Blackpurl integrates fully with QuickBooks Online (QBO). Before you connect the two systems, there are a few important details to be aware of — including which QBO plan you need, what to do if you're an existing QBO user, and how to grant Blackpurl the access it needs to set up and maintain the integration.
QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop
Because Blackpurl is cloud-based, the accounting integration only works with QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Desktop is not supported.
QuickBooks Online is cloud-based and available on any device with an internet connection. You pay a monthly or annual subscription fee. All transactions are automatically backed up to the cloud by QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Desktop is installed on a single computer for a one-time fee. It does not require an internet connection, and you are responsible for backing up your own data.
If you are currently on QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks offers a tool to migrate your data to QuickBooks Online. We recommend reviewing the migration tools available directly through QuickBooks before starting your Blackpurl activation.
QuickBooks Online Plans and Subscriptions
Not all QuickBooks Online plans support full integration with Blackpurl. Some plans restrict certain transaction types from syncing.
For example, the USA QuickBooks Simple Start plan does not allow Vendor Invoice integration. This means Unit Vendor Invoices and Part Vendor Invoices will not sync to your QuickBooks Online if you are on that plan.
The minimum QuickBooks Online plan required for full integration is Essentials. If you are unsure which plan you have, discuss this with your Activation Team before proceeding.
Existing QuickBooks Online Users
If your business is already using QuickBooks Online, you may need to add General Ledger (GL) accounts to your Chart of Accounts (COA) before integration can be completed.
Contact the Activation Team for the current list of GL accounts that Blackpurl requires.
You may already have similar GLs in your COA — check that they have the correct Type and Detail Type to match Blackpurl's requirements.
In some cases it is simpler to add new GLs rather than modify existing ones.
New QuickBooks Online Users
If you are signing up for QuickBooks Online for the first time, the sign-up page is https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/.
If you are in the USA, you may be able to add QuickBooks Online directly to your Blackpurl subscription — discuss this with the Blackpurl Sales Team.
Before signing up, speak with your accountant. They may have a Chart of Accounts template they want you to use, which can be imported into QuickBooks Online. Alternatively, you can use the default COA that QuickBooks Online provides.
If you have a COA you want to import and need help doing so, contact the Activation Team.
You do not need to import your Customers or Vendors into QuickBooks Online separately. Blackpurl will import your Customers and Vendors into Blackpurl and sync them to QuickBooks Online at the same time.
Please note: It is the dealership's responsibility to enter opening balances (from your previous Balance Sheet and Income Statement) into your new QuickBooks Online. Further information is available through QuickBooks Support: Entering Opening Balances — QuickBooks Online.
Granting Blackpurl Access to Your QuickBooks Online
For Blackpurl to set up and support your accounting integration, you need to grant Blackpurl continuous Accountant-level access to your QuickBooks Online.
Why Blackpurl Needs This Access
Blackpurl is added as an Accountant in QuickBooks Online solely to enable the Blackpurl–QuickBooks Online integration. This does not mean Blackpurl is acting as your accountant.
This access allows Blackpurl to securely connect and automatically sync transactions and related data from your day-to-day operations — including invoices, payments, and customer records. It also allows the Blackpurl team to troubleshoot issues or investigate support inquiries when needed.
Blackpurl does not review, manage, audit, or make any financial decisions about your accounting or financial standing. You remain in full control of your accounting system at all times, and your accountant continues to handle all financial matters.
How to Invite Blackpurl as an Accountant
QuickBooks Online allows up to two accountants on your account. Follow the steps below to invite Blackpurl. If both accountant slots are already in use, you can invite Blackpurl as an Admin User — note that QuickBooks Online will charge you for this additional user.
1. In QuickBooks Online, click Settings and select Manage Users.
2. Click Invite Accountant.
3. The Enter Accountant's Email Address window will appear. In the Accountant's email address field, enter the Blackpurl email address that matches your QuickBooks Online version:
USA version: quickbooks.usa@blackpurl.com
International version: quickbooks@blackpurl.com
Australian version: quickbooks.au@blackpurl.com
4. Re-enter the email address in the Confirm email field, then click Next.
5. The Finish inviting accountant window will appear. Click Finish.
6. QuickBooks Online will send Blackpurl an invitation to join as an Accountant. The Activation Team will accept the invite.
7. Once Blackpurl accepts the invite, the Activation Team will have access to your QuickBooks Online and can begin the setup process.
If you have any questions or run into any issues, reach out to your Activation Specialist.