A Comprehensive Guide to QuickBooks Classes in Chicago
QuickBooks has become an essential software tool for many businesses, and enrolling in a class or bootcamp to learn it can significantly boost financial management skills. This guide will delve into what students can expect to learn from QuickBooks classes in Chicago, the schools offering these courses, the most effective courses, their costs, benefits, job opportunities available, and whether these classes provide good value for the investment.
What Will Someone Learn in QuickBooks Classes?
Participants in QuickBooks courses can expect to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the software, encompassing its core functionalities and applications. The training includes foundational accounting principles and practical applications, ensuring learners can utilize QuickBooks efficiently in a business setting.
- Understanding the QuickBooks interface, including setup and navigation.
- Creating and managing lists, such as customers, vendors, and products.
- Recording financial transactions, including sales, purchases, and expenses.
- Generating financial reports, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
- Managing accounts payable and receivable, including invoice creation and payment tracking.
- Setting up bank accounts and reconciling bank statements.
- Learning payroll basics, including employee setup and payroll processing.
- Utilizing additional features like inventory management and job costing.
QuickBooks Bootcamp
- Live & Hands-on
- In NYC or Online
- Learn From Experts
- Free Retake
- Small Class Sizes
- 1-on-1 Bonus Training
Named a Top Bootcamp by Forbes, Fortune & Time Out
Which Schools Offer Training in QuickBooks?
Several educational institutions in Chicago provide QuickBooks courses tailored to both beginners and advanced users. These schools foster an environment of practical learning, often enhancing the overall educational experience.
- Noble Desktop: Known for its comprehensive curriculum, Noble Desktop offers both live online and in-person courses covering essential QuickBooks skills, including a bootcamp format conducive to rapid learning.
- NYC Career Centers: This institution offers accessible courses, including a QuickBooks bootcamp that combines theory with practical exercises, making it suitable for those new to accounting software.
- NYIM Training: NYIM provides industry-focused training with a QuickBooks bootcamp that emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare students for real-world applications.
- Computer Training Source: Known for its face-to-face classes, this school offers various QuickBooks courses, from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring that attendees can pick the level that best fits their knowledge base.
- Certstaffix Training: Offers live online training and emphasizes understanding of QuickBooks essentials through structured coursework and detailed instruction designed for beginner to advanced users.
The 5 Best QuickBooks Courses in Chicago
When considering QuickBooks education, it is crucial to identify specific courses that best fit students' needs, skills, and career goals. The following courses are highly regarded in Chicago.
- QuickBooks Bootcamp (Noble Desktop): This intensive 12-hour course provides a thorough grounding in QuickBooks, focusing on practical applications. Beneficial for beginners, it covers essential principles and advanced topics such as payroll.
- Introduction to Financial Accounting (NYC Career Centers): Aimed at complete novices, this course teaches foundational accounting concepts that serve as a solid base for understanding QuickBooks functionality. It focuses on real-world financial analysis of public companies.
- QuickBooks Desktop Part I (Computer Training Source): This one-day course is geared towards beginners, emphasizing navigating the software and handling basic transactions. It sets a firm foundation for tracking business finances effectively.
- QuickBooks Online Basic (Certstaffix Training): This course introduces students to navigating and operating QuickBooks Online, focusing on hands-on applications of key features. It is an affordable option for those looking to get started.
- QuickBooks Online Advanced (ONLC): For those seeking more knowledge, this advanced course covers intricate features of QuickBooks Online, including budgeting and reporting essentials. It equips users with skills to handle complex accounting tasks.
How Much Do Classes Cost and What Impacts Cost Variability?
The cost of QuickBooks classes in Chicago can vary significantly depending on the institution, course length, and level of expertise offered. Various factors such as location and the specific training model (in-person vs. online) also contribute to cost differences.
- Basic QuickBooks courses typically range from $299 to $499 for a one-day class.
- Bootcamp courses, which provide more extensive training, usually cost between $499 and $790, depending on the school and curriculum depth.
- Advanced classes may reach up to $695 for multi-day courses that delve into in-depth functionalities.
- For example, Noble Desktop offers a QuickBooks Bootcamp at $499, featuring a free retake option within a year, which adds extra value for learners.
- Computer Training Source's QuickBooks Desktop Part I class is priced at $425, making it a competitive option for foundational learning.
- Consideration of amenities, instructor experience, and additional learning resources can also impact course pricing.
What Are the Benefits of Taking QuickBooks Classes?
Investing in QuickBooks classes can yield considerable benefits that extend beyond mere software knowledge, influencing professional growth and job readiness. Here are some of the key advantages of enrolling in these classes.
- Increased Job Opportunities: Knowledge of QuickBooks is highly sought after, opening doors to various roles in bookkeeping and accounting.
- Improved Financial Acumen: Learning QuickBooks fosters a deeper comprehension of business financials, enabling better decision-making and management.
- Practical Skills Application: These courses emphasize hands-on learning, ensuring learners can apply their skills directly in the workplace.
- Flexible Learning Options: Many schools offer multiple formats (live, online, bootcamps) catering to different learning preferences and schedules.
- Networking Opportunities: Enrolling in courses allows interaction with professionals and instructors, creating potential networking avenues for future careers.
What Are the Jobs, Industries, and Salaries Available with QuickBooks Skills?
Proficiency in QuickBooks opens up a range of career paths in various industries, reflecting the software's widespread usage among small to medium-sized businesses. Individuals can expect a competitive salary and job stability in these fields.
- Bookkeeper: Generally earning around $50,000 per year, bookkeepers manage day-to-day financial transactions and are vital to maintaining accurate records.
- Accountant: With salaries averaging $68,000 annually, accountants prepare financial statements and ensure compliance with regulations, typically requiring more advanced education and training.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): CPAs can command salaries averaging $87,000 per year, as they have earned certification to handle specialized accounting tasks.
- Financial Analyst: Earning around $72,000 annually, financial analysts leverage data to guide corporate financial decisions and strategies.
Are the Courses Worth It? Does the Cost Justify the Gains?
Ultimately, the value of QuickBooks courses can be assessed by weighing their costs against the potential career gains and skills learned. Many courses provide practical training that directly impacts job readiness.
- The investment in QuickBooks classes is often outweighed by the potential salary increase and job opportunities available to certified learners.
- Courses like those offered by Noble Desktop and NYIM Training provide a thorough education and ongoing support resources, enhancing the value of the financial outlay.
- While some may view course fees as high, the return on investment is substantial, especially in a job market that highly values accounting and bookkeeping skills.
- Gaining proficiency in QuickBooks often translates to improved job security and the possibility of promotions within financial management roles.
- As companies increasingly rely on QuickBooks for their financial management, demand for trained professionals continues to grow, further justifying the expense.
- Before enrolling, individuals should assess their career ambitions and the specific applicability of QuickBooks skills in their desired job market.