Bringing new team members into your accounting firm is exciting, but without the right onboarding and training plan, you may find that excitement fading fast as inefficiencies, miscommunication, and frustration take over. A well-structured onboarding process sets the tone for new employees' success and your firm’s long-term growth.
Here’s why creating a consistent, thorough onboarding and training plan is crucial for your accounting firm’s productivity, employee retention, and overall success.
The Benefits of a Consistent Onboarding and Training Plan
Boosts Productivity Early On: An onboarding process that focuses on both firm-specific systems (like TaxDome or QuickBooks) and the unique tasks new hires will perform in their roles helps reduce the time it takes for new team members to reach full productivity. Studies show that effective onboarding can improve new hire productivity by 50%. High turnover can be costly, especially in the accounting world, where client relationships and precision are critical. According to a study by Glassdoor, companies with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70% . When they're given the tools and knowledge they need to succeed from the start, they are more likely to stay long-term.
Builds Confidence and Engagement: Proper onboarding and training instill confidence in new employees by giving them the skills to handle their responsibilities effectively. It also fosters early engagement, making them feel like a valued member of the team. Employees who feel competent and involved are more likely to be satisfied and committed to their roles.
Creates Consistency Across Teams: For accounting firms, consistency is crucial in maintaining accuracy and efficiency. By training every new team member in the same procedures, technology, and client service protocols, your firm can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that every client receives the same high level of service.
Reduces Training Costs: When new employees are effectively onboarded with clear goals, timelines, and access to training resources, they require less supervision and ongoing guidance. This not only saves time for managers and senior staff but also reduces training costs in the long run.
How to Get Started with a Training and Onboarding Plan for your Accounting Admins
Define Key Roles and Responsibilities: Start by outlining the roles and tasks that each new team member will perform. Understanding the firm’s structure and the tools they will need to use, such as TaxDome, QuickBooks, or Excel, helps shape the training modules.
Create a Training Timeline: Spread out training modules over several weeks to avoid overwhelming your new employees. Focus on immediate tools and tasks at first, then progressively dive into more complex software and client service processes.
Provide Clear Resources: Make sure that new employees have access to SOPs, video tutorials, and hands-on practice sessions. [Our upcoming A+ Academy will offer a structured training program designed specifically for admins in accounting firms, covering everything from software proficiency to client management!]
Encourage Feedback and Continuous Learning: Onboarding doesn’t end after the first few weeks. Encourage new hires to ask questions, provide feedback, and seek out additional training as they grow into their roles.
Sneak Peek: A+ Academy for Admins
We understand that not every accounting firm has the time or resources to train their admins in all the necessary systems and skills. That’s why we’re launching the A+ Academy, a comprehensive training solution designed to quickly onboard and equip your administrative staff with the tools they need to succeed. Our program will include in-depth software training, client service best practices, and customizable onboarding plans.
By investing in a strong onboarding and training program now, you’ll save time, reduce turnover, and ensure your new team members are confident, efficient, and ready to contribute to your firm’s success.
Stay tuned for more details on how A+ Academy can help your firm!
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