-
Step 1
Begin using QuickBooks by opening the software and setting up your company file. Click on "Create a new company file," and then follow what Intuit calls the EasyStep interview process. This involves providing information when you are prompted for it by the software. You will be asked to key in basic information such as the company name and address, federal tax ID #, type of business you have, and specifics regarding business bank accounts and credit cards.
-
Step 2
Navigate between the different screens for dealing with customers, vendors, employees, and reports by clicking on the icons for them, located at the top of the main QuickBooks window.
-
Step 3
Create new customers, vendors, and employees by clicking on the commands "Create New Customer," "Create New Vendor" and "Create New Employee" respectively. The customer center, vendor center, and employee center are set up with a consistent format, so as you learn one task it will probably apply to the others as well.
-
Step 4
Add the products and services that your business sells by clicking on the menu option labeled "List" at the top of any of the windows, and then select "Items." An Items window opens. Select "Edit," and then "New Item." A window opens where you can enter the specific information for that item. Adding these items allows you to later add them to invoices or quotes with just a click of your mouse.
-
Step 5
Click on the labeled icons in each window to do tasks such as creating invoices, receiving payments, and paying bills. Most all accounting jobs are a matter of clicking on an easily identified button or menu item, and then following the prompts you see.
-
Step 6
Click on the "Reports Center" icon to get access to a wide variety of reports, charts, and graphs that QuickBooks compiles from the data of all the transactions you have entered. You can use the same point-and-click method to filter data to create reports that fit your needs.
