Accounting Freelancing Essentials With QuickBooks Online, Xero, Excel, PowerPoint (Online)

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the basics of freelancing as an accountant or bookkeeper In the marketplace.
• Gain practical skills in QuickBooks Online, and Xero, using Excel and PowerPoint for accounting and reporting.
• Be able to set up accounts, record transactions, and generate financial reports.
• Learn to present financial data professionally for clients from client data.
• Practice with sample client datasets to gain confidence in handling real-world scenarios and delivering quality results.
• Access additional resources and guidance to expand your services more advanced.

Who Can Join / Target Audience:

• Aspiring freelance accountants and bookkeepers.
• Accounting students and professionals transitioning to freelancing.
• Small business owners looking to manage their accounts.
• Corporate Professionals Exploring Freelance Opportunities.
• Tech-Savvy Professionals Interested in Accounting Software Solutions.

Class 1: Fundamentals of Freelancing and Accounting Basics

Duration: 2 Hours-

Module 1: Introduction to Freelancing and Accounting

1. Overview of freelancing in accounting and bookkeeping.
2. Skills and traits needed for success.
3. Basics of bookkeeping concepts:
   • Chart of Accounts, General Ledger, and Double-entry bookkeeping.
   • The accounting equation and its importance.
4. Key accounting principles:
   • GAAP, Accrual vs. Cash basis accounting.

Module 2: Tools, Platforms, and Market Insights

1. Introduction to QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Excel basics.
2. Overview of freelancing platforms (Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, etc.).
3. Market demand for QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel skills.
4. Setting up a professional profile and portfolio.
5. Pricing strategies and understanding client expectations.

Module 3: Practical Accounting Skills and Responsibilities 

1. Understanding accounts and transactions:
   • Chart of Accounts and account types (assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses).
   • Recording transactions (debits, credits, and the double-entry system).
2. Key responsibilities of freelance accountants and bookkeepers.
3. Introduction to client management and scope of work.

Add-Ons:

• Material: Provide templates and guides that help you understand more deeply.
• Q&A Session: Interactive discussion and queries.

Class 2: Excel & PowerPoint for Accountants

Duration: 2 Hours-

Module 1: Essential Excel Skills for Accountants

1. Overview of Excel Features for Accounting
   • Key Excel functions relevant to accountants.
   • Navigating the Excel interface (tabs, ribbons, and shortcuts).
2. Core Functions and Formulas
   • Basic calculations: SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX.
   • Conditional logic with IF statements.
   • Data lookup with VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP.
   • Multi-criteria calculations: SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, AVERAGEIFS.
3. Data Management Essentials
• Sorting, filtering, and organizing data.
• Creating dropdown lists with data validation.
• Utilizing tables for structured data handling.

Module 2: Advanced Excel Features and Financial Analysis

1. Pivot Tables and Charts
   • Creating Pivot Tables for data analysis.
   • Visualizing financial data with Pivot Charts.
2. Financial Statements in Excel
   • Setting up templates for Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements.
   • Using formulas for dynamic updates across sheets.
3. Budgeting and Forecasting Tools
• Creating budgets and financial projections.
• Exploring Scenario Manager for financial planning.

Module 3: PowerPoint for Accountants and Excel Integration

1. PowerPoint Basics for Financial Presentations
   • Importance of PowerPoint for accounting data.
   • Structuring slides with tables, charts, and graphs.
2. Integrating Excel with PowerPoint
   • Copying, pasting, and formatting Excel data in PowerPoint.
   • Embedding live Excel charts and linking data for real-time updates.
3. Designing Professional Slides
• Applying design principles for clarity and visual appeal.
• Using SmartArt and templates to enhance presentations.

Add-Ons:

• Material: Downloadable templates for Excel financial statements and PowerPoint slides.
• Interactive Practice: Participants create financial slides from Excel data during the session.
• Q&A Session: Address participant queries at the end.

Class 3: QuickBooks Online: Getting Started & Setup

Duration: 2 Hours

Module 1: Introduction to QuickBooks Online 

1. Overview of QuickBooks Online
   • What is QuickBooks Online?
   • Key features and benefits for accountants and small businesses.
   • QuickBooks Online vs. Desktop version.
2. Navigating the Interface
• Understanding the Dashboard and key areas: Home, Banking, Sales, Expenses, Reports, and Taxes.
• Customizing the Dashboard for efficient workflow.

Module 2: Setting Up Your QuickBooks Online Account

1. Company Profile Setup
   • Entering company details: Name, address, EIN, industry, and business type.
   • Customizing business information and preferences.
2. Chart of Accounts Setup
   • Creating and customizing the Chart of Accounts.
   • Setting up accounts for assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.
   • Understanding system vs. custom accounts.
3. Bank Feeds and Integrations
• Connecting bank accounts and credit cards.
• Importing and categorizing transactions automatically.
• Reconciling accounts.

