e-Accounting
The information you find here will be helpful as you:
- research online accounting software
- decide upon using an online accounting software
- choose a suitable online accounting software and support
- or just curious about Online Accounting Software?
What is e-Accounting OR online accounting?
e-Accounting is an umbrella term or online accounting that describes accounting done at a computer, usually connected to a internet network , giving the opportunity to do accounts almost anytime, anywhere.
e-Accounting is not unlike any other form of accounting - and it is widely accepted that e-Accounting can be as rich and as valuable as the accountants office or even more so. With its unique features e-Accounting is an experience that leads to comprehension and mastery of new skills and knowledge, just like its traditional counterpart.
Instructional design for e-Accounting has been perfected and refined over many years using established accounting principles, with many benefits to users. As a result micro level, small businesses and entrepreneurs using the e-Accounting and workshop programs in abundance.
Some other terms frequently interchanged with e-Accounting include:
- online accounting
- online interactive accounts
- online accounting workshop
- distance accounting
- technology-based accounting
- web-based accounting
- computer-based training (CBT)
e-Accounting is a broad term used to describe accounting done at a computer. Still, the interactive nature of the accounts gives the perfection of completion of accounts in an accountant’s office.
Traits of Successful Business Users
Is Online Accounting Software For You?
Online accounting software is different in many respects from the traditional manual and computer based accounting we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we record in books or in computer software. Many business owners say they feel simplicity more online, and the information available is better too.
Consider that prudent businessmen in the traditional setting may fair poorly in an online environment, while struggling businessmen may excel in maintaining their books in online accounting software. This can be explained in part due to differences in business styles. Visual, self-directed small businesses do well at online accounts maintaining, but others succeed because online instructional design is often sophisticated and planned to reach a wide variety of business community.
Business types play a big role in the success of online accounts too. These are the traits that successful online businesses possess, to varying degrees:
- Self-Directed in maintaining accounts and generating useful reports
- Motivated for new technology to lodge ECI reports, BAS reports, Cash flow reports
- Comfortable with computers and import bank csv files and allocate accounting codes
- Able to use email, internet browser, word processor, net banking to meet online reporting system
- Disciplined Inquisitive to know about business cash flow from Profit and Loss Cash reports
- Independent to maintain accounts from anywhere in the world, no dependancy on individual computers
- Self-Directed to add accounting codes for the business specific necessaries
- Able to stay on task generate SBR reports to meet the new reporting system in Australia
These questions may help you decide if online learning is for you:
Are you self-directed and motivated?
Most of online accounting transactions happens on your schedule. Download the csv files from bank site and import directly into your online accounting software, Interactive Accounts Manager [I A M]. You will need to be self-directed and motivated to complete accounting codes based on the transaction nature coming from our bank statement. Initiate the communication with your accountant or bookkeeper or BAS Service Provider to raise your queries. This queries can be replied by them or they can raise queries for the user to answer.. You'll be responsible for creating the structure to finish each transaction.
Are your technical skills adequate?
Along with having access to a computer and not being overwhelmed by typing, online learners should be comfortable with internet browsing and searching, email, sending and reading attachments, word processing, and sometimes downloading and installing software plug-ins (a normally simple but sometimes intimidating task).
Do you have strong reading skills?
Reading can play a large part in any class, and especially online. The ability to read and comprehend subject matter without it being a chore is critical to your success.
Does written communication come easily for you?
In most cases writing is the primary method of communication in online classes, so you should be at ease with writing to express your thoughts, share ideas, and ask questions.
Will you ask questions when you need to?
If you typically don't hesitate to seek help when you need it you'll do fine. Since you'll be in an online environment it's important to let your instructor and classmates know when you need help. Remember that they won't be able to see your looks of doubt, confusion, or other body language to tell when things aren't going well.
Will you miss the social interaction?
Interaction with instructors and classmates in online learning is often an integral part of the learning experience. Absent is the in-person contact - being able to see facial expressions, hear reactions, and speak. Campus life may be different or non-existent too.
Do you have the discipline to study regularly?
Like a traditional school you'll need to set aside adequate time for study. You may discover that you need to be online frequently to complete assignments or communicate with classmates and instructors. You can plan to spend at least as much time working assignments and studying as you would with a traditional course, and you'll be setting your own pace in many instances.
If you're satisfied with your answers to these questions, you're likely to do well in an online learning course. The links below are furnished as additional resources to help you decide.
