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CPATaxGuy
Level 1

Converting QB Desktop to QBO

Have obtained a new client who wants us to do his books. His current bookkeeper is retiring (common theme these days). She has his books on QB Desktop and I only work with QBO and we're not well versed on QB Desktop. What is the best approach to convert her QB Desktop files to QBO under my administration:

 

Have her convert to QBO and then transfer account to me?

Can she give me a file and I can convert to QBO under my account/administration?

 

Any feedback is much appreciated!

 

5 Comments 5
FateCandylaneT
QuickBooks Team

Converting QB Desktop to QBO

Keeping track of your client's financial workflows is crucial for their accounting needs, CPATaxGuy. I'll help you with managing their data so they can ensure the accuracy of their books.

 

QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online are two different platforms. Some specific processes and features aren't similar between these programs, even when converting QBDT files to QBO. That said, it's best to advise your client to reach out to an accountant who's well-versed in doing accounting tasks on the desktop program. 

 

In addition, users need to ensure their accountant's QuickBooks version matches their QBDT or Enterprise versions. As the product offers best-in-class data security, financial advisors are unable to update their client's company files. With that, the QuickBooks Desktop provides an Accountant's Copy feature to streamline an easier process of managing these tasks.

 

Also, they can set up an external accountant user for their company data without the need to sign as an Admin. This permission allows them to access all areas of QuickBooks, except customer credit card numbers. Thus, if your client is using the QuickBooks Enterprise version, they can refer to these steps:

 

  1. Go to Company Users and select Users and Roles.
  2. Enter your Admin Password, then click OK.
  3. From the User List, select New.
  4. Enter a User ID and an optional Password.
  5. From Available Roles, click External Accountant role, and then hit Add.
  6. Enter the user’s email address. Then, select OK to confirm.

 

I'm adding this reference for additional information: Set up an External Accountant user in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Additionally, company users can create an accountant's copy of their file to send the data to their accounting professional without them being interrupted while doing tasks. I'll also include this resource to learn more about it: Accountant's File Transfer Service.

 

Moreover, you can share this guide to help their accountant convert their data so they can effectively make changes to their books: Use an Accountant's Copy working file in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

I'll be on this thread if there's anything else you need further assistance with when handling accounting data and customer books. Feel free to leave them in the comments below. Keep safe and have a great day ahead!

SIAB
Level 6

Converting QB Desktop to QBO

@CPATaxGuy 

Which QB Desktop year version?

CPATaxGuy
Level 1

Converting QB Desktop to QBO

Sorry for the delay on this and thanks for responding. She is using Quickbooks Accountant Desktop Plus 2024.

CPATaxGuy
Level 1

Converting QB Desktop to QBO

Sorry for the delay in responding and thanks for the help. She is using Quickbooks Accountant Desktop Plus 2024.

4Gal
Level 11

Converting QB Desktop to QBO

@CPATaxGuy 

Ask your client to send you the backup file (*.qbb) and portable file (*.qbm). Then you can install the trial version of QB Desktop 2024 Enterprise to restore the file and convert it to QBO.

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/new-subscriptions/download-trial-quic...

 

Another option, contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA for assistance.

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