First launched in the early 1990s, QuickBooks quickly took hold as the market leader in small business accounting software. The software was popular amongst small business owners who had no formal accounting training. At the time, software packages were designed for use by accountants and cost $400 or more.

Today QuickBooks has the largest market share of accounting products for small businesses in the United States. Small businesses use it to track expenses, prepare and send invoices, prepare financial statements, track inventory levels, and many other tasks. It is available in a range of versions, from those suitable to startup businesses up to larger businesses with up to 20 simultaneous users. It also comes in customized versions for different industries such as contracting, professional services, manufacturing, wholesale, and even a specialized version for nonprofit entities. It is available as desktop software or a hosted online edition.

QuickBooks doesn't require its users to understand double-entry book-keeping or standard accounting procedures. Most transactions are recorded using on-line screens that closely resemble paper based forms such as invoices or checks. The system is readily adaptable to many different industries where there is no significant need for something industry specific