Microsoft 365 for business is designed to improve performance and bring efficiency to the way you work by providing a streamlined platform to collaborate with your workforce. Accounting professionals traditionally work with file creation applications such as spreadsheets and text documents with information shared using email and text messages. These methods produce a large number of disparate documents, which lack cohesiveness and prove to be an inefficient method of data collection and file sharing.

Microsoft Teams provides a platform that brings people, content, and conversations together, creating a more efficient forum for information exchange and arming users with the tools they need to achieve their goals.

Use it For Chat and Ongoing Communication
In today’s business environment, the flexibility of work practices has encouraged many companies to offer remote work options to their employees. In order to maintain similar workplace efficiencies, regular collaboration is vital, and open communication channels that allow your employees to connect easily are essential.
 
Microsoft Teams offers several features which help to improve communication, including the following:

• Schedule an online meeting with your team or start one instantly.
• Call or text a colleague directly using the app on your phone, tablet, or desktop computer.
• Attach files to your communications.
• Store meeting chat notes in the cloud for easy reference.
• Work together in real-time with accessible shared files.

Dramatically Reduce Your Emails
Don’t let your email message get buried under a pile of other emails in your inbox. While email has traditionally been the preferred method for written communication, it is not always ideal for all purposes. Emails are perfect for longer, in-depth messages, but quick questions or urgent updates are better directed using text messaging. Using the Teams chat app to message a colleague instantly helps you get a faster response and keeps your work messages in one location. Your chats are all saved in the cloud, so it’s easy to reference any information.

Continuity Before, During, and After Meetings
Scheduling a meeting with teams is easy and preparing for that meeting is even easier. Use the chat function to talk amongst your colleagues and share files in preparation.
 
When the meeting begins, collaborative tools help improve the efficiency of the meeting. Share and co-edit files in real-time with other meeting participants and use the online chat function to pose questions and clarify details.
 
When the meeting is over, distribute information and inform participants of any updates.

Integration With Other Apps
Microsoft 365 Business offers a host of office applications and services that make document creation and sharing easy, including:

• OneDrive
• SharePoint
• Outlook
• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Publisher
• Access

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These various apps can also be integrated with other systems, such as accounting software and customer relationship management systems (CRMs).

Stay Connected at All Times 
As long as you have internet connectivity, you can stay connected to your teams regardless of their user location. This feature is particularly useful when working with branch offices or employees in remote locations. Key features of Microsoft Teams that will allow you to run your business better are:

• Unlimited group meetings with up to 300 participants
• Cloud storage that allows all your documents to be hosted on one platform
• Unlimited chat function that provides easy communication across teams
• SharePoint is an online feature that allows you to store, organize, share and access information
• Data encryption services to ensure that all of your data is safe and secure

​Optimizing Microsoft 365 for Businesses
Microsoft 365 for Business is an integrated solution that allows you to manage your business more effectively. From face-to-face communications to document creation and sharing, it is the perfect way to collaborate with your teams. While the software provides a powerful tool to run your business, training on how to use the tool is vital. At CBS Training, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to succeed.
 
Our 12-week training courses are tailored to accounting professionals and include webinars, individual training sessions, and networking opportunities for trainees. We believe in maintaining the highest professional standards while providing a supportive environment in which to learn.
 
By completing our course, you will be able to competently use all of the features of Office 365 for Business. If you are an accounting professional looking to enhance efficiency in your business, sign up for our 12-week course today.

Your firm has many files, data, and financial records to manage. Keeping track of these moving pieces for your clients is no easy task. The good news is that with a bit of extra training, you can learn how to master Microsoft 365 Business. The purpose of Microsoft 365 Business is to help your business run smoothly and efficiently. With Microsoft 365 Business, you can organize your data, files, and much more online. Let’s discuss five helpful ways Microsoft Business saves you money and why your financial firm may want to consider investing in it.
 
1.   Enhancing Communication
Clear communication can help relay information efficiently and increase productivity. With less miscommunication, employees can complete tasks more quickly and better. This efficient use of time allows your teams to spend more time on other important projects.
 
