Another big change for the 2026 Top Advisor Awards, whether you are in the U.S., or the 'rest of the world' (for the International Awards) was in the area of App Ecosystem Interactions.
Rather than me (Murph) having to go chase down all the various Apps that work with any QuickBooks SKU, any QuickBooks Country version, and any QuickBooks variant, I rid the application form all 'all apps' by name. And let me clarify one thing here; we use the term "App" to mean any actual SaaS App or 3rd-party software that works with either QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop.
With that understanding, this year we give you a list of App Types ranging from A/P Automation (Bill Pay) Apps to Capital Resources/Access Apps, from Client Portal Apps to Expense/Receipt Capture Apps, from Field Service Apps to Mileage/GPS Tracking Apps, from Mobile Route Sales Apps to Reporting Apps, and from Sales/Customer Order Apps to Workflow Integration Apps, In addition we give you the opportunity to enter 'Other Specialized Apps' outside of the 100+ categories of apps we identified.
The actual list has been divided into several sections in alphabetical order with each section a separate question within the Application form. You will notice that the example below (which is only part of the section) represents App Categories 'A through C'.
For each App you wish to list you tell us the name of that app within the given category. Recognizing that you may have one app within a category you use for yourself or your firm, but an entirely different app within the same category you recommend, refer, sell, install or otherwise support for your clients, we give you two rows for each category type. You enter your apps in the most convenient manner 'for you', just do your best to correctly spell the names of each app you use.
For each app you list by category, you need to tell us how 'You' use the app: "I use the App myself" or "My firm uses this App".
Assuming here that you also refer the same app (like the one shown in the example above) for "A/P Automation (Bill Pay)", you would then tell us about how your 'Refer or Resell' the App: "I refer this App to my clients", or "I resell this App to my clients".
If you have taken the time to get certified in an App, you need to let us know that by completing the 'App Certification' field asking if you "got certified prior to 2025", "got recertified in 2025", or "became certified in 2025".
If your practice revolves around helping clients implement apps, you should obviously have the opportunity to earn points based on the number of implementations you perform(ed) during 2025. The more implementations of an app during 2025 you report the more you improve your ecosystem score, it's just that simple. That's why we ask you about the number of those implementations; there is however a limit as to the scoring for implementations .
The Award scoring is based on points for each separate app you list, with additional points for how you use it, certification status, and number of implementations. In fact the App Ecosystem section of the Application form is one of the sections where you can score a significant number of points. That is why you don't want to skip it.
This section not only lets you 'maximize' your overall scores in the areas of the App related awards like "QBO Appologist" by providing details on the apps you use, support and are certified in, but also contributes valuable points toward your overall ranking within the Award standings.
I really think this year's App Ecosystem reporting streamlines the overall app reporting process. It's far easier than having to identify the apps you use from a list of hundreds of apps within the QuickBooks Ecosystem worldwide. If you disagree, please feel free to submit a comment below.
Speaking of the 2026 Top Advisor Awards,Insightful Accountant is already accepting applications for the Top 100 U.S. ProAdvisors, the Top 25 Up-n-coming ProAdvisors, the Top 50 International ProAdvisors, and the Top 25 Tax Advisors (a new award group for 2026). You can apply directly, or you can nominate a fellow advisor if you choose.
Go HERE to Nominate or Apply for the 2026 Top Advisor Awards.
The 2026 Top Advisor Awards are sponsored by:
You can find out more and support our 2026 Advisor Award sponsors by visiting our ProAdvisor Awards Sponsors webpage!