Depending on the reasons behind your need or interest in computerized accounting training, you may not need to research vocational schools, technical colleges, or four year universities. In fact, the manufacturers of most computerized accounting software packages offer some form of training to customers and users. Some of these training courses are free, while others can have substantial fees involved. However, if you are not pursuing a degree in the accounting field, these courses may prove sufficient for your needs. For example, a small business owner need not jump through all the hoops required to get an accounting degree if all they need to do is run their QuickBooks program for their small business.

However, for those seeking a career in bookkeeping or accounting, more advanced computerized accounting training is usually advisable. For these individuals, they need more than just QuickBooks or Peachtree training. They need to understand the complex mathematical and statistical equations and algorithms behind the software's automatic functions. For example, these professionals need to know more than just how to enter a particular transaction into the system. They need to understand the accounting equation and where transactions fit into the grand scheme of financial statements and reports. This understanding allows accounting professionals to find data entry errors, account classification errors, and other troubleshooting they may need to do in the course of preparing reports.

Computerized accounting training encompasses far more than the either/or choices of classes for novices and classes for professionals. In fact, many training courses are intended for either situation. For example, many software manufacturers offer a menu of continuing education and training courses to help provide assistance with all of their customers, no matter their standing or experience. Since many professional organizations and associations require accounting professionals to continuously upgrade and update their knowledge base, these manufacturers will offer advanced training courses that qualify for continuing education credits. At the same time, since most small business owners do not have extensive accounting experience, beginner and intermediate training courses are also available.

In some cases, outside sources of computerized accounting training may be used as credit towards degree completion requirements. In fact, many online colleges and universities will accept these training certificates and awards in place of elective courses to help students complete their degree studies sooner. Therefore, a student wishing to pursue a bachelor degree in an accounting field may be able to use the continuing education courses they have taken from a software manufacturer or through the course of previous employment towards their studies.