Compared to the individual-focused software certification structure of the ProAdvisor Program, the new ProPartner Accountants program is more firm-focused; the native integration with the Intuit Accountant Suite means firms have a centralized platform to manage client data, communications, and insights across accounting, tax, and advisory services.
The new program will feature expanded revenue-sharing opportunities on QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Workforce (the human capital management system it
The program will also shift the focus of training and certifications. While there will still be technical training, it will focus more on client advisory services-related skills like advisory strategies, data interpretation and client communication. A built-in Training Manager will enable firms to assign and track learning across teams, supporting the shift toward higher-margin client advisory services. In addition, users will be able to access a dedicated support tier staffed by professionals trained in accounting-specific workflows, as well as a new Resolution Center that will let firms track open support cases in real-time.
Consistent with the firm-centric orientation for the new program, Intuit will also pair ProPartner firms and mentors with graduates of its new U.S. Career Pipeline Program, which aims to train 1 million students in accounting and advisory skills over five years. Intuit added that there would also be community-building through peer workshops and a nationwide "Better Together Tour." Further, the Find-A-Pro Directory will still be available under the new program, though the company plans to improve it in the future, such as by allowing firm-level listings (rather than individual practitioners) and enabling prospective clients to search for firms based on practice areas and skills.
Firms will retain access to Intuit's core software ecosystem, including QuickBooks Online Advanced, Payroll Elite, Bill Pay and Time Tracking through Intuit Accountant Suite. Higher-tier partners will also gain access to advanced analytics tools that surface client insights and benchmark data available through Intuit Accountant Suite Accelerate. Also, firms will keep their badges but the ProAdvisor badges will be changed to ProPartner badges along corresponding tiers: Member, Partner, Preferred Partner, Premier Partner, and Elite Partner.
Those who are currently ProAdvisors will not see impacts on discounts or revenue sharing for subscriptions set up prior to the ProPartner launch date. This includes the existing 30% ProAdvisor Preferred Pricing discounts for QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Payroll and QuickBooks Bill Pay, as well as the direct-pay discount for clients during their first twelve months. Certifications and trainings in ProAdvisor Academy will also remain free and available to all partners.
Designed for firms of all sizes, the program will be free and open to any accounting, bookkeeping or tax professional that uses Intuit products to provide services for their clients. To become a member, people will need to sign up for the free Intuit Accountant Suite. To reach a tier higher than the Member tier, their firm will have to maintain at least one active certification per year (on QuickBooks Online Level 1, QuickBooks Payroll or Intuit Enterprise Suite) and also have at least one client on QuickBooks Online or the Intuit Enterprise Suite. Trial clients and QuickBooks Ledger clients are not eligible.
