I stopped using my bookkeeper from the new CPA firm we have because I know more about the workings of quickbooks than she does. You really want to use the invoicing function because then you post the receivable against it. How and what was your bookkeeper doing with WORD? They'd have to enter the data anyway. QB nicely tracks things so you know who is behind and easily send statements - with finance charges of course (and you can't charge that unless it's written on the original invoice). YES, it is your moral imperative to know your business' financial status.
And another thought: The books are the books. That is the business end of things. Black and white. Your name, address, a description and a total. Get a box of #10 double-window envelopes at your local office supply store, don't use your expensive pre-printed stationary. Don't think that because your invoice looks like a work of art it will get paid any faster or they will hire you for more jobs. Beancounters look at the number, make sure it's correct and type in into quickbooks as a payable and file it away.
Steve
