QuickBooks Enterprise software is a user-friendly suite of applications that, with the help of a trained user, acts as a virtual accountant. QuickBooks Enterprise can fulfill a host of needs, including tracking expenses, invoicing, financial statements, financial reports and payroll functions. Business owners can even use QuickBooks Enterprise to direct deposit wages into their employees’ bank accounts.

Finding employees certified in QuickBooks Enterprise solutions means you can rest easy in knowing that your business finances are being monitored. Consider learning QuickBooks Enterprise yourself so you can enter information yourself, should the need ever arise. Use the following suggestions:

1. Try the QuickBooks Enterprise programs to find one that fits your needs, which eliminates unnecessary training.

2. Learn the best ways to use the software.

3. Get information about new program developments and learn to use new or upgraded features.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what QuickBooks Enterprise program best fits your needs

Intuit, the publisher of QuickBooks Enterprise software, offers different versions of the software for different markets, in order to support the specific needs and tax structures of various countries. If you have a question about whether you should learn one of the QuickBooks family of programs, including QuickBooks Enterprise 2005, there are a few web resources that can help you determine if adding QuickBooks to your skill set will be useful. Download QuickBooks Enterprise to try it out so you can determine if you and QuickBooks are a good fit.

I recommend: Businesses that pay bills by hand might appreciate having an employee certified and proficient in QuickBooks Enterprise 8.0. This and other general information about the QuickBooks family is available from All Business. Checking out a sample QuickBooks Enterprise download from Intuit is another way you can determine if becoming QuickBooks certified is worth your trouble.

Participate in a QuickBooks Enterprise training course

Finding, and completing, a QuickBooks Enterprise education and training program is the only way to become certified. Some of these programs provide certificates upon successful completion of the program. Consider the certification programs if you want proof of your training.

I recommend: Real World Training bills itself as the only training program endorsed by QuickBooks. Video Professor also offers well-packaged programs that you can watch on your DVD player while using your computer.

Keep abreast of updates to the QuickBooks Enterprise software

As with any software, QuickBooks Enterprise providers keep updating their programs to meet their customers' needs. As new versions of the software are published, it is necessary to learn them so you can put the full power of QuickBooks Enterprise to work for your employer or your own business. If you decide that you like working with QuickBooks Enterprise, there are several websites you can use to search for employers that are looking specifically for people who are proficient in using QuickBooks software.

I recommend: Solution Resources offers a QuickBooks Enterprise software download, which includes a solutions program with emailed updates. These updates, along with the suggestions on in the program, will help you make the most of your software. IncorTech is a QuickBooks Enterprise software provider. This company offers a QuickBooks Enterprise software download that includes unlimited live help for one year. This company offers a trial version of the software, as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider training more than one employee on how to use QuickBooks Enterprise. Should your primary employee fall sick or have to take a leave of absence, you won't have to struggle to get your finances taken care of in a timely manner.

Full-service accounting software packages usually target certain types of businesses, but QuickBooks Enterprise offers a variety of customizable features to fit your business needs. QuickBooks Enterprise 8.0 software has built-in solutions for companies of all sizes, and a reports function that allows detailed review of existing data. You can get all this for a minimal investment of resources, including money, personnel and time.

Consider these factors to determine which capabilities of QuickBooks Enterprise 8.0 you need most:

1. If you’re using an older version of QuickBooks Enterprise, consider upgrading.

2. The number of employees that will need access to your management software.

3. Which accounting and inventory features that you need most for your business.

4. If you’re using an older version of QuickBooks Enterprise, consider upgrading to QuickBooks Enterprise 8.0.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Upgrade QuickBooks Enterprise 2005

If you have a previous version of the software, such as QuickBooks Enterprise 2005, you'll want to take version 8.0 for a test drive to see if you're ready to upgrade. Some accounting firms no longer support version 5.0, so ask your accountant how seriously you should investigate QuickBooks Enterprise software.

I recommend: Schedule a QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions online demonstration to determine which available facets apply to your company.

Sneak a peek with a QuickBooks Enterprise download

Once you've seen the software package in action, put it to the test using your own data and a trial CD, or download the QuickBooks Enterprise trial quickly and use sample data to evaluate its features.

I recommend: Complete a QuickBooks Enterprise download for a 30-day trial using sample data, or request a free trial software CD and upload your own data for a realistic view of how QuickBooks Enterprise software applies directly to your business. Take your operations mobile using QuickBooks from Home with a remote access trial.

Get the support and training you need from QuickBooks Enterprise providers and online forums

Navigate the learning curve when you get started with QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 8.0 using websites endorsed by Intuit and QuickBooks Enterprise users. Providers of QuickBooks Enterprise will provide initial product setup and data integration assistance.

I recommend: Register as a member of the QuickBooks support forum, and take advantage of educational web casts from Intuit's web training resource. Locate licensed providers of QuickBooks Enterprise software, and have them walk you through consultation and startup.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you decide to upgrade to Enterprise, don't shell out big money for training right at first. You and your staff may find that the included training CDs provide sufficient education.