Most business owners using QuickBooks struggle to get the reporting they really need. They often end up exporting data to spreadsheets and manually building reports. This creates inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and missed opportunities. Bookkeepers can play a key role in changing that.
Angela Meharg, founder of Datisfy and a guest on The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast, specializes in building custom reports for QuickBooks Desktop. Her insights reveal why reporting matters—and how bookkeepers can add more value by focusing on it.
Many growing businesses stay on QuickBooks far longer than expected. Some generate millions in revenue but still rely on it because it handles their core accounting functions. The problem isn’t the software—it’s the lack of flexible reporting. Most users want reports tailored to their needs, but the default QuickBooks tools don’t offer much beyond the basics.
Angela discovered this gap after trying to create a custom split commission report for a client. Despite her deep experience working with advanced systems like Oracle and SAP, she found it surprisingly difficult to get the right data from QuickBooks. This led her to tools like QQube, which helps extract and restructure QuickBooks data for more advanced reporting.
The key takeaway? Businesses don’t need to overhaul their accounting system—they just need better visibility into their numbers.
Bookkeepers can lead the charge by asking smart questions:
- What metrics matter most to the client?
- What information do they wish they could see but can't?
- Where is the team manually exporting and manipulating data?
These questions reveal inefficiencies and create opportunities to improve workflows. They also show business owners that their bookkeeper is thinking beyond data entry—toward supporting strategic decisions.
Better yet, bookkeepers don’t need to build custom reports themselves. By partnering with reporting specialists, they can offer high-value solutions without learning complex tools. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
One of the most powerful questions Angela suggests asking is:
“What’s the one question you always want answered about your business but can never find the answer to?”
That question alone can open the door to valuable conversations and customized reporting solutions.
Another important point is to document your wins. Bookkeepers often go above and beyond, solving problems or spotting errors that could have bigger implications. Keep track of those contributions and share them regularly with your clients. Even a short monthly email summarizing what was accomplished can reinforce your value and build trust.
Finally, never underestimate the importance of doing things right the first time. Entering transactions accurately and in the correct period allows for more meaningful reporting. Shortcuts, like lump-sum journal entries, may save time in the short term but limit the usefulness of your data down the road.
When bookkeepers take a consultative approach—asking better questions, understanding the client’s goals, and helping them find the right tools—they become indispensable. It’s not just about keeping the books clean. It’s about making the data work harder for the business.
Start by asking your clients what they wish they knew. Then help them find the answers.
For more great content, check out The Successful Bookkeeper Podcast!
