How to Choose the Right Computer Training for Accountants

The old image of the accountant might be best illustrated by Bob Cratchit sitting on his stool in the money changing firm of Ebeneezer Scrooge. He sits in front of his massive ledger book painstakingly entering figures with a stubby pencil. This does not reflect the current profession of Accounting. While the principles of Accounting might have remained much the same, the computer has revolutionized the way that these principles are applied. Computer training is essential to the accountant of today.

In order to successfully complete any level of Accounting education will require being familiar with basic computer principles. Computer classes are a basic requirement for most professional training programs and Accounting is certainly one of these. Still, when the Accountant begins employment, more training is going to be needed. Each individual organization is going to have specific systems and training is going to be needed to bring the new Accountant online to these.

Computer based training is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal. Often called CBT, Computer based training uses the Accountants actual computer as a training aide. The CBT programs are run right on the same unit that the Accountant will be using to do his work. The ability of a CBT training program to work through a training problem in a step by step manner using the actual visual screens used in the real application makes them extremely effective. The key to choosing the right computer training program is the matching of it to the actually spreadsheets and ledger programs used in the Accountants regular work.

The Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet is one of the most popular programs used by Accountants. Training videos and CBT programs are available to train on its use by a step by step method. Other systems also have training videos designed specifically for them. When selecting the proper training videos, remember that all Accountants will have been exposed to the basics of computer use in their previous schooling. It is not necessary to invest too heavily in basic level videos. A short refresher type program would be acceptable to begin the training program, but the major thrust of the training should be toward advanced and specific areas. This is one of the basic mistakes made in training programs of all types including computer based training. The mistake of assuming that the trainee has no knowledge of the subject at all and wasting hours of precious training time reviewing basic and simple information.

Natalie Aranda writes about accounting and training. While the principles of Accounting might have remained much the same, the computer has revolutionized the way that these principles are applied. Computer training is essential to the accountant of today. Computer based training is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal. Often called CBT, Computer based training uses the Accountants actual computer as a training aide. The CBT programs are run right on the same unit that the Accountant will be using to do his work.