Microsoft 365 Business allows for seamless communication between different departments and locations of your business. All data and information that you store on the cloud are easily accessible by all employees who have permission to access it. Collaboration between coworkers has never been easier.
 
Microsoft Business also gives multiple options for styles of communication, using online chat, calling, or video conferencing. All communication preferences are accounted for to encourage collaboration of all kinds.

2.   Set Up Automations to Save Time
Save time and increase productivity with Microsoft 365 Business’s Power Automate. This feature enables automated workflows to achieve smooth systems that save time and work with various apps. You’ll never fall out of the loop with automated reminders for upcoming or past-due tasks.
 
With Power Automate, repetitive or scheduled tasks are easy to automate with simple drag-and-drop tools. There is no complex coding in Power Automate, ensuring a simple process to build your own custom automation. For advanced users, Power Automate also works with AI. You can access these advanced features with simple coding through AI Builder.

3.   Increase in Security
Your financial firm handles crucial information daily, including sensitive data, financial statements, and records. It is vital to keep these files secure. You want to ensure the companies you work with feel safe handing over their private data and personal information.
 
Accounting firms, bookkeepers, and other accounting professionals are some of the biggest targets for cyber hacking, making it crucial to have high levels of cybersecurity. Microsoft 365 Business features many security options to keep your data safe, including identity access management, cyber threat protection, information protection, and more. You can feel safe knowing all your company files have high levels of protection.

4.   Remote Access
What better way to save time and money than having access to all files at any time? Working from home or on the go has never been easier with Microsoft 365 Business. Even without internet access, you can easily download any content from the cloud before your travels so that you can work on projects from anywhere at any time.
 
The world has learned that working from home can increase work productivity. Many Canadian companies that allow optional work-from-home saw a 20% increase in productivity in recent years. Microsoft 365 Business has valuable features for in-person and remote employees, giving accessibility to all.

5.   Efficiency In and Out of the Office
Microsoft Office focuses on improving task management, product management and document management. Efficiency in and out of the office is crucial for seamless collaboration. That is why all communication in Microsoft happens in real-time. With Microsoft’s screen sharing, there is no longer a need to organize a time when everyone can be in the same room. Instead, anyone can join in on a meeting from anywhere. Real-time communication reduces the time needed to travel in and out of the office.
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Online Training for Accounting Professionals
Microsoft 365 Business has the tools to help your company increase security, productivity, communication, and efficiency. At Creative Business Solutions (CBS) Training Services, we can teach you and your teams how to take advantage of the full features included in Microsoft 365 for Business. Contact CBS today if you are ready to move towards a well-organized and productive company.

When dealing with high volumes of data entry, information and financial records, it's easy to get lost. Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 Business Standard are the perfect tools for any small business. As accounting professionals, it's essential to have integrated file storage with enhanced data security to keep your workflows running smoothly. With Microsoft's cloud-based platform, everything is in one place and easy to access from anywhere.
 
Microsoft 365 Business makes other business platforms seem outdated by comparison. Business owners can confidently work efficiently with the range of collaboration tools Microsoft 365 Business offers. But how do you know you're taking full advantage of what the software offers? 
 
Use The Full Suite of Tools
Microsoft has many apps available beyond Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. OneNote, OneDrive, Forms, Planner, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams are some other apps included in the platform. It's beneficial to use each of these tools to its full potential. All the apps connect and are easy to use on the go. 
 
Each application can also be used effectively on any mobile device, including phone or tablet, which makes it easy to work from anywhere in the world. Microsoft Teams is particularly useful for staying connected to co-workers and allows simple discourse between accounting professionals and their staff, clients or colleagues. The easy connection allows for less miscommunication and easier access to data and information. 
 
Utilize Microsoft OneDrive and or SharePoint
OneDrive and SharePoint are fantastic ways to share files securely. Not only can OneDrive and SharePoint store all your data and information, but you can also access it from anywhere at any time. SharePoint allows great collaboration with easy access for each person. There is no more waiting to head back to the office or bringing files home, as all files are at your fingertips. 
 
