Account name and description

Greetings, Stellae! Thank you for reaching out to us about the Account name and number when entering bills in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). I'm dedicated to helping you and providing all the relevant guidance and information you need.

When entering bills in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), the default view displays the name of the account being used. This is a standard feature that allows users to quickly identify which account they are working with during the bill entry process. The account name is typically visible in a column within the bill entry interface.

To enhance visibility and readability, you can adjust the column size. This can be done by hovering the cursor over the column divider, clicking and holding the left mouse button, and then dragging the column to the desired width. This simple adjustment allows for a clearer view of the account name and number, especially if it's longer or if you're working on a smaller screen.

However, it's important to note that while the account name is readily available and adjustable, viewing the account description in QBDT is not a standard feature during bill entry. The account description, which often contains additional details or notes about the account's purpose, is not displayed in this interface.

Finally, feel free to visit this article for detailed information about recording and entering bills in QuickBooks Desktop: Enter bills in QuickBooks Desktop.

Let me know if you have other concerns about entering bills in QuickBooks Desktop. I'll be here to lend a hand at any time.

@Stellae 

RE: How can i view the name and description of the account when entering bills in Desktop? 

You can't see the description, though the name will always appear, and if you use account numbers, then also the account numbers:

I think the description isn't available because Intuit figures the account number and name is enough.

RE: I only see the GL account number and it's hard for my team to know if they account is the right one without the description.

This is a little confusing because I don't think there is a case where only the number appears. The name should always appear as well.

The only thing I can think of is that perhaps in your company file you don't actually have account numbers turned on and instead the account name field is being used for the account numbers. Doing that will cause all sorts of usability issues in QuickBooks like the one you're describing.

If you edit your accounts, do they look like this?

Or like this?

If the latter, then I recommend turning on account numbers and revising your Chart of Accounts to use the number and name fields appropriately.

Turn on account numbers by going to Edit | Preferences | Accounting | Company Preferences and then select/enable Use Account Numbers.