Your efforts are certainly recognized, @Goecks. Allow me to guide you through locating the Preferences tab so everything in QuickBooks is set up correctly and efficiently.

First, it's important to ensure you are using QuickBooks Online Essentials, Plus, or Advanced, as time tracking isn't available with Payroll Core.

If you haven't, you'll have to set up QuickBooks Time, which is crucial for tracking your contractors' hours. You can do this directly from your QuickBooks Online account.

Here's how:

1. On the left navigational panel, look for the Time tab.
   
2. Select Go to classic QuickBooks Time.
   
3. From there, you can now view and access the Preferences tab by clicking the QuickBooks icon.

Moreover, when adding a contractor, ensure they are set up as team members in QuickBooks Time. This setup guarantees that everything is configured accurately.

Additionally, I've got these articles to assist you in managing time tracking for the number of hours spent on a project or activity:

• Turn on and set up time tracking in QuickBooks Online
• Track and manage QuickBooks Time in QuickBooks Online

Lastly, to enhance the efficiency of your accounting practices and ensure impeccable financial records, I highly recommend considering QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping. This provides direct support tailored to meet the comprehensiveness of your financial data. By delegating these crucial tasks, you can reclaim valuable time and focus on strategic areas that drive business growth and success. 

Should you need further assistance or encounter any specific issues, please don't hesitate to get in touch again. We're here to ensure everything works smoothly, so you can focus more on your business, @Goecks.