Module 3: Managing Customers, Vendors, and Products

1. Customer and Vendor Setup
   • Adding and managing customer and vendor profiles.
   • Assigning terms and payment preferences.
2. Products and Services
• Adding products and services in QuickBooks.
• Managing inventory and item categories (if applicable).

Module 4: Sales, Expense Tracking, and Practice

1. Tracking Sales and Expenses
   • Setting up and customizing invoices and sales receipts.
   • Setting payment terms and tracking expenses.
2. Hands-On Practice and Q&A
   • Interactive walkthrough: Participants set up a demo company.
   • Address participant questions regarding the setup process.

Class 4: QuickBooks Online: Managing Transactions and Reporting

Duration: 2 Hours

Module 1: Managing Transactions in QuickBooks Online

1. Recording Sales Transactions
   • Creating invoices, estimates, and sales receipts.
   • Managing payments and deposits.
   • Applying customer payments to invoices.
2. Recording Expenses and Bills
   • Recording bills and setting up automatic bill payments.
   • Managing expense categories and tracking vendor payments.
3. Bank Reconciliation
   • Reconciling bank and credit card accounts in QuickBooks.
   • Matching bank transactions with QuickBooks records.

Module 2: Payroll and Tax Compliance in QuickBooks Online 

1. Managing Payroll
   • Setting up payroll for employees and contractors.
   • Running payroll and tracking taxes and deductions.
2. Sales Tax and VAT/GST Setup
   • Setting up sales tax rates, tracking, and reporting.
   • Managing VAT/GST for international clients.
3. Preparing for Tax Filing
• Generating tax reports for filing purposes.

Module 3: Reporting and Financial Analysis in QuickBooks Online 

1. Overview of QuickBooks Online Reports
   • Understanding Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements.
   • Customizing reports to meet specific needs.
2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Dashboards
   • Setting up KPIs and financial dashboards to monitor business performance.
3. Creating and Scheduling Custom Reports
• Building custom reports and automating report generation.

Add-Ons:

• Material: QuickBooks Online templates for financial reports and tax forms.
• Exercise: Set up a demo company and practice recording transactions and generating reports

Class 5: Xero: Getting Started & Setup

Duration: 2 Hours

Module 1: Introduction & Setup 

1. Overview of Xero
   • What is Xero and its benefits for accountants and small businesses?
   • Xero vs. other accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage).
2. Navigating the Xero Dashboard
   • Layout overview and key sections: Dashboard, Accounting, Bank, Sales, Purchases, Reports.
   • Customizing the dashboard for ease of use.
3. Setting Up Xero for Your Business
• Creating a new Xero Organization: Adding business details, tax rates, and country-specific settings.
• Setting up the Chart of Accounts: Organizing asset, liability, income, and expense accounts.
• Connecting bank accounts and credit cards: Importing transactions and categorizing for reconciliation.

Module 2: Managing Contacts, Items & Transactions 

1. Managing Customers and Suppliers
   • Creating customer and vendor profiles, and setting payment terms.
2. Setting Up Inventory and Items
   • Adding products and services, and managing inventory levels.
3. Sales and Purchases Setup
• Customizing invoices, and creating sales invoices and receipts.
• Entering bills, managing accounts payable, and tracking vendor payments.

Module 3: Hands-On Practice & Q&A 

1. Interactive Walkthrough
   • Hands-on setup of a demo company in Xero.
2. Q&A Session
   • Address participant queries regarding setup and account management.

Class 6: Xero: Managing Transactions, Reporting, and Taxation

Duration: 2 Hours

Module 1: Managing Financial Transactions in Xero 

1. Recording Sales and Invoices
   • Creating and sending invoices to customers.
   • Recording payments against invoices and reconciling them.
2. Recording Purchases and Bills
   • Entering bills from suppliers and processing payments.
   • Setting up recurring bills and payments for regular transactions.
3. Bank Reconciliation
• Reconciling bank transactions with Xero.
• Using bank rules to automate the reconciliation process.

Module 2: Payroll and Tax Setup in Xero 

1. Setting Up Payroll in Xero
   • Adding employees and contractors.
   • Configuring pay rates, deductions, and tax settings.
2. Processing Payroll
   • Running payroll and issuing payslips.
   • Tax calculations and filing reports.
3. Sales Tax (VAT/GST) Setup and Filing
• Configuring tax rates for sales and purchases.
• Generating tax reports for VAT/GST filings.
• Filing tax returns directly from Xero (depending on jurisdiction).

Module 3: Xero Reporting and Financial Analysis 

1. Overview of Key Financial Reports
   • Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Report.
   • Customizing reports to meet specific business needs.
2. Creating Custom Reports
   • Building custom reports for client-specific needs.
   • Filtering and grouping data to present financial insights effectively.
3. Budgeting and Forecasting
• Setting up budgets and tracking performance.
• Using reports for financial forecasting and decision-making.

