Sometimes we all need a bit of extra motivation to learn something new or update our skills. You don’t have to ask me twice to learn how to mix a new cocktail or how to update Twitter and Facebook from my mobile. But ask me to learn something a little less exciting and my motivation disappears.
In saying that, learning MYOB is not one of the most riveting things you can do with your time but it certainly comes in handy when you need it the most:If you’re a business owner, attend an MYOB course and you can learn how to do your own BAS (and save the money you pay your accountant).
If you’re an administrator, there are MYOB courses that will give you extra skills which in turn gives you more to offer your boss (and ask for a payrise) or to apply for another job.
And if you’re already a bookkeeper using MYOB, there are always tips and tricks you can pick by doing an Advanced course (you’ll feel instantly smarter!).
So now if you need further reasons, here are the Top 5:
1. Reduce your accounting fees. After doing an MYOB course there are many bookkeeping functions that you could bring in house rather than paying an accountant or external bookkeeper to do them for you. For example, some businesses send their accountant a box full of receipts and then wait for their BAS and financial reports. Imagine what you could save by managing this process yourself! And even if you don’t have a box full of receipts I’m sure there are things your accountant is doing for you that you could be doing yourself - like BAS. The concept behind MYOB is that business owners can “Mind Your Own Business”. The software is easy enough to use that you don’t need advanced accounting knowledge. A basic MYOB course will teach you how to do your own bank reconciliation and run the necessary financial reports to keep a finger on the financial pulse of your business.
2. Learn something you didn’t already know. If you’re a bookkeeper already using MYOB software there is always something you can learn in an MYOB course. I had been using MYOB for 5 years before I discovered the Report Batching function! Shortcuts and hot keys that speed up your day to day processes can be a dream come true.
3. Manage your business financials better than ever before. When businesses outsource their financials, they don’t usually have a picture of how the business is performing until the financial reports are complete. This could be quarterly or even yearly for some. How much more powerful is it if you could run these reports yourself with a few clicks? Would it help you make financial decisions if you knew each month whether your business was operating at a profit or a loss? Absolutely.
4. Upskill. More and more job ads require administrators to have MYOB skills. They’re not asking for a bookkeeper - but a strong administrator who can enter invoices, follow up overdue clients and receipt payments. Take the opportunity now to upskill before the job you want potentially slips through your fingers.
5. Expand your business. Calling all Virtual Assistants! How much more business could you gain by offering basic bookkeeping services to your clients? You don’t need an accounting degree! And what a great way to keep your clients coming back to you rather than looking elsewhere for someone who can do it all.
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