CPA Moms

I am a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, a CPA a member of NATP.  I run my business from home, but thanks to modern technology, I could be anywhere and work.  I personally do not use foreign source labor because there are so many unemployed in the US.  There are however those who will work with foreign labor so that they can stay competitive in the world market.  What I would suggest to foreign accountants that want to work with US companies is become certified by QuickBooks and train.  The test is difficult.  My state Board of Public Accountancy told me years ago that I would find it as hard as the CPA exam.  They were not joking.   I have used QuickBooks since it was a Dos based program and not owned by Intuit.

Each year I try to recertify on QuickBooks because each version changes something.  I could just take the test alone to recertify for the new year, but I learn something new each time I work my way through the entire course again (which is done online) and then I apply it to my consulting on QuickBooks training.  We get unlimited technical support from QuickBooks and our own toll free number.  We are the beta testers for new revisions because we point out flaws in the program.  We are given the latest software to use with our clients who need technical support locally.  I have had them connect by remote access to my client’s computer even though I have their books on my desktop.  I can toggle between versions of QuickBooks to see if my solution will work for them.  I usually support only desktop applications because QuickBooks Online gives unlimited technical support.  I must meet with the client and understand their needs and what they want to do with QuickBooks before I let them know the version they should choose.  I write it all down and get back with them because I have to review the limitations of each version of the software.  One size does not fit all.

Working online is not easy because of security issues.  I have to grant permission for any software company to get in on my computer because I use firewalls, as well as internet security and virus software.  I know my client’s private information is at stake. One of the best forms of security is wired Ethernet cards on my intranet in my office.  Sure there are wires all over the house, but it is much more secure.  Wireless is not perfected yet and easily stolen.  My son is an IT person who works with a local school district and the only one I trust to take care of my computers because he knows my security needs.

One of the founders of Complete Pro Accountants™ is now on Facebook.    The primary purpose of this blog will be for accountants, bookkeepers and tax preparers to learn from others what to do and how to improve their business or careers.   This blog will be a membership site in the near future.  As you may have guessed it is tax season and time is very limited for creating a lot of content for this blog.  The goal for this blog will be to connect the members with other members in order to form a group that can ask questions of the more experienced members.  There will also be training presentations and advice from other experts on how to build clientele and get you name out inexpensively.  For those people that are now considering starting their own small business, we will allow them to connect with people in this group for advice and guidance.

Until such time as this all can be implemented, please feel free to connect with the Facebook page and consider joining Facebook and becoming a fan.  A direct link to the discussion page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Paso-TX/Certified-Public-Accountant/85534886591?v=app_2373072738.