Accounting is a crucial aspect of running businesses, large or small, and can determine their success. While small businesses have large administrative offices with many employees (including external consultancy from auditing firms), small businesses can only afford one accountant. For sole proprietorships, the owner himself must be able to manage the accounts, without the help of an administrative employee. In this case, you may need to learn accounting in order to run your business smoothly. Knowledge of this discipline can also help you find a job as an administrative employee.
Steps
Step 1. Purchase a beginner's bookkeeping manual
If you are starting from scratch, it will be a good idea to start with a beginner's book. The best manuals for building a solid foundation are the ones you can find in the bookstore. Reading it, carrying out the included exercises, will allow you to build an overview of the fundamentals of accounting.
Step 2. Increase your knowledge with an online search
The Internet is a very useful tool for acquiring accounting knowledge quickly and for free. Some sites offer free lessons on different branches of accounting. You can also view the texts of almost all the most important accounting standards.
Step 3. Purchase a Financial Accounting Manual
Once you have a basic understanding, you should start working on a college-level text. Look for texts entitled "General Accounting", which lay the foundations for administrative management and the preparation of the financial statements. Study the manual, making sure you do the sample exercises in large quantities.
Step 4. If possible, take courses
If you can afford it, sign up for accounting courses, you will have the opportunity to learn from professionals in the sector. Many universities have accounting courses that you can attend and that issue certificates; you can also attend them as an unregistered student.
Step 5. Start applying the knowledge gained to your business, if applicable
If you are looking to learn accounting because it might help you run your business, practice what you have learned in current business operations. For example, you could change the bookkeeping from single entry to double entry. The recording of the accounting by means of the double entry (according to which each daily income provides for both a debit and a credit movement) is mandatory for larger companies, and allows you to have greater control over the financial aspects. Also be careful to apply other knowledge, such as liquidity control procedures.
Step 6. If you want, find a job as an accountant
If you are learning accounting to find a job, you should get to know the opportunities offered by the market. With a little experience you should still be able to find a job alongside an experienced accountant. You can also look for a job for an administrative assistant position, with reduced responsibilities, so that you can acquire new skills.
