Time-Saving QuickBooks Shortcuts Every Business Owner Should Know
When she first opened her café, mornings were all about roasting beans, welcoming regulars, and checking on suppliers. But by 10 a.m., her real nemesis would strike: hours lost inside QuickBooks.
Every receipt needed logging. Every invoice needed matching. And reconciling the bank? A full afternoon lost.
She wasn’t alone.
Many small business owners in Canada spend countless hours navigating QuickBooks—unaware of the shortcuts built right into the software.
If this sounds familiar, this post is for you. Here are the most powerful, time-saving QuickBooks shortcuts that can help free up your time and let you get back to what you actually love doing—running your business.
Keyboard Shortcuts That Make a Difference
You don’t have to be tech-savvy to use these. These simple keyboard commands can cut your data entry time in half.
Basic Navigation Shortcuts:
Ctrl + I – Create an Invoice
Ctrl + W – Write a cheque
Ctrl + Q – QuickReport on selected item
Ctrl + J – Open Customer Center
Ctrl + A – Open Chart of Accounts
“When I started using Ctrl + I to whip up invoices, I shaved 10 minutes per client interaction—without even noticing.”
Transaction Shortcuts for Everyday Entries
Ctrl + E – Edit transaction selected in register
Ctrl + R – Use register
Ctrl + F – Find transactions
Ctrl + D – Delete selected transaction
Bonus Tip: Always double-check before using Ctrl + D—deleting transactions can cause serious reporting headaches if done by accident.
Memory-Saving (and Sanity-Saving) Tips
Memorize Recurring Transactions
Use Ctrl + M to memorize a transaction—perfect for recurring rent, subscriptions, or supplier payments.Use “Bank Rules” in QuickBooks Online
Automate how transactions are categorized and recorded. Once set up, this saves hours every month.Reconcile Weekly, Not Monthly
It may sound small, but doing a bit each week avoids the painful month-end panic.
Why These Shortcuts Matter
You didn’t start your business to become a full-time bookkeeper.
But when you understand even the basics of QuickBooks shortcuts, you get time back in your day. You move faster, feel more in control, and reduce errors that could cost you during tax season.
Ready to Get Back Hours of Your Life?
Start with just three shortcuts this week. Use them until they feel second nature. Next week, add another. Before long, you’ll be navigating QuickBooks like it was built just for you.
And if it still feels overwhelming? Don’t hesitate to reach out. The right partner can clean things up and help you stay that way.
Need Help with QuickBooks Setup or Clean Up?
As a bookkeeping and tax partner, I help Canadian small businesses streamline their books and stay CRA-ready without the stress.
Bookkeeping Services Near You (Not Limited to These Areas):
I regularly work with clients in the locations below, but my services are available to many more regions as well.
