Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[ruth]

My client decided to do the invoicing and I'll do the rest (bookkeeping)because as a truck driver, he can turn in an invoice at the time of delivery. How can we both use the main QB file? I know I can't use accountant's copy to enter all transactions. Any suggestions? I though of QB Online but client doesn't agree.

Thanks in advance.

[Jennifer T]

ruth wrote: My client decided to do the invoicing and I'll do the rest (bookkeeping)because as a truck driver, he can turn in an invoice at the time of delivery. How can we both use the main QB file? I know I can't use accountant's copy to enter all transactions. Any suggestions? I though of QB Online but client doesn't agree.

Thanks in advance.

Since he doesn't want to use the QB Online, you have a couple options:

1. If the file is small, you can email backups to and from each other. Check his and your email providers - they vary as to attached file sizes they allow. If the backup file is under the limit, use this option. If his file is too large, you can always exchange it via online data exchange services, like yousendit.com.

2. Another option is for you to access his file via remote access. This would allow you to access his computer from your own. I use gotomypc.com and really like it.

The drawback of #1 is that he cannot work in the file while you have it, and you cannot work in the file while he has it. Also, you will need to manage the backups very carefully and not get old backups confused with new ones. I always append the current date to each client backup file. This makes it clear, and I never restore an old backup this way.

[Sandi]

I am having the same issue with my two of my clients. One uses Peachtree and does most of her bookkeeping herself. She needs me to audit her just to make sure her entries are correct. So I think gotomypc.com will work for me to dial up into her system.

But for the other client, she wants to print checks and reconcile her own bank acct. and have me perform the other bookkeeping functions. I was told to look at FTP client. Have you heard anything about this?

[Jennifer T]

Sandi wrote: I am having the same issue with my two of my clients. One uses Peachtree and does most of her bookkeeping herself. She needs me to audit her just to make sure her entries are correct. So I think gotomypc.com will work for me to dial up into her system.

But for the other client, she wants to print checks and reconcile her own bank acct. and have me perform the other bookkeeping functions. I was told to look at FTP client. Have you heard anything about this?

I've never heard of FTP client. Sorry! You could do an internet search for it, and probably get some good information that way.

[Sandi]

Thanks Jennifer.
With the gotomypc.com, would it be better for my client to dial up into my computer, since I am doing most of the work? She is only cutting checks and reconciling her bank account. Is it possible to set up a secure password protected folder for each client and on my computer through this software? Or would she have access to all the info on my computer?

[benjonusa]

Maybe the person mean't for you to use an FTP client (generic term). An FTP client is just a way to exchange files. Such as when you upload a website to the hosting company, you use FTP (file transfer protocol). If you need further clarification on this I'll be happy to help.

gotomypc is excellent software. I've found it a little slow, especially with QB 2006.

What you could do, as I do with many of my clients is print the checks yourself to a PDF and send your client the PDF from that she can print her own checks.

Do you have a website? It's easy to exchange reports, files securely if you do. Again, I can help more if you need.

There is something about a customer dialling into your computer that doesn't seem appropriate. I would consider other options. If another of your clients found out that your computer was being accessed remotely, it could be a big issue.