Add-Ons:

• Material: Downloadable Xero templates for invoices, bills, and reports.
• Exercise: Encourage students to set up a demo business and perform transactions throughout the session.

Class 7: Marketplace Signup, Profile Setup, and Portfolio Development for Freelancing

Duration: 2 Hours 

Module 1: Introduction to Freelancing Marketplaces and Signing Up 

1. Overview of Freelance Marketplaces

   • Understanding freelancing platforms and their importance for accountants and bookkeepers.
   • Popular platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, LinkedIn, etc.
   • Setting up a professional profile and portfolio.
   • Choosing the right platform based on niche, fees, and client base.

2. Creating Accounts and Setting Up Profiles

   • Step-by-step guide on signing up for Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn.
   • Tips for optimizing signup for accountants.
   • Verifying identity and email for security.

3. Building a Strong Profile

• Writing compelling bios and summaries that highlight your experience and certifications.
• Selecting relevant skills (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Excel).
• Setting competitive pricing and showcasing expertise.

Module 2: Profile Optimization and Portfolio Development

1. Profile Picture and Description

   • Importance of a professional profile picture and writing a winning description.
   • Tailoring your description for different audiences.

2. Highlighting Skills and Experience

   • Adding relevant skills (QuickBooks, Xero, financial reporting) and certifications.
   • Demonstrating industry experience (e.g., small businesses, e-commerce, real estate).

3. Creating and Organizing Your Portfolio

• How to build a strong portfolio with work samples (financial reports, bookkeeping setups).
• Organizing case studies to showcase your work.
• Tips for uploading portfolio items on freelancing platforms.

Module 3: Strategies for Gaining Clients and Managing Your Freelance Business 

1. Crafting Effective Proposals

   • Writing tailored proposals that address client needs and showcase your value.
   • How do you present your services to stand out?

2. Setting Competitive Rates and Packages

   • Determining rates based on industry standards and experience.
   • Offering various pricing models: hourly rates, fixed projects, and packages.

3. Managing Your Freelance Workflow and Marketing

• Tools for managing projects and time (Trello, Asana).
• Marketing your services through LinkedIn and social media.
• Building a network and leveraging referrals for growth.

Class 8: Practical Assessment & Feedback 

Duration: 2 Hours 

Module 1: Recap and Practical Assessment 

1. Recap of Key Concepts 
   • Freelancing basics for accountants: skills, platforms, tools (QuickBooks, Xero, Excel).
   • Portfolio and proposal creation, client management.
   • Overview of freelancing paths in accounting.
2. Practical Assessment 
• Objective: Evaluate participants' ability to apply key concepts.
• Tasks:
  • Profile Setup: Create a freelance profile on a platform (Fiverr, Upwork, etc.).
  • Portfolio Creation: Upload relevant work samples.
  • Proposal Writing: Write a tailored proposal for an accounting project.
  • Pricing Strategy: Set a competitive pricing structure.
• Support: Instructors are available for guidance and troubleshooting during the assessment.

Module 2: Personalized Feedback & Discussion 

1. Feedback on Assessments 

   • Instructors provide individualized feedback on:
     • Profile, portfolio, proposal, and pricing strategy.
     • Suggestions for improvement.

2. Group Discussion & Q&A 

   • Open floor for questions about freelancing, proposals, profiles, etc.
   • Discuss common freelancing challenges and tips for overcoming them.

Module 3: Next Steps, Goal Setting & Closing 

1. Setting Freelancing Goals 

   • Encourage participants to set short- and long-term goals for their freelance journey.
   • Suggested goals: landing the first client, improving proposals, and networking.

2. Actionable Next Steps 

   • Finalize profiles and portfolios.
   • Start applying for jobs on freelancing platforms.
   • Continue learning through online resources.

3. Certificate Distribution & Closing Remarks 

• Distribute certificates of completion.
• Encourage participants to share achievements on LinkedIn.
• Provide contact details for ongoing support and networking.

Add-Ons and Resources:

• Course Materials: PDF with key materials and additional resources.
• Bonus: Templates for proposals, portfolios, and price guides.
• Post-Course Community: Invitation to join a LinkedIn or Facebook group for networking and support.

By the end of Class, participants will have:

• Completed a practical assessment demonstrating their readiness to start freelancing.
• Received personalized feedback to improve their profile, portfolio, proposals, and pricing strategies.
• Set actionable goals to continue building their freelance career in accounting.

Course Details

Duration: 1.5 Month

Class Frequency: 2 Classes per Week ( Note: 5 Days Gap For Practice After Class 4 & 6, )

Class Length: 2 Hours per Class

Total Classes: 8

Course Fee: BDT 5,000.00 (Discounts are occasionally available.)

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