Accounting systems are constantly being tweaked to find the best fit for a business. New software packages for tracking accounts and inventories are released regularly, and new methods of evaluating and funneling resources require accounting system training even when the software or other tracking tools remain the same. Understanding the difference between training new employees and training experienced accountants can help ensure that you direct your resources as effectively as possible when it comes time for additional accounting system training.
While training new employees may seem like a straightforward process, many new hires report that they receive little to no training after they graduate from school. This situation provides companies that offer comprehensive training a competitive advantage; accounting system training helps ensure that employees of these firms have workers who understand the ins and outs of their accounting tools and know how to use them effectively. Depending on the complexities of the system and the setting, training may take a matter of days or weeks. When you are planning accounting system training, it is helpful to include both classroom and hands-on work or mentoring with an experienced accountant.
Experienced accountants also require accounting system training, but their training needs are different from those of new employees. For experienced employees, the accounting system training process may be abbreviated to skip over the basics and shared elements between old and new software systems; alternatively, some companies include a quick recap of basic operations before beginning the new training material. Thus, training of experienced employees may take less time and focus more heavily on the differences between the existing system and the new one; however, trainers should take into account that experienced accountants are likely to have more questions about new systems or to raise pertinent concerns that weren't foreseen at an earlier point in the system rollout process.
Whether you are training new or experienced accountants, follow-up is exceptionally important. Errors made by accountants working on new systems can have lasting repercussions for a company; providing support for accounting professionals during the new system rollout can help reduce or eliminate many common errors. Remember to allow accountants to ask questions of trainers and keep training or reference documentation close at hand to address concerns raised by your accounting team. Offer follow-up training sessions as needed, especially if the system change is a major one or employees seem to be struggling with some elements. Focus these extra accounting system training sessions on those areas that accountants have identified as the most vexing.
Training your accounting team on new systems can be a temporary drain on company resources, but the skills imparted during training can prepare your accountants to perform at their absolute best when you roll out a new system. The training may differ depending on whether you are instructing new workers or experienced ones, but it is important to remember to follow up after accounting systems training and reinforce those areas that have been identified by trainees as likely to cause confusion or lead to mistakes. Doing so can help ensure that all workers understand the information and have the tools they need to succeed at their tasks.
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