Do I need a QB Desktop license to gain accountant access to a client's books?

Hello AJBookkeeping,

Yes, you'll also need a QuickBooks Desktop program for you to access your client's company files. When choosing the program version, make sure you align with your client's version or higher. You might also consider purchasing the QuickBooks Desktop Accountant version. Unlike the regular version, this one has accounting features that help you manage your client's file. Our Sales Support Team can also help you choose what version suits you. You can use the contact information in this link to reach them: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/.

Once you've purchased the product successfully, you can install and start using it. You can use this reference for the detailed steps: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

Here's also a visual guide that might help you: How to Install QuickBooks Desktop.

Meanwhile, the remote access depends on your client. If they're in a cloud-hosting setup, they can invite you to their company file. Otherwise, your client can send an accountant's copy and sent it to you: 

Create an Accountant's Copy of your company file in QuickBooks Desktop.

You can also visit this article to see the workflow of the accountant's copy: Use the Accountant's Copy.

Feel free to drop by again if you have more questions about program. Have a great day!

@AJBookkeeping 

It depends how you will serve your client. You may have 3 options:

1. The cheapest one, utlize the remote desktop solution. You don't need to purchase any license of QuickBooks Desktop. 

https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

2. Purchase a license of QBD Accountant edition. You may purchase a one-time license of QBD 2017 Premier Accountant or QBD 2018 Premier Accountant to work on QBD Pro/Premier 2017 version of your client.

3. Ask your client to deploy a private cloud to let you access their data file anytime you want by internet connection.

What type of private data cloud would you suggest? 

@TaraM 

Explore this one

https:// partners.myquickcloud.com/?pc=fiatlux

How can I get remote access to my clients desktop file which is hosted the cloud?

this was a response below:

Meanwhile, the remote access depends on your client. If they're in a cloud-hosting setup, they can invite you to their company file.

Hello there, vgotha.

Your client needs to have a cloud hosting service for you to be able to access their company file remotely. They can check out our list of authorized hosting providers. Then, they can invite you to grant access to the company file. 

Here's how they can grant you access:

1. From the Company menu, select Set Up Users and Passwords. 
2. Click Set Up Users.
3. Select Add User.
4. Let them enter your credentials. Click Next.
5. Then, the access they want them to give you. Click Next.
6. Once done, click Finish.

On the other hand, they can give you an accountant's copy that was also suggested by my colleague JamesDuanT. I'll show you how:

1. Go to the File menu
2. Choose Send Company File.
3. Select Accountant's Copy.

I'll be attaching the articles again for your reference on how the Accountant's Copy feature works: 

• Create an Accountant's Copy of your company file in QuickBooks Desktop
• Use the Accountant's Copy

Please don't hesitate to leave a reply below or post again if you have other questions. You take care always and have a great day!