Get started in QuickBooks Online: a quick tour & what to do next

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to getting started with QuickBooks Online. Whether you're a new user or looking to enhance your understanding of the platform, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the key features and functionalities, helping you manage your business efficiently.

Step 1: Customize the Dashboard

The dashboard is your control center in QuickBooks Online. Here’s how to optimize it:

• Access the Dashboard: Log into QuickBooks Online to view your dashboard.
• Customize Widgets:
  • Click on the gear icon or settings menu.
  • Select "Customize Dashboard" to add or remove widgets based on your needs.
• Personalize Appearance: Adjust the layout to highlight important information, such as sales or expenses.

Step 2: Navigate the Left Menu

The left navigation menu is essential for accessing various features. Familiarize yourself with it:

• Home: Return to the dashboard.
• Banking: Manage bank transactions and reconciliations.
• Sales: Create invoices and track sales activities.
• Expenses: Record expenses and manage bills.
• Reports: Access financial reports for analysis.

Step 3: Customize the Left Navigation

Tailor the left navigation to suit your workflow:

• Rearranging Items: Drag and drop menu items to prioritize them.
• Hiding Unused Features: Click the three dots next to an item to hide it if not needed.

Step 4: Using the +New Button

The +New button is your gateway to creating various transactions:

• Accessing the Button: Find the +New button at the top left of the screen.
• Creating Transactions: Click on it to add:
  • Invoices
  • Expenses
  • Bills
  • Other financial transactions
• Quick Entry: Use this feature to quickly enter data without navigating away from your current page.

Step 5: Explore the Settings Menu

The settings menu allows you to configure your account and preferences:

• Access Settings: Click on the gear icon at the top right of the dashboard.
• Key Configurations:
  • Company Settings: Update company information, preferences, and accounting methods.
  • User Management: Add or remove users and set their permissions.
  • Integrations: Connect other apps or services that can enhance your QuickBooks experience.

Step 6: Finding Help in QuickBooks Online

If you need assistance, QuickBooks offers various resources:

• Help Menu: Click the question mark icon for quick access to help articles and tutorials.
• Community Forums: Engage with other users for tips and solutions.
• QuickBooks Live: Consider personalized help through QuickBooks Live services if you need expert guidance.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively navigate and customize QuickBooks Online to fit your business needs. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, customize your navigation, and utilize the tools at your disposal to manage your finances. For further learning, explore additional tutorials available on QuickBooks to deepen your understanding and enhance your financial management skills.