Upskilling Your Staff: 5 Tips for Accounting Firms

Are you constantly wrestling with how to not just attract the best talent to your accounting firm but keep them around, too?

I understand – staffing is a critical issue that the accounting sector grapples with. Starting an accounting business comes with the uphill task of finding the right people. And when you do find them, there's the next hurdle: they're often stretched thin, juggling multiple responsibilities.

Moreover, as your firm evolves and broadens its services, you're tasked with the need for a team that's not only competent in current offerings but also adaptable to take on new challenges.

However, carving out the time for comprehensive training amidst the hustle of day-to-day operations can seem like an insurmountable task for busy entrepreneurs.

This guide aims to simplify that process for you. We'll explore actionable strategies to develop a training program that resonates with your team's immediate needs and future growth aspirations.

It's about more than just checking off a list; it's about engaging with your team's development to ensure your firm emerges as a beacon of excellence in the competitive accounting landscape.

The Imperative of Ongoing Staff Training: A Closer Look at the Benefits

Before diving into the how, let's solidify the why. The importance of continuous training for your staff transcends mere compliance or staying current—it's about building a resilient, forward-thinking team that can navigate the complexities of the accounting profession with confidence.

Here are some compelling reasons, backed by industry insights, that underscore the critical nature of investing in your team's development:

Adaptability to Change: The accounting industry is notorious for its ever-changing landscape of laws, standards, and technologies. Regular training ensures your team isn't just reacting to these changes but is ahead of the curve, ready to adapt and thrive.

• Consistency in Service Quality: The American Accounting Association highlights that consistency in service delivery is pivotal to maintaining a firm’s reputation. Comprehensive training ensures every team member—from the newest recruit to the most experienced professional—upholds the high standards your clients have come to expect, thereby safeguarding your firm's reputation for excellence.
• Employee Satisfaction and Retention: A LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report reveals that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. By offering continuous training opportunities, you signal to your team that their growth and career progression are a priority.
• Competitive Advantage: A well-trained team is an incredible asset. When your staff can offer insights and solutions that others can't, it sets your firm apart in a crowded market. This can be the difference between a prospective client choosing you over a competitor.

Crafting an Effective Training Strategy: Key Insights for Success

Here are five essential tips to guide you in creating a training program that not only meets the immediate needs of your staff but also aligns with your firm’s long-term goals:

1. Identify Training Needs

The first step to a successful training program is identifying the specific needs of your staff. New employees, for instance, might require an immersive introduction to the accounting software and methodologies your firm relies on. On the other hand, your seasoned team members may be looking to sharpen their skills or gain new certifications to keep pace with the evolving industry standards.

→ Actionable Tip: Conduct a skills audit across your team to pinpoint areas for development. Use one-on-one interviews, performance reviews, and job role analyses to gather insights. This will not only help you tailor your training program but also signal to your staff that their professional growth is a priority.

2. Leverage Certifications and Continuous Learning

Getting certified is a big deal in our world. It shows you know your stuff, whether it's being a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or a Professional Tax Preparer (PTP). When your team members get these kinds of certifications, it's not just good for them—it makes your whole firm look better and more trustworthy.

→ Actionable Tip: Help your team get ahead by setting up training for them to become Professional Bookkeepers, Tax Preparers, QuickBooks Specialists, or even Profit and Growth Experts. This gives them the tools they need to do a great job and helps your firm stand out by having a team that's skilled and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

3. Embrace Technology for Training

We're living in a time when technology is changing everything around us, especially the way we learn. For accounting firms looking to stay ahead, it's critical to tap into these technological advances for team development.

Using tech for your training efforts not only makes learning easier and more adaptable for everyone but also meets the modern workforce's expectations for ongoing professional growth.

By setting up well-rounded online or blended training programs, you’re boosting your team's skills and making sure your firm keeps up with the competition and industry innovations.

That’s why Universal Accounting Center’s online training programs are held entirely online and are self-paced. They’re versatile options for training professionals, whether you’re looking to train your employees or start a firm of your own.

→ Actionable Tips:

• Build a Digital Learning Hub: Compile a list of online courses perfect for different job roles within your firm. Encourage your team to spend time each week on these digital classes and then share what they’ve learned with everyone. This can spark conversations and new ideas.
• Adopt a Blended Learning Approach: Get your team signed up for online training that includes regular virtual meet-ups. You could have a seasoned team member facilitate a weekly discussion on the course materials, allowing the bulk of the learning to be done individually online. This method lets everyone learn at their own pace but also brings the team together to consolidate that knowledge, ensuring everyone is on the same page and can apply what they’ve learned directly to their work at your firm.

4. Implement Mentorship Programs

Pairing less experienced staff with seasoned mentors creates a dynamic learning environment where knowledge and skills are passed down in a practical, hands-on manner. Mentors can offer guidance, share insights from their own experiences, and provide feedback on areas for growth.

→ Actionable Tip: Develop a structured mentorship program within your firm, matching mentors and mentees based on skills, interests, and career aspirations. Regularly check in with both parties to ensure the relationship is productive and aligns with the overall training objectives.

5. Evaluate and Evolve Your Training Approach

A static training program is a missed opportunity for growth. By regularly evaluating the effectiveness of your training initiatives, you can adapt and refine your approach to meet the changing needs of your team and the industry.

→ Actionable Tip: Solicit feedback from your staff on the training they’ve received and how it’s impacted their work. Use this feedback to adjust your training strategy, introducing new topics or methods as needed. Celebrate successes and recognize achievements to foster a positive learning culture.

Skimping on staff training is a risk you can't afford to take!

Training your team is not just about filling knowledge gaps; it's about empowering them to lead, innovate, and excel in a competitive and ever-changing environment.

Whether you're integrating fresh faces or encouraging your veterans to reach new heights, remember: your firm's success starts with your team.

Investing in their growth is investing in the future of your business.

What are your thoughts on training in your firm? How do you plan to take your team’s skills to the next level?

Drop your ideas and questions below—I’d love to hear what you’re thinking and how we can help you achieve your training goals.

Don’t navigate this journey alone; our team is here to offer guidance and resources tailored to your firm's unique training needs.

Training your staff is the cornerstone of providing quality accounting services. With the right approach, you can transform your team into your firm's most valuable asset, ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities with confidence.

About Roger Knecht

Roger Knecht is president of Universal Accounting Center, a post-secondary school for accounting professionals. With over 20 years of marketing, sales, HR & operations experience, Roger Knecht has helped thousands of business owners work ON their businesses to increase revenue, improve profits and build value. His strong work ethic and collaborative style delivers reliable, high-quality results for business owners.

Roger’s podcast, Building the Premier Accounting Firm, keeps accounting professionals on the cutting edge of the industry offering quality bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services. He hosts discussions with some of the accounting world’s best minds and shares actionable insights for firms.

Roger is the author of “Your Strategic Accountant” and “Your Profit & Growth Expert”, each written to help business owners understand what they can expect from the accounting profession.

Universal Accounting provides accounting professionals with the training, certifications, coaching, and support they need to become Profit and Growth Experts for their clients.