The most basic training courses in accounting are geared toward general accounting, which forms the basis of all related and advanced training courses. Successfully passing a general accounting course is vital before moving on to more advanced courses. Courses can focus on specific areas of accounting and business, including budgeting, financial statement analysis, managing business risk, payroll tax compliance, financial management, computerized bookkeeping, collections law, contract origination, employee benefits and many others.
Many colleges and universities offer programs in accounting, whether they are four-year or two-year programs or continuing-education classes. A typical continuing-education training course in accounting may cover topics such as basic bookkeeping, computerized accounting and beginning accounting theory. This would help prepare students for entry-level positions in billing, accounts payable or receivable, or bookkeeping. Upon completion of this type of program, students would be able to transfer their credits toward an associate degree in accounting.
Some educational institutions gear their training courses in accounting toward the growing number of non-traditional students. These may be people who already are engaged in a career and want to take classes in the evenings or on weekends, as well as people who wish to engage in online training. These non-traditional programs allow students to earn degrees in accounting on both the undergraduate and graduate level. Students can usually take only one course at a time or concentrate on multiple training courses.
People who already have received training in accounting and may be employed in the accounting field could find it valuable to further their knowledge by taking training courses. Some examples of this type of training include CPA review, accounting certifications and designations, business planning, accounting costs, expenses, revenues, profits and loss, break-even analysis, assets and liabilities, balance sheets, earnings, dividends, cash flow, debt collection, financial analysis, analysis of annual reports and internal controls.