Using Quicken Web Access with a Virtual Assistant (edit)

matt_c

I just started using Quicken. One of the features I looked for was a web/cloud interface, which it does indeed have of course, because I wanted a virtual assistant to be able to help with bookkeeping entries.

However, looking at the discussion boards, it seems like many people have had issues with giving third party access to their books, in fact some going as far as saying that it can't be done at all (which seems inaccurate), but nonetheless I don't see any success stories of users getting quicken to work well with a VA.

Does anyone do this successfully? Any advice on for this? Is there any reason why a VA wouldn't be able to work with the Quicken web interface?

jacobs

So you want someone to enter transactions remotely from your desktop computer? Yes, this is possible; as you note, it's what the mobile app and/or the web interface are built for. That said, the problems you've likely seen are ones which are tied to the syncing which goes on between your desktop file and the Cloud data. I don't use Quicken Cloud because I've read of too many people having syncing problems. I believe if you take proper steps, such as selecting Accounts > Sync to Mobile before and after a desktop session, you may find things work just as expected.

In terms of giving another person access to your Quicken, it's no different than you using the mobile app/web interface when you're away from your computer. You will be giving them your Quicken ID and password to use. There are no provisions currently for having a secondary user ID on your account. This means your assistant will be able to see all your Quicken data. And I would make sure you and your assistant aren't accessing Quicken at the same time, as this would increase the chances of sync errors between Cloud and desktop .This may or may not be acceptable for you.

Ps56k2

had not run into that new term …

A virtual assistant is a self-employed worker who specializes in offering administrative services to clients from a remote location, usually a home office. 

Ps56k2

just to clarify - on the desktop software you select which Quicken accounts should be made available to the Quicken Cloud and therefore accessible via Quicken Mobile App or Quicken Web interface… and only those accounts are visible to the other person.

matt_c

Thanks — to clarify I don't want them to be able to access my quicken from MY desktop, but instead from their desktop.

If I can summarize, it sounds like you're saying that this should be possible with the caveats that:

1- They would be using the web interface, which is less fully-featured than the desktop version

2- I have to give them my login; they cannot have their own. I suppose the 2fa will need to be figured out.

3- I should try to ensure we're not both working with it at the same time.

Ps56k2

Unless I’m wrong - there is no 2FA for Quicken access

And - here is a note on Quicken Cloud

https://www.quicken.com/support/what-quicken-cloud

jacobs

An alternative would be to pass your Quicken (desktop) data file back and forth. This can be done as long as you either move a compressed (.zip) data file or a backup (.quickenbackup) back and forth. You can pass the file via a Cloud service like Dropbox, or simply be emailed back and forth.

volvogirl

Why do use a bookkeeper? If you have a business you might want to use QuickBooks.  It has real accounting features like inventory and an online version.  You can have multiple users and computers.

You can check out QuickBooks here. 

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/products/