Don’t Wait on Two-Factor: Why Bookkeepers Need Proper Bank Logins

Let’s talk about two words that strike fear into the heart of every bookkeeper:
“Two-Factor.”

Now don’t get me wrong—two-factor authentication (2FA) is a fantastic security tool—I highly recommend you use these codes, & I require my employees to utilize them for all logins (you’re welcome). But when I’m trying to reconcile your books and have to pause everything to wait on a code you may or may not see until the next day… it stops being a helpful feature and starts becoming a bottleneck.

So today I want to share why giving your bookkeeper proper access to your banking (and financial tools) isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s critical for efficiency, accuracy, and your peace of mind.

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The Problem with Two-Factor Codes Sent to You

Here’s a common scenario:
I’m logging into your bank, pulling statements or trying to reconnect your bank to QuickBooks. But the bank (wisely) asks for a two-factor code.
Only it texts you.
And maybe you’re in a meeting, out of office, or just not looking at your phone.

Meanwhile, your books sit… stalled. I’m stuck waiting, and so are your numbers. Multiply this by a few accounts or a few times a month, and the inefficiency adds up fast.

“If it doesn’t two-factor to me, then I’m not doing it.”
Yes, I really said this to a colleague. And I meant it.

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Why Shared Logins Are a Temporary Band-Aid

A lot of business owners think it is easiest to give me a shared login—just give your bookkeeper your username and password and call it a day, right?

Except:

• That usually triggers 2FA even more frequently.
• It creates security and compliance concerns.
• And it almost always violates your bank’s terms of use.

Plus, if you ever change your password and forget to tell your bookkeeper? Boom—locked out again. As well as—Boom—the bank feed is no longer connected to QuickBooks, and now I’ll need two pieces of information from you to get it back—the new password AND a TFA code.

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The Better Way: Set Up a Proper Bookkeeper Login

Most banks and financial platforms (even PayPal, Stripe, and QuickBooks) allow you to add an authorized user with restricted access.

This gives me:

• Read-only or limited access to your financial data.
• Direct login privileges with my own username.
• Two-factor authentication that comes directly to me—not you.

It keeps your data safe, makes month-end smoother, and ensures I’m not chasing down logins while you’re at your kid’s soccer game. Additionally, you won’t have to change your password if you decide to part ways with me to secure your financial data—you can just remove my access to your accounts (not that you’re leaving me…).

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What If Your Bank Doesn’t Allow Separate Logins?

In that case, we have two options:

1. You commit to pulling statements regularly and uploading them to my secure client portal on time, or
2. We find a better banking setup. (Yes, it might be time…most people don’t find their best banking relationship with their first bank—just like you probably didn’t find your spouse on the first date you went on, either)

Because if I’m constantly waiting on codes or documents, your books suffer—and that’s not fair to you or your business.

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Bookkeeping Shouldn’t Be This Hard

One of the things I’ve learned over years of working with entrepreneurs is this: Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be frustrating, but it does have to be intentional.

Setting up clean systems, like proper logins, might feel small—but they’re part of what allows your financials to be:

• On time
• Accurate
• And ready when you need them (hello, tax time, loan applications, and growth decisions)

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Ready to Get Your Systems Straight?

If you’re tired of chasing codes and you’re ready for bookkeeping that works with you—not against you—I’d love to chat.

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