The trickiest part to running a small business is keeping track of the finances. While some entrepreneurs may attempt to do this on their own, it may result in financial difficulties. Software programs, such as Small Business Quickbooks, can be real lifesavers, but if you have no experience with these programs, they can be quite intimidating. Hiring Small Business Quickbooks consultants can help, and here is how.

Installation and Startup

Installing and starting the programs are some of the first daunting tasks a new business owner might have to undertake. A consultant can walk you through the installation and startup processes, pointing out along the way how you can customize these programs to suit the needs of your fledgling business. Usually, this service takes about an hour or less, and then you should be able to start entering all of your current financial data in the appropriate folders.

Extra Help with Classification and Organization

Another area where a consultant can help is with classification and organization of your financial data. Sometimes it is not a clear cut case of where an expenditure should go, or whether you should count payments in collections as "accounts receivable." The Quickbooks consultant can help you classify your financial items and then organize them appropriately in the folders on your computer. That way, anytime you need to find unusual expenses or amounts received, you can quickly locate them by the files you and the consultant created for them.

Finding Errors

Even when your consultant has done everything possible to help you get your business in order, there may still be times when you make a mistake or miss an entry and wonder why your books are suddenly askew. If you need him or her to do so, the consultant can return to sort out just where things went awry and then help you resolve the problem. Just remember — most consultants charge by the hour, so be sure you have enough money in your budget to pay your consultant before calling him/her to resolve your current financial issues.

Finding and Hiring a Consultant

Consultants typically work on an "as needed" basis, or freelance. It may be difficult to find one that is available, affordable and knowledgeable about Quickbooks in your area. If that is the case, many consultants also offer online coaching via email, chats and VoIP lines. It may also be advantageous to have a laptop and desktop open and working so that your consultant can walk you through the steps on your laptop while you do the steps on your business desktop.