisor profile and certification to showcase your QuickBooks skills to clients and employers.
Yes, QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification can expire. Intuit typically requires ProAdvisors to complete updated certification training and exams periodically to maintain current certification status as QuickBooks products and features change. The exact renewal requirements can vary by certification year and program updates.
The QuickBooks ProAdvisor program does not have traditional “levels” like beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Instead, ProAdvisors can earn different certifications, such as QuickBooks Online Certification, QuickBooks Online Advanced Certification, and QuickBooks Payroll Certification (depending on availability). ProAdvisors may also have profile tiers or badges based on experience, training, and activity.
The QuickBooks ProAdvisor training is self-paced and does not have a fixed length. Many people complete the basic training in about 10–20 hours, while beginners may take several weeks if they are also learning bookkeeping concepts. The time depends on your experience and study schedule.
You can generally retake the QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification exam if you do not pass, but the exact number of attempts and any waiting period can depend on Intuit’s current certification rules. You can review the training materials and attempt the exam again until you achieve certification.