How To Find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor in 4 Steps

If you’re looking for a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, the best place to go to is Intuit’s Find a ProAdvisor website, and then follow the steps in our guide. You may also choose to search an alternative platform, such as LinkedIn and Indeed. Note that not all QuickBooks ProAdvisors are the same, so you have to review their profiles, connect with a few on your shortlist, and check their references to find the right one for you.

Step 1: Narrow Your Search Down

You can search for a ProAdvisor near you quickly by entering your city, state, or ZIP code. To filter further, you can search by the specific types of services that you need.

If your search yields hundreds of results, you can narrow it down by indicating the type of industry. If you’re in a sector that has specific accounting requirements, such as a nonprofit organization, it’s recommended to filter the results to fit those requirements.

Here’s the complete list of the industries you can choose from to narrow your search down:

Step 2: Check Profiles & Customer Reviews

Read the profiles located on the Find a ProAdvisor website and choose a ProAdvisor certified in the QuickBooks product you prefer, whether it’s QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop.

Below is a snapshot of a colleague’s profile on the Find a ProAdvisor website, along with a brief description of some information you should consider. Make sure you check the five things on a QuickBooks ProAdvisor’s profile:

1. Customer reviews: Right next to the profile picture, you can see average ratings and the total number of customer reviews. If you click on the reviews tab, you can see what customers are saying about the ProAdvisor. If there are too few reviews, you may ask the ProAdvisor to provide references.
2. QuickBooks certifications: This particular ProAdvisor is a certified expert in QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Any additional certifications would be listed here as well.
3. About: In this section, you’ll see the ProAdvisor’s professional experience and information regarding the types of services they provide. Any specific industries that they have expertise in may be listed here as well.
4. Credentials: Here, you’ll learn more about the products and areas where the ProAdvisor is proficient. Included are the titles that further describe the ProAdvisor’s expertise.
5. Software expertise: The ProAdvisor’s specific product knowledge, such as QuickBooks Desktop Basic/Pro/Premier, is listed here.

Use this information to narrow down your list of the top two to five ProAdvisors with whom you’d like to work.

Step 3: Chat With the ProAdvisor

The best way to evaluate your ability to work with someone is by having a conversation with them. Therefore, you should contact the first couple of ProAdvisors on your list and request an initial consultation.

This initial consult is very similar to a job interview but less formal. It’s an opportunity for you to get to know this person and ask a few questions or address any concerns that you may have. It’s also an opportunity for the ProAdvisor to get to know you and learn more about your business needs.

To facilitate the conversation, we suggest making a list of the traits that you’re looking for in a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. When you speak with them, be sure to explain what services you’re looking for, what your business does, and what your pain points might be.

QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, both included in our list of the best small business accounting software, are complex accounting software, so make sure to talk to a ProAdvisor who has a deep mastery of all the QuickBooks features. Also, ask about how they prefer to work, how they bill their clients, what apps they use, how they rectify errors, and what their desired communication style is. Considering their responses carefully will help you to determine if they are a good fit for your business.

Step 4: Check References

After you come to an agreement on price, you should ask the QuickBooks ProAdvisor for a couple of references from either their current or past clients before you commit. You can contact these references to learn more about their experience with the ProAdvisor.

Most ProAdvisors won’t have a problem providing you with a client reference list. However, they might need to get approval from their client before you can contact them. If you encounter a QuickBooks ProAdvisor not willing to provide you with at least one client reference, I would consider moving to the next ProAdvisor on your list.

Other Places To Find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor

While using Intuit’s Find a ProAdvisor website is the best way to find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, there are other alternative sources you can use.

1. QuickBooks Live

QuickBooks Live is an online bookkeeping service that connects small businesses with QuickBooks ProAdvisors. Rather than dealing with an independent ProAdvisor, you’ll work with these professionals through QuickBooks.

The team of QuickBooks Live Bookkeepers has expertise in almost all industries. Their service involves three phases: cleanup/setup, ongoing bookkeeping, and month-end close. You’re not limited to a set amount of time per month, and you have the option of scheduling a video call once or twice each month to discuss any questions and to review month-end results. Depending on your needs, prices range from $200 to $600 per month.

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking website that’s also a terrific resource for referrals. It’s easy to conduct a search for “QuickBooks ProAdvisor” and filter the results for your area and your industry. You can also post a request for referrals as it’s likely that someone in your network is connected to one already. This is also a great opportunity to ask for an introduction.

3. Indeed

Indeed is one of the most popular and most visited job sites, and it lets you create a free job post that you can use to find a local QuickBooks ProAdvisor. With it, you can narrow down your search by using filters, such as location and qualifications. While you can post for free, you can opt to pay to optimize your post to get better results.

4. Local Groups

There are a variety of QuickBooks ProAdvisor meetup groups that take place around the United States—both remote and in-person. You can visit the Meetup website and search the keyword “QuickBooks” to see if there’s a group in your area. If you find a group, you can reach out to the organizer and explain that you’re looking for a QuickBooks expert within the group.

5. Local SBDC Office

Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist small business owners at various stages of their business. SBDC offers one-on-one counseling with Business Advisors, free of charge. Not all SBDC business advisors are QuickBooks ProAdvisors, but once you tell a representative that you need help with QuickBooks, they’ll assign someone with the experience and knowledge to assist you.

Bottom Line

Intuit’s Find a ProAdvisor website is by far the easiest way to find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor near you, but you may also search elsewhere, like QuickBooks Live and LinkedIn. However, whether you use Intuit’s website or not, note that not all ProAdvisors are the same. You have to meticulously do your research and choose carefully so that you’ll be able to find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor who can provide the support that your business needs.