How to Find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor
QuickBooks is a popular accounting program designed to help small business owners manage their finances. If you feel overwhelmed navigating the software on your own, hiring a QuickBooks ProAdvisor can give you access to a certified expert who knows the platform inside and out.
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is an accounting professional certified by Intuit, QuickBooks’ parent company, to help you use the software and manage your books. But the program is changing. Intuit recently announced it’s sunsetting the ProAdvisor program in favor of a new structure called ProPartner Accountants, set to launch in early 2027. If you’re searching for a ProAdvisor now, this transition shouldn’t impact the professional you choose.
This guide walks you through how to decide whether you need a ProAdvisor, what to expect from the upcoming changes and how to find the right professional for your business.
What is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
A QuickBooks ProAdvisor is an independent accounting professional certified by Intuit to help small businesses use the software and manage their finances. As one of the best accounting software options for small businesses, QuickBooks lets you track income and qualified business deductions, generate invoices, run financial reports and prepare to file business taxes.
If you don’t have the time or expertise to manage these tasks alone, a ProAdvisor can take that work off your plate.
Intuit’s change from ProAdvisor to ProPartner Accountants will expand training, resources and rewards for program professionals. As a small business owner searching for help, the support you receive shouldn’t change. The professional you hire will simply hold a new certification under a new name.
QuickBooks ProAdvisor vs. Bookkeeper vs. CPA
| Quickbooks ProAdvisor | Bookkeeper | CPA | |
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| Cost | Varies depending on location, experience and services provided | $250 to $2,500 per month, depending on business size and transaction volume | $500 to $7,500 per month, depending on services |
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When do you need a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
Consider hiring a QuickBooks ProAdvisor if you find yourself in one of these situations:
- You want to outsource your bookkeeping. If managing payroll, reconciling accounts or keeping up with day-to-day transactions takes time you’d rather spend running your business, a ProAdvisor can take those tasks off your plate on a one-time or ongoing basis.
- You need help using QuickBooks. If you prefer to manage your own books but struggle with the software, a ProAdvisor can walk you through it, whether you need a full onboarding or just a refresher on specific features.
- You want access to an accounting professional. If you’re looking for someone who can answer financial questions, flag issues and provide guidance as your business grows, a ProAdvisor gives you that relationship without the cost of a full-time accountant.
How much does a QuickBooks ProAdvisor cost?
The cost of a QuickBooks ProAdvisor depends on their location, experience and the scope of services you need. Rates vary widely because the certification itself doesn’t define the professional’s background. Some ProAdvisors work primarily as bookkeepers, while others are also licensed CPAs.
ProAdvisors typically bill in one of two ways:
- Hourly rates generally range from $50 to $400 per hour, depending on experience, location and services provided.
- Monthly retainers or flat project fees are more common for ongoing work. A ProAdvisor whose services are closer to bookkeeping might charge $250 to $2,500 per month for small business clients. A ProAdvisor who is also a CPA may include services like tax preparation, financial advising and IRS representation and charge you accordingly, anywhere from $500 to $7,500 per month.
When comparing quotes, pay attention to what’s included. A lower monthly rate that just includes recording transactions and reconciling bank accounts isn’t the same as a package that includes monthly financial statements, tax planning and advisory services. Make sure you know what you need before you evaluate what you’re paying.
Before hiring a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, treat the initial consultation like an interview. The right professional should be able to answer these questions:
1. Are you certified in QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop or both?
2. Do you work with businesses in my industry?
3. Do you provide bookkeeping, setup, cleanup, training or advisory services?
4. Do you charge hourly, monthly or by project?
5. Do you offer remote support, in-person support or both?
6. How do you prefer to communicate, and what’s your typical response time?
7. How do you protect client financial data?
8. Can you help with payroll, tax prep coordination or financial reports?
9. Will you do the work yourself or hand it off to someone on your team?
10. Can you provide references from current or former clients?
How to find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor
You can find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor using Intuit’s search directory. Here are a few tips to narrow your search:
- Define your criteria. On the ProAdvisor search page, enter your ZIP code, then filter by industry, services needed and the QuickBooks products your business uses to find the most relevant local professionals.
- Read client reviews. Pay attention to ratings and what past clients say about working with them. This is a good indication of how a ProAdvisor communicates and delivers services.
- Schedule a consultation. Many ProAdvisors offer a free initial consultation. Use it to ask about their rates, availability and their preference to work remotely or in person.
Working with a local ProAdvisor has some advantages. You can have in-person meetings, they’re familiar with your state’s laws and they may be able to connect you to other professionals in your community. But if you can’t find a good fit locally, it’s okay to expand your search.
Many ProAdvisors work remotely through cloud-based QuickBooks Online and Intuit Enterprise Suite.
The decision comes down to your preference. If you value face-to-face access or have complex state-specific needs, you may want to work with a local ProAdvisor. If you’re comfortable working remotely, cast a wider net.
To find a local ProAdvisor, use Intuit’s Find An Accountant directory and enter your city or ZIP code.
Alternate ways to find QuickBooks bookkeeping help
Intuit’s directory isn’t your only option to find a bookkeeper. Here are a few other ways to find qualified help:
- QuickBooks Live Expert Full-Service Bookkeeping: This is Intuit’s own managed bookkeeping service, available as an add-on to any QuickBooks Online subscription. They match you with a QuickBooks-certified bookkeeper who categorizes transactions and reconciles your accounts each month. But the service doesn’t include tax preparation, bill pay or accounts receivable and payable management. Pricing is tiered based on your business’s average monthly expenses, starting at $300 per month. There’s also an initial cleanup fee.
- LinkedIn: Search for ProAdvisors directly, review their profiles and any linked websites and check for client recommendations. You can also ask for recommendations from people in your professional network.
- Indeed or Upwork: Job sites like Indeed and Upwork might be a good resource for finding a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Indeed allows you to create free job postings, but paying a small fee for a sponsored post may reach more potential candidates. Upwork is also free to post, but you pay a 5% or 10% service fee when you hire someone.
- Local business groups: Your local Small Business Development Center, Chamber of Commerce or other networking organizations can be a reliable source of referrals from other business owners in your community.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. A ProAdvisor is a certified QuickBooks specialist, but that certification doesn’t define their professional background. Some ProAdvisors are bookkeepers; some are accountants or CPAs. The designation is more about the platform expertise than their overall qualifications.
You can find a QuickBooks ProAdvisor by using Intuit’s search tool, filtering to focus on local professionals. You can also do the same through sites like LinkedIn and Indeed. Groups for local business professionals could also provide referrals from your local network.
Maybe. Many ProAdvisors are also CPAs or Enrolled Agents and offer tax preparation and planning services in addition to bookkeeping and QuickBooks training. At a minimum, anyone you hire to file federal income tax returns should have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The IRS requires anyone who accepts payment for preparing tax returns to have one.
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