--- title: How to Set Up Government Contracts in QuickBooks Online description: Set up government contracts in QuickBooks Online with the right version, proper contract understanding, and key tips for compliance and project tracking. image: https://info.redstonegci.com/hubfs/RGCI%20-%20How%20to%20Set%20Up%20Government%20Contracts%20in%20QuickBooks%20Online.png --- [ PAY INVOICE](https://redstonegci.com/invoice-payment/) [Call Us Today 256-704-9800](tel:2567049800) [info@redstonegci.com](Mailto:info@redstonegci.com) [![Redstone_Logo](https://info.redstonegci.com/hubfs/redstone%20logo%20version%201%20-%20rgb-1.png)](https://www.redstonegci.com/) # How to Set Up Government Contracts in QuickBooks Online [Posted by Dylan McMurrey on Mon, Sep 9, 2024 @ 11:09 AM](https://info.redstonegci.com/blog/author/dylan-mcmurrey) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![RGCI - How to Set Up Government Contracts in QuickBooks Online](https://info.redstonegci.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RGCI%20-%20How%20to%20Set%20Up%20Government%20Contracts%20in%20QuickBooks%20Online.png?width=1000&name=RGCI%20-%20How%20to%20Set%20Up%20Government%20Contracts%20in%20QuickBooks%20Online.png) QuickBooks Online, while not specifically designed for government contractors, is still considered a compliant software for government contractors. It can also handle the setup of any type of contract that you may be awarded. The process is straightforward, but there are some key considerations that need to be made before diving in headfirst into your project setup. ## Do You Have the Appropriate Version of QuickBooks Online? Unfortunately, when you see all of the subscription levels that QuickBooks Online offers, it can be a little confusing. It can be difficult to tell which version is right for you as a government contractor without actually getting your hands dirty. Fortunately, our team at Redstone Government Consulting has several years of experience in all versions and can guide you appropriately. As it stands right now, QuickBooks Online Plus is the version that government contractors need at a minimum. There are several reasons for this but one of the main reasons is that it allows expenses to be tracked by project, which is a crucial part of government contract accounting. ## What Do the Contracts Say? The most important part of contract setup is having a strong understanding of the contract that you are dealing with. - What type of contract is it? - Is it time and material (T&M), Firm-Fixed Price, or some other type of contract? - Are there CLINS or SLINS associated with the contract? - There may even be PO numbers or task numbers. - It is also important to check and see at which level the contract is funded. For example, you may have a contract with a client name, PO number, and 3 SLINS. Usually, the funding will be down at the SLIN level. Be sure that you have a strong understanding of the contract before trying to set it up in QuickBooks Online. ## The Setup Phase of Contracts in QuickBooks You’ve got the right version of QuickBooks Online and you thoroughly understand the contract at hand. Now, you can begin setting up your contract in QuickBooks Online. We will use the information from above for our example. Let’s say the contract has a client name, a PO number, and 3 SLINS. The contract is funded at the SLIN level. In QuickBooks Online, you will need to first set up the customer’s name as a customer. Then, you will set up the PO number as a sub–customer to the customer that you just set up. The final step is to set up all 3 of the funded CLINS as projects that will be sub – projects to the PO that you just set up. Once complete, you need to go to the main customer list and verify the setup was done properly. On the customer list, you can click the gear icon and have it include projects for visual display purposes. You should then be able to see all parts of the setup displayed in a hierarchical format. This is just one example of how you might would set up a contract in QuickBooks Online. Again, it is heavily dependent on what the contract says. Are you currently using QuickBooks Online and need to set up your government contracts? Our team can help. [![Learn More About Our QuickBooks Consulting & Implementation Services](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/203971/interactive-168330022807.png) ](https://info.redstonegci.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLItsSf%2BJQAzxrdwSD0rkqIUTkSb9o%2BxlyvqZS1RpeFXS6TW2wbkSLdT%2B3IIl4wNdUoG2lapXvr95wHpJpmxuJ2cgzbut7Tr58SnFih8Z3bVDHEaywW%2BxWfpTAsVzPjAksbxfuv0z2RtfDoJFf4UXulyRLuo2BlMAUvRSIrMVL7kiCPPZCtmrlseeX1LBZTGVT0%3D&webInteractiveContentId=168330022807&portalId=203971) ### Written by [Dylan McMurrey](https://info.redstonegci.com/blog/author/dylan-mcmurrey) ![Dylan McMurrey](https://info.redstonegci.com/hubfs/RGCI-Dylan-McMurrey-1-1.jpg) Dylan McMurrey is a Senior Managing Consultant in Redstone Government Consulting’s Collaborative Accounting Solutions Group, where he provides strategic accounting support, government contractor-specific reporting, and financial system optimization. With experience spanning public accounting, financial management, and compliance, Dylan offers a comprehensive approach to accounting solutions that helps government contractors navigate complex financial environments. His expertise in account reconciliations, project analysis, revenue recognition, and software implementations allows him to support clients in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. Dylan began his career in the banking industry, supporting financial operations and developing a strong foundation in accounting systems and reconciliations. He later transitioned into public accounting, where he gained extensive experience in financial reporting, tax preparation, attestation services, and compliance for various industries, including government contracting. His background in managing financial closes, payroll and sales tax compliance, and financial analysis gives him a well-rounded perspective on the unique challenges government contractors face. Before joining Redstone GCI, Dylan held roles in accounting and financial consulting, where he was responsible for monthly and annual financial closes, accounts payable and receivable, tax filings, and developing financial models to support budgeting and forecasting. His expertise extends to accounting software solutions, where he has supported clients using multiple accounting software packages. At Redstone GCI, Dylan plays a key role in collaborative accounting support, assisting government contractors with monthly accounting and reporting activities, financial system implementations, and process improvement initiatives. He also supports Redstone GCI’s compliance and software implementation teams, leveraging his experience to assist clients in DCAA-compliant system set-up, including supporting policies. Dylan’s strong technical background, problem-solving skills, and commitment to client success make him a trusted resource for government contractors seeking to enhance financial operations and maintain compliance with confidence. ## About Redstone GCI Redstone GCI is a consulting firm focused on fulfilling the needs of government contractors in all areas of compliance. With a singular mission to help contractors through the multiple layers of “red tape,” we allow contractors to focus on what they do best – support their mission with the U.S. Government. We are home to a group of consultants made up of GovCon industry professionals, CPAs, attorneys, and retired government audit and acquisition professionals. Our focus and knowledge of audit and compliance functions administered by DCAA and DCMA will always be at the heart of what we do. However, for the past decade, we’ve strategically grown to support other areas of the government contractor back-office with that same level of focus and expertise. We’ve added expertise in contracts management, subcontract administration, proposal pricing, various software systems, HR and employment law, property administration, manufacturing, data analytics/reporting, Grant specialists, M&A, and many other areas. When we see a trend in the needs of contractors, we act to ensure we can provide the best expertise in the market to fulfill those needs. One thing our clients can be certain of is that with the Redstone GCI Team in your corner, there is no problem too big and no issue too technical for our team to tackle. 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