QuickBooks Pro 2013 Training the Easy Way Course

Editorial Take

Simon Sez IT delivers a structured, accessible introduction to QuickBooks Pro 2013, ideal for small business owners and administrative staff. The course focuses on practical implementation over theory, making it highly applicable for day-to-day financial tasks.

Standout Strengths

• Beginner-Friendly Approach: The course assumes no prior knowledge and builds confidence through simple, visual instruction. Each step is clearly demonstrated, reducing intimidation for new users.
• Comprehensive Core Coverage: From setting up a company file to managing sales tax, the curriculum hits all essential functions. Learners gain hands-on experience with real software workflows.
• Practical Module Organization: Topics are grouped logically, progressing from setup to daily operations. This mirrors real-world usage and supports progressive skill building.
• Focus on Small Business Needs: The content is tailored for small business accounting, emphasizing estimates, vendor bills, and tax compliance. This relevance increases immediate applicability.
• Lifetime Access Benefit: Students can revisit lessons anytime, which is valuable for reinforcing skills or referencing specific tasks. This supports long-term retention and on-demand troubleshooting.
• Clear Learning Outcomes: Each section aligns with tangible skills like reconciling statements or managing credit cards. This ensures learners know exactly what they will achieve.

Honest Limitations

• Outdated Software Version: QuickBooks Pro 2013 is over a decade old, meaning interface and features differ from current versions. Learners may need to adapt concepts to modern software.
• Limited Depth on Advanced Features: While core functions are covered, advanced reporting or integration capabilities are not explored. This restricts utility for more complex business needs.
• No Interactive Support: The course lacks forums or instructor feedback, limiting help during troubleshooting. Learners must rely on self-research for issues.
• Static Content Format: Videos are not updated regularly, so changes in tax rules or software updates aren’t reflected. This reduces long-term accuracy.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Dedicate 30–45 minutes daily to maintain momentum. Consistent pacing helps internalize workflows and prevents information overload.
• Parallel project: Set up a mock company file alongside lessons. Applying concepts in real time reinforces learning and builds muscle memory.
• Note-taking: Document each step during setup and reconciliation. Notes serve as future reference and clarify processes learned.
• Community: Join online QuickBooks forums to supplement learning. Peer discussions help solve problems not covered in the course.
• Practice: Repeat vendor and customer workflows multiple times. Repetition ensures fluency with data entry and navigation.
• Consistency: Complete modules in order without long breaks. Sequential learning ensures foundational concepts support later topics.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'QuickBooks For Dummies' provides updated guidance and troubleshooting tips. It complements the course with broader context.
• Tool: Use Intuit’s current QuickBooks trial version to practice modern features. This bridges the gap between 2013 and today’s software.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a course on QuickBooks Online for up-to-date cloud accounting skills. This builds on the foundation provided here.
• Reference: Download the official QuickBooks user guide for detailed feature explanations. It supports deeper exploration beyond video content.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Skipping the chart of accounts setup leads to poor financial reporting. Take time to customize it accurately for your business type.
• Pitfall: Not reconciling statements regularly causes discrepancies. Schedule monthly reconciliation to maintain accuracy.
• Pitfall: Misclassifying sales tax items results in compliance issues. Double-check tax codes and rates during setup.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: Completing the course takes approximately 4–5 hours. This investment pays off through faster, error-free bookkeeping.
• Cost-to-value: Despite being paid, the course offers strong value for non-accountants managing small business finances independently.
• Certificate: The completion certificate validates foundational skills, useful for resumes or client trust-building.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials lack structure; this course provides a systematic, reliable learning path worth the cost.

Editorial Verdict

This course excels as a foundational training tool for QuickBooks Pro 2013, particularly for small business owners with no accounting background. The instructor’s clear delivery and logical progression make complex tasks approachable. While the software version is outdated, the core principles of bookkeeping, vendor management, and tax handling remain applicable. The hands-on nature of the content ensures learners can immediately apply what they’ve learned, making it a practical investment for those managing their own books.

However, prospective students should supplement this course with updated resources to transition to modern QuickBooks versions. The lack of advanced features and interactive support limits its use for complex businesses. Still, as a starting point, it delivers excellent value. We recommend it for beginners seeking confidence in basic accounting tasks, especially when paired with current software practice. With consistent effort, learners will gain functional proficiency and a solid foundation for further financial learning.