What do you do if you want to acquire new accounting skills?

If you're pondering how to enhance your proficiency in accounting, you're already on the path to success. The field of accounting is dynamic, with continuous changes in regulations, technology, and methodologies. Whether you're a seasoned professional aiming to stay current or a newcomer eager to break into the field, acquiring new accounting skills is crucial for career advancement and effectiveness. Understanding the steps to develop these skills can help you navigate your learning journey more efficiently.

1 Online Courses

In today's digital age, online courses are a convenient and flexible way to learn new accounting skills. Numerous platforms offer a range of courses tailored to different levels of expertise, from beginner to advanced. You can study topics like financial accounting, tax preparation, or accounting software at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. Online courses often provide interactive materials, such as video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums, which can enhance your learning experience.

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Sajith Eranga Ranasinghe

Financial Accounting Professional || 12+ Years of Experience || IFRS Expert.
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You can choose between structured classroom-based programs and self-paced online courses based on your learning style and availability. Seek out courses with knowledgeable instructors that provide practical exercises or case studies to help students understand the material.

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2 College Classes

For those seeking a more structured educational experience, college classes can be an excellent option. Many universities and community colleges offer accounting courses that can lead to a degree or certification. These classes typically provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of accounting. Engaging with professors and peers can also offer valuable networking opportunities and insights into the accounting profession.

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3 Workshops & Seminars

Attending workshops and seminars is another effective way to acquire new accounting skills. These events are often hosted by professional organizations or industry experts and focus on specific areas of accounting. They provide an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices. Moreover, workshops and seminars are great for networking with other accountants and may lead to new career opportunities.

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4 Mentoring & Coaching

Mentoring or coaching from an experienced accountant can provide personalized guidance as you learn new skills. A mentor can offer insights into the intricacies of the profession, help you understand complex concepts, and provide feedback on your progress. This one-on-one interaction can be particularly beneficial if you're looking to specialize in a certain area of accounting or need advice on career development.

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Felipe III Zb

El Rey de los Costes. Ayudo a empresas a dejar de perder dinero sin saber ni dónde ni por qué. Profesor, Consultor y Mentor en GoCost.es
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Creo que la teoría y la práctica de la Contabilidad Financiera ha de ser en un curso estructurado, mejor si es una carrera en Empresariales o similar. Pero la Contabilidad de Costes se suele pasar por alto en muchas universidades y hay que buscar un buen Master, o un buen Mentor.

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Sajith Eranga Ranasinghe

Financial Accounting Professional || 12+ Years of Experience || IFRS Expert.
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If at all possible, look for a mentor or advisor who can offer advice and encouragement as you advance your accounting knowledge. They can respond to inquiries, provide insightful commentary, and evaluate your development.

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5 Practice & Application

Gaining knowledge is one thing, but applying what you've learned is where the real skill-building happens. To become proficient in new accounting techniques, you should seek out practical experiences. This could involve volunteering to manage finances for a local nonprofit, taking on new responsibilities at work, or even simulating accounting scenarios. Regular practice will help solidify your understanding and improve your competence.

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Sajith Eranga Ranasinghe

Financial Accounting Professional || 12+ Years of Experience || IFRS Expert.
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The best way to develop accounting skills is through practice. Work on real-world scenarios, solve puzzles, or examine financial statements to put what you've learned into practice. To obtain real-world experience, think about volunteering for accounting-related jobs or projects.

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6 Stay Informed

The accounting field is ever-evolving, so staying informed about industry changes is essential. Subscribe to accounting journals, follow relevant blogs, and join professional accounting organizations to keep abreast of new developments. Being aware of changes in laws, technology, and accounting standards will ensure that your skills remain relevant and up-to-date.

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Sajith Eranga Ranasinghe

Financial Accounting Professional || 12+ Years of Experience || IFRS Expert.
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The accounting industry is always changing as a result of adjustments made to laws, standards, and technology. Read trade journals, go to conferences or seminars, and take part in professional networking events to stay up to date on the most recent advancements.

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Meng Hock Tan 🇸🇬

Statutory Audit | Financial Reporting | Know Your Client Compliance | Big Four | Associate (ISCA) | Alumni Committee Member
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The accounting industry is everchanging to meet the dynamic needs of the market, especially there are quite a few cases of fraud and corruption that are uncovered. Consistently keeping myself to stay informed of what is changing or implementing within the accounting profession is really pivotal. This ensures that my skillsets remain relevant and up-to-date. Often, the company will also send us for further trainings to refresh our knowledge on the financial reporting standards.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sajith Eranga Ranasinghe

Financial Accounting Professional || 12+ Years of Experience || IFRS Expert.
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Evaluate your development on a regular basis and pinpoint areas that require work. Establish clear objectives and comparison points to monitor your progress over time.

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What do you do if you want to acquire new accounting skills?

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1 Online Courses

2 College Classes

3 Workshops & Seminars

4 Mentoring & Coaching

5 Practice & Application

6 Stay Informed

7 Here’s what else to consider

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