Digital Tools for Accounting Professionals

Course Objectives

• Understand the role of digital tools in modern accounting practices.
• Navigate and utilize Sage software for core accounting functions.
• Manage financial transactions, invoicing, and payroll using digital platforms.
• Generate accurate financial reports and statements efficiently.
• Apply automation to streamline routine accounting tasks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations.
• Improve accuracy and productivity through effective use of accounting technology.

Schedule

Module 1: Introduction to Digital Tools in Accounting

• Overview of digital transformation in accounting
• Benefits of adopting technology in accounting workflows
• Introduction to key digital tools used by accounting professionals

Module 2: In-depth Sage Accounting Software Training

• Setting up a commercial company in Sage
• Management of stocks, clients, and suppliers
• Payroll processing and salary calculations
• Handling supply, payment, delivery, and debt collection operations
• Month-end closing processes: recording income, expenses, and accounting notes
• Understanding and using the general chart of accounts
• Generating financial statements and reports in Sage

Module 3: Free Cloud Accounting Solutions

• Overview of user-friendly free tools like Wave and ZipBooks
• Managing invoices, expenses, and cash flow
• Basic report generation and financial monitoring

Module 4: Spreadsheet Tools for Accounting Efficiency

• Advanced Excel and Google Sheets skills for data management
• Essential formulas, pivot tables, and templates for bookkeeping
• Data validation and error checking techniques

Module 5: Document and Workflow Management

• Secure document storage and sharing with Google Drive and OneDrive
• Collaborating on financial documents in real-time
• Introduction to digital signatures and compliance considerations

Module 6: Expense and Budget Management Tools

• Utilizing free apps such as Mint and Expensify
• Tracking business expenses and budgeting basics
• Integrating expense data with accounting software

Module 7: Financial Reporting and Data Visualization

• Basics of Power BI and Google Data Studio for accountants
• Creating dashboards and visual reports for financial insights
• Automating reports and sharing with stakeholders

Module 8: Capstone Project – Integrated Accounting Management

• Selection of a realistic or simulated commercial company scenario
• Complete company setup in Sage: registering clients, suppliers, inventory, and employees
• Recording key operations: purchases, sales, payments, receipts, and payroll processing
• Performing month-end closing: revenue and expense entries and preparing financial statements
• Using complementary free tools for expense tracking, reporting, and secure document storage
• Preparing and presenting a final report integrating data and analyses from all utilized tools
• Reflecting on the project experience and practical lessons learned