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How long does it take to learn accounting?

The length of time it takes to learn via finance and accounting training courses can vary based on the experience level, the topic, and how much time students have.If someone is new to finance, an accounting course may take anywhere from a few months up to a few years. Accounting training courses can cover a wide variety of topics - some covering all aspects of accounting, with others focusing on specifics. Before choosing a course, make sure students check how long it’s going to take to complete.

Accounting and finance courses

The finance industry is always evolving. Thanks to the ever-changing market, amends to government policies, updates to processes, procedures and more, it’s important to stay current.But one of the main stumbling blocks for learning and upskilling is how to find the time. There are only so many hours in a day, after all. Finance and accounting are complex subjects that for beginners can have a steep learning curve. However, finance and accounting courses online allow employees to learn while not disturbing their daily responsibilities.

Why study accounting and finance?

While accounting and finance have similarities, there are some key differences, which means studying either will come with its own advantages.Finance focuses on money management and investments, either for an individual or on behalf of businesses.Accounting focuses on recording and reporting an individual or business’s finances.So why study accounting and finance? Let’s take a look at some of the topics covered in each.

Accounting

If you want your employees to upskill or develop knowledge to improve the day-to-day running of a business, then accounting training will help with that. Learning financial accounting - even just taking a refresher course - enables employees to improve, adapt, and drop bad habits.Topics covered in accounting courses include:
  • Audits
  • Budgets
  • Reporting
  • Micro and macroeconomics
  • Ethics
  • Taxes
  • Risk management
  • Strategy
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Finance

A finance course will take a deeper look at the industry as a whole, with a focus on strategy and control, rather than the day-to-day management of a business’s finances.Topics covered in a finance course can include:
  • Advanced economics
  • Asset markets
  • Corporate finance
  • Financial management
  • Financial strategy
  • Risk management
  • Venture capital
While your employees are likely to have a focus on either accounting or finance, it’s advantageous for employees to have a solid understanding of both.
The benefits of taking an accounting and finance course
Not only does a business benefit from learning and upskilling, but courses on finance and accounting help employees too.
Benefits to your business
The benefits of providing finance and accounting training to your business include:Develop your brightest employeesWhile your organization may be home to some shining stars, that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way without a proper development plan. By training your employees, you’ll give them the best chance of reaching their full potential.
Retain staff
Employees want to learn so they can develop their skills and knowledge, and produce the best work for your business. By showing your staff that you care about them and their development, it’ll enable you to retain the best talent in the industry.
Have well-rounded, knowledgeable teams
You don’t want to rely on individuals holding key knowledge or information, because should they leave the business, or take sick or annual leave, they’ll take that knowledge and information with them. A team of top performers will be more confident and productive, and a well-rounded team of multi-skilled employees is more valuable than a team of individuals.Improve results and turnaround timesWith more skill and improved processes comes better results achieved in less time, as well as a decrease in mistakes.
Give clients confidence
If you have clients that come to you for accounting or finance services, then providing regular training will give your clients confidence in your business.
Benefits to your employees
By providing employees with access to courses on finance and accounting, it helps them in many ways:Encourages growth and developmentEmployees don’t like to stagnate. By offering them learning opportunities you’ll encourage them to grow and develop and progress within your business.
Learn while working
Online finance and accounting courses fit around their schedule and are self-directed, meaning employees can learn during periods of downtime, or whenever it suits them.Helps employees feel valuedBy providing the opportunity to upskill and develop, your employees will feel valued and have a much higher level of job satisfaction.
How to take a finance course while working
One of the greatest advantages of online accounting courses is the freedom poeple have to study in a way that works for them. Whether that’s taking an hour to learn during quieter periods, or even taking time in the evenings for those keen to develop.As an online course is self-directed, it’s still important for employees to try and plan a routine so they can learn and work simultaneously as effectively as possible.