Learning should be a lifelong journey for anyone who wants to improve themselves, personally and/or professionally. Whether you're an accounting professional, business owner, or both, ongoing training is a fundamental aspect of your career. The opportunity to train your accounting skills is always there–you just need to take advantage of it.
 
No matter how much of an expert you are, you can always boost your accounting and entrepreneurial skills. The sky is the limit! So, how can you continue honing your skills as a professional in your field and as an entrepreneur? In this blog, we'll go over five valuable types of training for accounting professionals.

QuickBooks Online Training
QuickBooks Online is essential software for many accounting professionals. With its straightforward inventory management, easily-accessible financial statements, and comprehensive integration options. It's no wonder QuickBooks is one of the biggest names in the accounting and finance industries.
 
As an accounting professional, you'll need to maximize your use of QuickBooks Online to reap the benefits for your business. To make the most of QuickBooks, you'll need to do some training first and then get certified. Finding and enrolling in a QuickBooks training course can elevate your accounting firm to the next level.

Microsoft 365 Business Training
Microsoft 365 Business is the ultimate tool for accounting businesses. Microsoft 365's high-quality cloud-based software helps you pursue your passion and run a successful business.
 
You'll benefit from some training to get the most out of Microsoft 365 Business. Getting trained by experts will help you maximize productivity and efficiency. That's why CBS Training has devised a comprehensive 12-week hands-on training course for accounting professionals. With our intensive training course, you'll learn to use Microsoft 365 Business to benefit, automate, and boost your business.

Improve Your Accounting Skills
We live in a world where you constantly have helpful resources at your fingertips. This type of access applies to every aspect of your life–including your career as an accounting professional. That means that there are plenty of ways for you to improve your accounting skills.
 
Spend some time researching additional certificates and training for accounting that you can perform. If you haven't already, one of the first and most important steps is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB). It doesn't stop there–you can always look for more ways to add to your skill set through ongoing professional development.

Register for Webinars and Conferences
Certificates and training courses aren't the only way to improve your skills as an accounting professional. If you're searching for additional education in a specialized area, try attending webinars and conferences related to those areas.
 
Webinars and conferences are a great way to hone your skills if you don't have the time to commit to a training course or certificate. You'll get the opportunity to listen to experts and other accounting professionals, but you won't need to put in as much time as you would with a course.
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Join a Professional Association
Joining a professional association is ideal for accounting professionals to sharpen their skills. Not only will a designation (CPA or CPB) help you further succeed in your career, but you'll also get the opportunity to learn from other colleagues and mentors.
 
There are several Canadian and international associations that you may want to consider joining. Do some research to find out which association would be the most beneficial for you!
 
Training for Accounting Professionals
CBS Training's team of experts is ready to help you elevate your business to the next level with our professional training courses. Contact us today to register for our Microsoft 365 Business training course, join our community of accounting professionals using Microsoft 365 in their practices, and get the most out of your software!

Data security is an essential topic in any business. With greater connectivity comes more cyber risks. No matter how big or small, every business should have a cyber security strategy in place, including network security and a data security plan. If you're an accounting professional, think of all the sensitive information you handle on a daily basis. It's crucial to your reputation and the well-being of your clients to keep this sensitive data protected and secure. As usual, Microsoft 365 for business has you covered with their SharePoint application. 

What Is SharePoint?
SharePoint is the Microsoft software your accounting company needs. With a full range of features, SharePoint is a creative, customizable form of communication that will mainstream your business interactions. This secure program allows users to access, organize, and share information from any device. It can even be used on the go through mobile devices using the SharePoint app. The intelligent intranet—a private network to share information—also helps keep data sharing secure from any location.
 
SharePoint has many features and benefits for any company, but there are three reasons why your accounting or bookkeeping business will benefit from a data security plan. 

Reason One: Protect Sensitive Client Data
Every day, accounting and bookkeeping firms deal with high volumes of sensitive data. When dealing with client finances, personal details, account information, and government files, ensuring this data is protected is a top priority. SharePoint creates a secure network for your company to help keep your client data safe.
 
SharePoint's advanced security measures help prevent data loss, but there are circumstances where data loss can still happen, such as employee errors or hardware malfunctions. In the event of accidental data loss, SharePoint has systems to keep your contacts, events, tasks, and data files backed up. Typically, deleting information only sends it to the "Recycling Bin." If you have yet to empty the bin manually, and it's been less than 30 days, your items should still be there waiting to be restored.
 
If it has been emptied or past 30 days, Microsoft has a secondary Recycling Bin where a site collection administrator can access and recover the data.

​Reason Two: Share Data Safely
It is crucial to protect data from hackers. With the amount of private information an accounting or bookkeeping firm holds, using a secure cloud server to store information is a must. SharePoint's secure intranet enables safe work systems in the office and at home. 
 
Turning accounting digital can be a nerve-racking experience for anyone. Many clients may not feel comfortable sharing private information over the web. With SharePoint, clients can feel reassured knowing their information is taken care of and secure.
 
By default, all Microsoft 365 products are compliant with the latest security and privacy regulations. Multifactor authentication is just one of the steps to help protect your client and company data. Your files will stay safe through encryption, whether stored on a phone or computer or sent through email.

Reason Three: Store Secure Backups of Information
Automatic backup processes allow you to use your time and energy more efficiently and effectively. SharePoint and Microsoft 365 have automated processes, so you don't need to worry about scheduling backups. All data automatically has protection from phishing and malware. Additionally, there are further safeguards against viruses and pre-made spam filtration, so your information remains safe and secure.

Microsoft 365 Business Training for Accounting Professionals
Start with a Microsoft 365 subscription and begin your journey to smoother accounting processes. Using Microsoft for Business can increase security, communication and safe data sharing. With Creative Business Solutions training services, you can unlock the full potential of your Microsoft 365 Business programs.

Our Microsoft experts are seasoned financial professionals that can help your accounting or bookkeeping firm successfully implement Microsoft 365. Our goal is for you to get your money's worth and teach you the ins and outs of Microsoft 365. 

​If you are an accounting professional looking to advance your business, sign up for our training course, join our community of accounting professionals using Microsoft 365 in their practices or contact us with any questions. 

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.