Hello, jack1289.
QuickBooks offers another way to enter time records bill for time and expenses that allows you to create invoices for your customers. First, Let's set up a Customer:Job for each of your jobs. Then, assign all your expenses to jobs.
To get a complete job cost picture, make sure to assign all your expenses to jobs. Select the appropriate job in the Customer:Job column whenever you enter a bill, check, or timesheet.
- For billable time: Record the hours spent on the job, using either a weekly timesheet or a single activity entry. Assign the hours to the customer or job. Each entry is automatically checked in the Billable column on the form. Note: Timesheets are a non-posting entry. You must import time to a bill or invoice to include it in the Job Profitability or Company Financial Reports.
- For job-related purchases: (items purchased for a job, subcontracted services) Use a bill, check, or credit card charge to record the purchase. On the Items tab, enter each item or service you purchased. In the Customer:Job column, be sure to assign each item or service to the customer or job.
- For overhead expenses: If you choose to allocate overhead expenses to specific jobs, here's how to calculate and track overhead costs. Please speak to your accountant before you make any changes to your company file.
- For mileage: Record the mileage in the Enter Vehicle Mileage window. If you want to change the amount for this expense (to charge the customer more than the standard rate), you can change it on the invoice.
- For other expenses: (freight charges, postage, etc.) Use a bill, check, or credit card charge to record the expenses. On the Expenses tab, enter each expense. In the Customer:Job column, be sure to assign each expense to the customer or job.
Second, enter your estimates in QuickBooks Desktop. Then, create appropriate invoices. Lastly, you can run job costing reports to see how your business is doing on a job-by-job basis.
To access various job reports:
- Go to the Reports menu.
- Select Jobs, Time, & Mileage.
QuickBooks Premier Contractor Edition and Accountant Edition offer a wider range of job costing reports, you can find them here:
- Go to the Reports menu.
- Select Industry Specific, then select Contractor Reports.
You can go through this article for more detailed steps: Track job costs in QuickBooks Desktop.
Get back to me if you have any other questions. I'm a few clicks away to help. Have a good one and stay safe!
