As a bookkeeper, accountant, or tax preparer, choosing the right QuickBooks Online course (QBO) can be a game-changer for your career. With the growing demand for certified professionals in accounting and bookkeeping, having expertise in QBO not only boosts your credibility but also makes you more competitive in the market. Whether you’re looking to get certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, learn specific features, or simply brush up on your skills, it’s crucial to pick a QBO course that aligns with your professional goals and learning preferences.
At Akadian, we understand that accountants and bookkeepers need courses that are not only educational but also practical and time efficient. We’ve outlined the steps you can take to choose the right QBO course to suit your needs.
1. Assess Your Current Skill Level
Before diving into a QuickBooks Online course, take a moment to assess your current level of proficiency with QuickBooks. Are you completely new to QBO? Do you have some experience, or are you already using QBO for clients but need to level up your knowledge for certification? Understanding where you stand helps you choose the right course that matches your skill level.
- Beginner: If you’re new to QuickBooks Online, look for courses that cover the basics, such as navigating the interface, creating invoices, managing expenses, and understanding reports.
- Intermediate: If you have some experience with QBO but want to master more advanced functions, consider courses that dive into topics like payroll, advanced reporting, and multi-currency transactions.
- Advanced: For those already familiar with QBO, consider specialized courses that focus on complex accounting scenarios, tax-related features, or preparing for the QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification.
2. Identify Your Learning Goals
QuickBooks Online is a versatile software that offers many features tailored to different aspects of bookkeeping and accounting. When selecting a course, it’s essential to identify what you want to achieve. Your learning goals will influence which course is most beneficial to you.
- QuickBooks Online Certification: If your primary goal is to become a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, look for courses specifically designed to prepare you for the QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification exam. These courses will ensure you’re fully prepared for the exam and can confidently assist clients using QBO.
- Specific Skills or Functions: If you’re focused on mastering specific areas like payroll, tax preparation, or inventory management, search for QuickBooks courses online that specialize in those topics.
- Continuing Education: If you’re simply looking to stay updated on the latest QBO features, look for online QuickBooks courses that provide ongoing education or updates on software enhancements.
3. Consider the Course Format
When choosing a QuickBooks Online course, consider your preferred learning style. Some people learn best through video lectures, while others may prefer interactive lessons or written content. Here are some formats to consider:
- Video-Based Courses: If you prefer learning through watching demonstrations and following along, an online QuickBooks course that offers video lessons could be ideal. Many online QuickBooks courses offer step-by-step walkthroughs and visual guides that make complex topics easier to understand.
- Live Classes/Webinars: If you enjoy real-time interaction with instructors and peers, look for live online QuickBooks courses or webinars. These can provide opportunities for Q&A and direct feedback.
- Self-Paced Courses: If you have a busy schedule, a self-paced course might be the best option. These allow you to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. A QuickBooks Online course with downloadable materials and lifetime access can be especially beneficial for bookkeepers and accountants who need flexibility.
- Blended Learning: Some platforms offer a blend of live classes and pre-recorded content, offering the best of both worlds.
4. Evaluate the Course Content
Once you know what format works best for you, take a close look at the course content. Make sure it covers all the topics you need to reach your goals, especially the following:
- Bookkeeping Basics: For beginners, understanding the fundamental principles of bookkeeping within QBO is critical.
- ProAdvisor Exam Prep: For those aiming to pass the QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification, look for courses that provide detailed coverage of the exam topics, including advanced QuickBooks functions, business setup, tax handling, and reporting.
- Specialized Topics: Depending on your role, you may need to master specific areas such as payroll, multi-currency handling, or working with inventory.
- Hands-On Practice: The best QuickBooks Online courses offer practical exercises and simulated environments where you can practice what you’ve learned, building confidence before using QuickBooks for clients.
At Akadian, we provide a range of courses tailored to different experience levels, helping you learn the key skills needed for successful bookkeeping and accounting in QBO. Whether you need to earn your QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification or simply gain a deeper understanding of specific QBO features, we have a course designed for you.
5. Check for Support and Resources
When you’re investing in an online QuickBooks course, it’s essential to check whether the course offers support and resources to help you succeed.
- Instructor Support: Does the course offer access to instructors or mentors who can answer your questions and provide guidance? Live Q&A sessions or email support are invaluable for resolving doubts.
- Community and Peer Interaction: Some courses offer access to online communities or forums where you can connect with other learners. This can be a great way to share experiences and learn from others.
- Additional Resources: Look for courses that provide bonus materials, such as worksheets, templates, or reference guides. These resources can help reinforce your learning and make it easier to apply the concepts in your daily work.
6. Consider Course Reviews and Testimonials
Before enrolling in any QuickBooks Online course, take the time to read reviews and testimonials from other bookkeepers and accountants who have taken the course. Feedback from peers who have similar professional needs will give you an accurate picture of what to expect. Look for courses that have high ratings and positive reviews regarding course content, instructor expertise, and customer support.
At Akadian, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality QuickBooks Online training that helps bookkeepers and accountants pass their ProAdvisor certification quickly and efficiently. Our courses come with rave reviews from professionals who have successfully upgraded their skills and certifications.
7. Compare Pricing and Value
Price is always an important factor when choosing a course, but make sure to compare the value you’re getting for your money. A cheaper course might not offer the depth or resources you need, while a more expensive one might include extras like one-on-one coaching or additional learning materials.
Invest in a QuickBooks Online course that offers the best value for your professional development. Look for courses that provide flexible payment options, money-back guarantees, and lifetime access so you can return to the materials whenever needed.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right QuickBooks Online course is an investment in your career. By carefully evaluating your current skill level, learning goals, course format, and available resources, you can find a course that will help you gain the expertise you need to advance your career as a bookkeeper or accountant.
At Akadian, we offer high-quality, results-driven QuickBooks Online courses that help professionals like you earn their QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification fast and easy! Our courses are designed to give you the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of accounting and bookkeeping.
Ready to take your QuickBooks skills to the next level? Sign up for one of our courses today and start your journey toward QuickBooks Online certification! Or, download our free QuickBooks ProAdvisor exam prep guide to get started. You can also join our Facebook group for ongoing support and exclusive content. Don’t wait, take control of your career today!
FAQ’s
1. Why should bookkeepers and accountants learn QuickBooks Online (QBO)?
QuickBooks Online is one of the most widely used accounting software platforms. Learning QBO enhances your skill set, increases your job opportunities, and enables you to manage client finances more efficiently.
2. What is the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification?
The QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is an official recognition from Intuit that verifies your expertise in using QBO. It’s ideal for professionals looking to validate their skills and boost their credibility.
3. How do I know which QuickBooks Online course level is right for me?
Assess your current experience:
- Beginner: Choose a course that covers the basics like invoicing and reports.
- Intermediate: Look for content on payroll, reporting, and automation.
- Advanced: Select courses tailored for certification prep or complex scenarios like tax features and inventory.
4. What are the key features to look for in a QBO course?
Look for comprehensive content that matches your goals, hands-on practice modules, ProAdvisor exam preparation, and access to support resources like downloadable guides or instructor Q&A.
5. Are there self-paced QuickBooks courses available?
Yes, many courses, including those offered by Akadian, are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience and revisit the material anytime with lifetime access.
6. How long does it take to complete a QuickBooks Online course?
It depends on the course and your pace. Some basic courses take a few hours, while certification prep courses may take a few weeks to complete thoroughly.