QuickBooks Payroll Training
Payroll companies exist because payroll is one of the more challenging aspects to bookkeeping. The rates for unemployment and tax tables can change several times throughout the year. Keeping up with these changes and complying with the quarterly filings is a hassle for someone with little to no payroll experience. Training for QuickBooks payroll is available from a few different sources.
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QuickBooks Tutorials
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QuckBooks software contains tutorials, but they are not extensive or interactive. It is not a difficult process to get started if you choose to learn about payroll through these tutorials. A step-by-step guide will help you complete the process.
Third Party Training
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There are several nationwide companies that train employees in the use of a company's software packages. The cost ranges anywhere from $300 to $800 and can take from two to four days of time. On the plus side, these companies typically spend several hours on payroll training, are extremely thorough and provide materials for you to take home.
On the minus side, it is the most expensive option, the audiences are larger, which limits interaction, and they are held sporadically, sometimes as little as once a year in any given area.
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Local QuickBooks Payroll Training
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Your local Chamber of Commerce may offer QuickBooks training, usually starting at $100 to $200 for a two-day session. Another organization that may offer the training is the SCORE organization. SCORE is a nationwide small business volunteer mentoring group. On the plus side, it is an affordable option with sometimes monthly or quarterly sessions, with smaller groups that allow for more interactivity. On the minus side, the sessions are more of a summary of the subjects you will encounter in using QuickBooks, so while payroll is covered, it is not covered extensively.
Online Training from Intuit
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Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks offers two programs for those wishing to learn more about QuickBooks. The first is the Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor program, which trains those desiring to handle the QuickBooks for other companies. The program is very extensive, and the individual must pass the certification tests for each section, including the section on payroll.
The second is the Certified QuickBooks User program, which is for those business owners who wish to have a very complete understanding of QuickBooks software for their own businesses. On the plus side, these are intensive and complete studies in each area of the QuickBooks software. On the minus side, the cost is as high as $400 and if you are not good with self-study courses, this is probably not a good alternative for you.
Pro-Advisor On-Site Training
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Find the Intuit Certified Pro-Advisor list for your area from the Small Business reference linke below. The cost is usually reasonable at $75 to $150 per hour or a flat rate per day to for a local expert to perform an on-site payroll training for you and/or your employees. Typically, the Pro-Advisor does not leave until you understand what you need to know to operate your QuickBooks program.
The Choice is Yours
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You should keep in mind how you learn best. If you learn by seeing, you may be able to get by with the tutorials. If you learn by hearing, one of the group sessions by third party or by local Chambers of Commerce or SCORE offices may be best for you. If you learn by doing, you may want to consider one of the Intuit training options online. If you need a little extra help, you may want to consider the Pro-Advisor on-site training option.
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References
- Photo Credit Three office workers image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
