You could use a generic holding account. The descriptions should be easy enough to work out.
As long as I’ve understood correctly, the situation is basically a contra-invoicing account. You owe a supplier money, and at the same time you’re invoicing them for a different amount and only the balance is paid.
This is a bit of an older post, but it touches on this concept: Contra-Invoicing, Same Customer and Supplier, Netting-off receivables and payables - #2 by Joe
It shouldn’t take too long, but it depends on how you work. There are multiple ways of doing the same thing in QuickFile (e.g. paying an invoice), so it’s just about finding the best way for you and your business.
Splitting the entry is also possible, although you would just delete the original transaction and replace it with two new transactions for the different values. It’s a very similar setup to that of the contra invoicing with the exception of no new bank account.
If you can export them initially as a .CSV file, then yes, you should be able to import them into QuickFile (this guide should help: Importing clients and suppliers). The automatic updates is a bit more tricky to answer.
We do support Zapier (for paid accounts) which may help (see this page on Zapier for info). Alternatively, we offer an API (available on all accounts). If you’re familiar with code, or if you have a developer working on your site, it’s possible to send client/supplier info across to QuickFile. Full details on our API can be found here: https://api.quickfile.co.uk.
The jobs can be import, perhaps as estimates? Would that be an option? I think the API would be the best way to do this. Currently you’re not able to import estimates (but we can certainly consider this as future development).
For things like this, Affinity is the best option. This has been designed for accountants, bookkeepers and those managing multiple accounts. It’s charged different to the standalone accounts, but full info can be found here: QuickFile Affinity overview
It depends on you have want the mirror image to work. Each account could be linked through an API, but this would mean updates to the code on your side. The other option is to import the data as you go, which is a bit more time consuming.
Are there any options that you have at the moment, or how would you plan to use the systems side-by-side?
In most cases, it’s likely to be best to sign up for an account and just give it a go. Individual accounts are free for at least the first 60 days, and remain free past this if they’re in the XS, S or M categories. Affinity also comes with £10 free credit, so you’re more than welcome to try it out first hand.
Hope this helps!