QuickBooks Online Mobile Apps Limitations

Mobile Applications for Google Android and Apple iOS Devices

All of the features available from your QuickBooks Online subscription when logged in through the browser are not available when using one of the mobile applications. QuickBooks Online has a browser version where you login to your online Cloud account to access your Company File. There are many features that are handy to use for the small business owner, however, some of these convenient tools are not available in the mobile apps built for Android and Apple iOS tablets and mobile smart phones. One way to look at this is to call the full Browser version as your office version while the mobile apps are your remote access versions while you are working in the field with limited uses.

What is not available?

Dashboard/Home Page
1. Minimal access to Subsidiary Ledgers (customers, vendors)
2. Chart of Accounts – General Ledger
3. Progress Billing (Invoicing)
4. Purchase Orders
5. Projects – Used to manage single customers with multiple jobs and to use job cost accounting.
6. Pay Bills
7. Payroll

We have found it difficult helping a client who relies on a smart phone or tablet for 95% of their interactions with their accounting systems. When we take the time to help a client set up and understand features like Progress Invoicing, Purchase Orders, or Projects but they cannot use these unless logged into their account through a browser, then that is a weakness of the application. Many in the small business community who have put everything on the line by starting a company and are in the field providing services, are unknowingly penalized by the system they have purchased and do not realize the differences and limitations.

If you require the full version while working away from the office, you will want to consider purchasing a mobile hotspot service through your mobile provider. Otherwise, it is best to leave some important accounting tasks for the time that you will be in the office. The other option is to allow your workflow to be managed by a trusted employee or to outsource to a service provider that knows the ins and outs of QuickBooks Online.
Contact C and M Companies Inc to get a free evaluation and estimate for our professional bookkeeping and payroll services. We pride ourselves on helping many small businesses track their financial transactions and keeping the books up to date. Learn more about our company here.