Here’s an overview of the benefits of using QuickBooks with marketing platforms:

Consolidated view of the customer. Integrating sales figures into marketing allows your company to develop data-driven marketing campaigns. For example, if a customer’s purchasing activity increases, a targeted marketing campaign that offers volume discounts could lead to additional revenue. Likewise, this combination could help your business track analytics, such as return on investment and click-through rates, from marketing programs.

More timely, targeted messaging. A marketing platform can help segment your customer base. This can allow your business to deliver strategically timed messages that target a specific audience. For example, you could send new customers promotional emails based on recent purchases. Or you could offer discounts to reengage with existing customers who haven’t made a purchase in the last 90 days.

Enhanced engagement monitoring. A centralized view of a customer’s transactions and interactions with marketing emails can provide a window into their connection with your organization. This can identify satisfied customers and those who may take their business elsewhere. For example, if a customer opens every email and clicks on the links, that shows a high level of engagement. If a customer deletes emails without opening them, it may be cause for concern.

Refined marketing campaigns. Analyzing financial and marketing data together allows your business to monitor the impact of its marketing campaigns in real-time. For example, if the first email of a marketing campaign fails to generate revenue, you can pause the process and revisit your messaging. Conversely, if an email generates significant revenue, that information could justify investing more in subsequent emails with similar messaging.

Using QuickBooks with your marketing platform may provide your business with new perspectives and insight into your customers’ buying patterns, unmet needs and connection to your brand. It can also provide actionable intelligence to facilitate deeper, mutually beneficial relationships with new and existing customers. Contact Jeff Walch for help getting the most out of data from these tools at your organization.

Many nonprofits turn to QuickBooks® for reporting their results to stakeholders and managing their finances more efficiently. Here’s an overview of QuickBooks’ specialized features for nonprofits.

Terminology and functionality. QuickBooks for nonprofits incorporates language used in the nonprofit sector to make it easier to use. For example, the solution includes templates for donor and grant-related reporting. Accounting staff can also assign revenue and expenses to specific funds or programs.

Expense allocation and compliance reporting. Nonprofits often receive donations and grants with stipulations regarding the expenses that can be applied. They can use QuickBooks to establish approved expense types and track budgets for specific funding sources, as well as satisfy compliance-related accounting and reporting requirements.

Streamlined donations processing. The easier it is to donate to a nonprofit, the more likely people will do so. QuickBooks facilitates electronic payments from donors. It also integrates with charitable giving and online fundraising sites and includes the functionality to process in-kind contributions, such as office furniture and supplies.

Tax compliance and reporting. Failure to comply with IRS reporting requirements can cause an entity to lose its tax-exempt status. QuickBooks offers a customized IRS reporting solution for nonprofits, which includes the ability to create Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.”

Donor management. QuickBooks allows nonprofits to store donor lists. This functionality includes the ability to divide the data according to the location, contribution and status. These filters can make it easier to contact and nurture donors who meet specific criteria, such as significant donors who’ve stopped making regular contributions.

Data security. Data security is key to building trust and encouraging future donations. QuickBooks protects donors’ personal identification and payment information by allowing the account administrator to limit which users are allowed to view, edit or delete donor-related data. With QuickBooks, personnel can only access and share data with the administrator’s permission.

Not just for for-profit businesses

QuickBooks is an accounting solution for small and medium-sized entities, including those in the nonprofit sector. The software’s streamlined processes, third-party integrations and robust reporting can help nonprofits improve their approach to financial management and fulfill their organization’s mission. Contact us to find out if QuickBooks is right for your organization and, if so, for help getting it up and running.

1. Professional advice. Outsourcing to an experienced CPA firm provides access to professional guidance related to tax, legal and financial matters. This makes it easier to remain compliant with rules and regulations and avoid costly mistakes due to a lack of knowledge or errors in interpreting complex regulations.

By engaging a third-party firm, there’s a second set of eyes on your company’s books. This can provide peace of mind that your books accurately reflect the performance of your business. Additionally, a CPA can help streamline your accounting processes and help record complex transactions correctly.

2. Scalability. As your financial situation evolves, you can dial up (or down) the services provided by your CPA. For example, a start-up that outsources its accounting needs wouldn’t need to worry about outgrowing its bookkeeper over time — or training that individual to take on more advanced accounting and tax needs. Likewise, if you embark on a major financial project — such as a launching a new product, building a new factory or merging with a strategic buyer — your CPA has the expertise on-hand to help you achieve the best possible outcome from a financial and tax perspective.

Outsourcing can also be a viable temporary solution if you unexpectedly lose your CFO. This can provide breathing room while you search for a qualified replacement in today’s tight labor market.

3. Cost savings. Outsourcing can save you money on payroll taxes and insurance costs associated with hiring an in-house accountant. Further, CPAs enjoy economies of scale regarding software usage and purchases, so they likely can provide accounting services cheaper than your firm can by working alone or relying on independent service providers for each task.

4. Efficiency. When you transfer accounting functions to your CPA, your management team has more time for core marketing, product development and other activities. It also frees up resources for higher-value tasks that can increase cash flow and optimize efficiency within the organization, such as negotiating with prospects or building deeper relationships with existing clients.

5. Enhanced confidence with stakeholders. A CPA firm’s involvement can instill confidence in lenders and investors if you intend to borrow money or solicit investment capital. It shows that your firm is committed to maintaining accurate business records and has access to the expertise needed to address complex issues.

Contact us if you’re considering outsourcing your daily accounting tasks, either permanently or temporarily. We can tailor a cost-effective service plan that works for your current and future business needs.