What ProAdvisor means
ProAdvisor is Intuit's program for accountants and bookkeepers who work with QuickBooks. Members get training, software access and a listing in Intuit's Find a ProAdvisor directory, where small businesses can search for help.
Joining the program and passing certification exams are two different things. Ask which a person has.
What it does not mean
It is not a license. A ProAdvisor is not automatically a CPA, an enrolled agent or an attorney, and the title does not authorize anyone to give tax or legal advice. In New Jersey, only a licensed CPA can call themselves a CPA, and anyone paid to prepare tax returns needs a PTIN.
It also is not a guarantee of quality. It tells you someone has chosen to specialize in QuickBooks. Their references and their work are what tell you the rest.
Bookkeeper, ProAdvisor, accountant: which do you need?
A bookkeeper records and reconciles transactions. An accountant interprets the numbers, plans taxes and prepares returns. A ProAdvisor can be either. Most small businesses need a bookkeeper every month and a tax professional once a year. See our guide on the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA.
How to find and check one
Search Intuit's Find a ProAdvisor directory by location, or ask your accountant for a referral. Whoever you talk to, ask these questions: Which QuickBooks products do you use daily? Which certifications do you hold, and can I see the listing? Who owns the QuickBooks account? Who is my backup if you are out? What exactly will I get each month?
Red flags
Anyone who wants to be the account owner of your QuickBooks file. Anyone who asks for your online banking password. Anyone who promises a specific tax result. Anyone who cannot say what they will deliver each month.
Common questions
Is a ProAdvisor better than a regular bookkeeper?
Not automatically. Certification shows training on the product. Experience with businesses like yours matters just as much.
Do ProAdvisors cost more?
Rates vary widely by experience and scope. Ask for a written quote.
Is MCC Solutions a ProAdvisor?
We do not claim any software certification on this site. We are an independent bookkeeping firm in Cranford and we are happy to explain how we work and who does the work.
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Rules, fees and due dates change; check with the IRS, the NJ Division of Taxation or a licensed professional for your situation.