Online Training Delivery Methods
Types of e-Accounting
e-Accounting comes in many variations and often a combination of the following:
- Purely online - no face-to-face meetings
- Blended Learning - combination of online and face-to-face
- Synchronous
- Asynchronous
- Instructor-led group
- Self-study
- Self-study with subject matter expert
- Web-based
- Computer-based (CD-ROM)
- Video/audio tape
Delivery Methods
e-Accounting is done over the WORLD WIDE WEB or by e-Book [CD-ROM], and some variations (distance learning) incorporate traditional media. Here are common delivery methods used in e-Accounting:
| Print |
|
| Video |
- streaming video
- video tape
- satellite transmission
- cable
|
| Audio |
- streaming audio
- audio tape
|
| Review and Exams |
- electronic
- interactive
- satellite transmission
- paper
|
| Communication |
Asynchronous
- email
- listservs
- threaded discussion, weblogs
- forums
Synchronous
- chat
- videoconferencing
- teleconferencing
|
How to Maximize Your Online Training
Learning Styles
Knowing a little bit about training styles can help you determine if online workshop is for you. The interaction and delivery methods used in online classes are dramatically different from traditional classes, so understanding how you learn is a good part of the decision-making process. The knowledge can help you improve your study habits and be successful in any educational setting, regardless of what type of learner you are.
The three predominant learning styles are visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic.
Broken down further, people learn by:
- Reading (visual)
- Listening (auditory)
- Seeing (visual)
- Speaking (auditory)
- Doing (Tactile/Kinesthetic)
The first three on the list are passive types of learning, while the last two are active types of learning. How much we tend to remember is a function of the type of learning we prefer and our level of involvement in the learning. People often learn through a combination of the ways described above. To a lesser degree, environment is a factor too.
The Active Learning Modes
Given a good learning environment (be it online or traditional), most people tend to remember best that which they do - practicing the real thing. Next, a combination of doing and speaking about what we learn produces a high retention rate, followed by speaking alone. These levels of involvement are all active learning modes.
The Passive Learning Modes
The passive learning modes - seeing and reading - fall just below the active learning modes on the retention ladder. After speaking, the combination of listening and seeing produces the next best retention results, then listening, then seeing, and then reading.
How it all relates to Online Training
In an online class there is a lot of passive learning done through reading text, listening to audio clips, and seeing graphics, but the active "speaking" mode is done very much through writing, email, and chatting. Online learners are often self-directed and/or working in their chosen fields, so a lot of doing happens in the way of applying their newfound knowledge to the workplace, hobby, or home. For this reason many online learners say they learn more in online classes than traditional settings, and have better retention, too.
As you consider online training, recognize that everyone learns differently and attempt to zero in on the particular style you use best. Maximize your online training by choosing the courses suited to your learning styles - and be sure to talk about and apply what you learn.
Benefits of Online Accounting
"Good teaching is good teaching, no matter how it's done."
The old adage still rings true, and e-Accounting brings with it new dimensions in training. Some of the unique features of e-Accounting are listed below.
Features of Online Accounting
- Training is self-paced and gives users a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary
- Training is self-directed, allowing users to choose content and tools appropriate to their differing interests, needs, and skill levels
- Accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety of delivery methods geared to different learners; more effective for certain learners
- Designed around the learner
- Geographical barriers are eliminated, opening up broader education options
- 24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows a greater number of people to attend classes
- On-demand access means learning can happen precisely when needed
- Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel, vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminated
- Overall user costs are frequently less (tuition, residence, food, child care)
- Potentially lower costs for companies needing training, and for the providers
- Fosters greater user interaction and collaboration
- Fosters greater user/instructor contact
- Enhances computer and Internet skills
- Draws upon hundreds of years of established pedagogical principles
- Has the attention of every major university in the world, most with their own online degrees, certificates, and individual courses
Benefits of Online Accounting
There are many significant advantages for the users who learns online. Here are just a few to consider:
Convenience and Portability
- Courses are accessible on your schedule
- Online training does not require physical attendance
- Learning is self-paced (not too slow, not too fast)
- You're unbound by time - courses are available 24/7
- You're unbound by place - study at home, work, or on the road
- Read materials online or download them for reading later
Cost and Selection
- Continuing Education
- Individual courses
- Wide range of prices to fit your budget
- Go back to school to get a degree, learn a new skill, learn a new craft, or just have fun!
Flexibility
- Online learning accommodates your preferences and needs - it's user-centered
- Choose instructor-led or self-study courses
- Use the tools best suited to your learning styles
Higher Retention
- Online learning will draw you to topics you like and enjoy. Studies show that because of this and the variety of delivery methods used to reach different types of learners, retention is frequently better than in a traditional classroom.
Greater Collaboration
- Technology tools make collaboration among students much easier. Since many projects involve collaborative learning, the online environment is far easier (and often more comfortable) to work in since learners don't have to be face-to-face.
Global Opportunities
- The global learning community is at your fingertips with online learning. The technologies used give online instructional designers the ability to build in tools that take you to resources you may never see in a traditional classroom.