It's smooth and effortless to move items to OneDrive. You can directly upload one or more files to OneDrive or simply drag and drop them into the app. Once your files are uploaded, OneDrive has a great organization system that allows you to customize them for your needs. 
 
There is less need to stress about security either. Microsoft 365 Business has enterprise-grade security as a default, giving you peace of mind without spending additional time or money on protection. Your files will be safe and sound and only accessible by those to whom you have granted access.
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Spend Some Time on Setup, Optimization, and Research
The best way to ensure optimal usage of these apps is to start your research journey. Searching for tutorials by keywords for any questions or information you are looking for is a great place to start. Research can feel overwhelming, but by reading this article, you've already started. 
 
Another terrific path to go down is understanding your learning style. Taking time to look into your learning style will allow you to learn more efficiently. Once you've discovered your learning path, diving into Microsoft 365's setup will be a breeze. 
 
For example, if you are a visual learner, Microsoft's team has many great educational videos on their website. If reading and writing are your go-to style, Microsoft has many informational articles and resources on their website. 
 
If you are still struggling with learning the Microsoft 365 Business setup on your own and want expert guidance to save you time, put your trust in the experts.

Get Training From An Expert
Getting training from an expert can help improve your ability to understand and use Microsoft 365 for Business. An expert will be able to tailor the experience to how you best absorb knowledge, and they can walk you through any specialized difficulties. 
 
Spending money now will allow you to save money and time for years to come. Creating a deep understanding now of the product will also save you and your team time in the future. 

Microsoft 365 Business Tips for Accounting Professionals
As we know, time is money. Spending the time now to learn the ins and outs will help save you money in the future. At CSB Creative Business Solutions, we created training services and courses because we want to help accounting professionals be successful using Microsoft 365 for Business. 

Use your time efficiently by enrolling in a CBS training course today.

In technology’s ever-changing landscape, investing in the latest advancement of the software tools offered to your industry is essential. Training and software are the keys to unlocking the doors to superior customer service. Let’s look at seven reasons why you need to invest in professional development as an accounting professional.

 1. Staying Up to Date on Software
Knowledge of the most effective software and industry-leading products is vital to your business. Access to the latest software developments, in combination with proper training, gives a sense of confidence to your team. This increased confidence will reflect professionalism and knowledge to not only existing clients but potential new clients, as well. 
 
Utilizing the latest technology advancements with your team creates a unified company that can concentrate on the needs of its clients. There is no question that advancing the skills, software and efficiencies of financial professionals leads to greater client results and satisfaction.
 
2. Improving Job Performance and Efficiency
It has been proven that employees who are offered learning opportunities increase their confidence and job performance. Employees will feel invested and perform at much higher levels and greater capacities. Professionals who receive ongoing training are more confident in their roles and will encourage a positive company environment. Companies that have employees that exude professional passion will undoubtedly thrive with respect and success.
 
3. Receiving Specialized Training for Your Industry
Investing in the latest training with CSB Creative Business Solutions results in overall company success. How do we know? Because ability leads to stability. This saying is true for every aspect of your company. Financial professionals participating in this training become adept at streamlining processes efficiently and accurately, automatically increasing productivity. 
 
We are sure you want your employees to not just be better at their jobs but to be leaders in the industry, and we can help them achieve that.
 
4. Customer/Client Satisfaction
The goal when starting a business isn’t to be mediocre. Businesses are created because people are passionate enough to make a difference in their industry. Business owners trust accounting professionals to have knowledge above their own and the training that will keep their company on the competitive edge. They also trust accounting professionals to have the latest advancements and experience to help them achieve their success goals. CSB Creative Business Solutions allows accountants to be worthy of that trust.

5. Maintaining Employee Confidence
Investing in and empowering your employees with knowledge raises morale and contributes to a like-minded, cohesive team.
 
Making employees “aware that you care” can make all the difference in the functionality of your company. Clients and employees want to feel valued. Providing the latest developments and the keys to use them ensures that they know you are willing to invest in their successes too. 
 
You can have peace of mind that you are investing in so much more than just the advancement of technology.
 
6. Retaining Valuable Employees
Thousands of hours and dollars are wasted by companies who are training and retraining new employees. Unless you provide the proper knowledge, tools, and confidence in your existing employees, you risk this type of needless waste. 
 
Training and arming employees with the latest knowledge helps them develop into well-rounded experts ready to dedicate themselves fully to your company. These individuals tend to complete tasks more efficiently and maintain their positions longer. 
 
Seasoned and respected employees contribute to the longevity of your company and help establish the trust that your clients have for you.  
 
7. Offering the Competitive Edge
Technology is ever advancing. There is a genuine danger of falling behind due to utilizing out-of-date or unstable processes that can result in crucial mistakes. This opportunity gives financial professionals the advantage of streamlining their accounting or bookkeeping business to function in the most organized way possible.
 
Professional Development Training for Accountants in Canada
You can invest in your accounting professionals by signing them up for Microsoft 365 training. Not only can Microsoft 365 expertise help your accounting professionals serve clients more efficiently, but it will also help your business run smoothly. Start streamlining your business and services by contacting us today. 

Information management is one of your most significant responsibilities when running a business. Keeping track of all that information is a massive undertaking, and it’s easy to get disorganized if you aren’t careful. That’s where Microsoft 365 Business comes in. As a cloud-based program, Microsoft 365 makes your systems easily accessible from the same place, no matter how you access them.
 
1. Learn How to Streamline Business Processes
Without a program that can integrate your tools into the cloud, your business processes can quickly become complex and convoluted. Everything you do is time-consuming and confusing, and simple mistakes can lead to significant losses.
 
When you’re being trained on new software, it can be hard to remember the information you’re learning–especially when the interface is complicated or elaborate. With Microsoft 365 Business, everything from customer service to ERP is located in one accessible and straightforward user interface. Searching for and accessing files is simple, and you’ll have the ability to manage and share documents with ease.
 
2. Boost Your Overall Professional Development
Learning is a lifelong process, particularly when you’re running a business. With constant technological advancements and improvements, there’s no shortage of new information at your fingertips. You could be taking advantage of these opportunities wherever you see them.
 
With Microsoft 365 Business training, you’ll gain a trove of valuable information on business applications. With this new knowledge, you’ll be able to apply real-world skills to your business management. Employing the practices you learn during training can significantly boost your professional development and improve your business processes, resulting in a more efficient and effective system.
 
3. Manage Information with Efficiency Using Cloud Tools
Microsoft 365 Business is a cloud-based tool that streamlines information management, allowing you to track everything about your business. It enables you to monitor cash flow, track expenses, create reports to analyze performance, and more. With everything accessible in one place, it’s easier than ever to manage and visualize your business’s information.
 
Communicating and collaborating can be tedious without a cohesive program, as discussing and sharing certain information is often difficult. Not only is this aggravating for you and your team, but it can also majorly affect your productivity. Team communication is more effective than ever once you complete Microsoft 365 Business training. In the training program, efficient communication and sharing of information are prioritized, and there are extensive collaborative tools ranging from calendar sharing to routine task automation.
 
4. Increase Project Management Skills
How organized is your method of managing current projects? Chances are, these methods and processes are a bit chaotic. When every aspect of your business is stored in a different location, keeping everything coordinated is an inconvenience at best and a significant disruption at worst. 
 
During Microsoft 365 Business training, you’ll learn valuable project management skills. Say goodbye to chaotic and complex systems, and hello to a streamlined user interface that can grant you cohesive business processes.
 
5. Improve Business Financials
How much time do businesses waste trying to access information, collaborate with their team, or perform simple tasks? Every business has experienced blunders like this that waste both time and money.
 
With Microsoft 365 Business, the streamlined and efficient interface allows you to switch between tasks seamlessly, access essential documents, and communicate with team members. It’s incredible how much time you can save and how much additional profit you can generate simply by integrating a more effective system.
 
Training and Development for Accountants in Canada
CBS’s team of experts is here to help your business maximize its efficiency and provide high-quality service to clients. Contact us today to learn about our Microsoft 365 Business training and start streamlining your business!