Online Accounting Training: An Effective Tool for Training Your Team | UtilityEducation.com
Industry & Management

Online Accounting Training: An Effective Tool for Training Your Team in Best Practices

Russ Hissom, CPARuss Hissom, CPA
January 2, 2026
5 min read

Staying up to date on not only accounting standards, but on industry best practices helps to build a strong accounting team. A strong team is a foundation for an organization to make long-term goals and a road-map to get to those goals. Online training can be a tool used to train your team in the latest accounting standards and industry best practices. While you may have a Learning Management System (LMS) to train the bulk of your company, including industry-specific classes can provide great value to your team and organization.

Here are ten reasons to use online industry-specific training as part of learning paths for your electric cooperative or utility accounting staff:

1
Accessibility:Online accounting courses provide flexibility, allowing accounting staff to access training materials at their own pace and convenience, overcoming geographical and scheduling constraints.
2
Cost-Effectiveness:Online courses often offer a more affordable option compared to traditional in-person training, saving on travel, accommodation, and venue expenses.
3
Variety of Topics:Online platforms offer a wide range of accounting courses covering various topics such as financial reporting, FERC and RUS accounting, utility rate design, and software proficiency, catering to different skill levels and interests.
4
Updated Content:Online accounting courses can be frequently updated to reflect changes in accounting standards, regulations, and industry best practices, ensuring relevance and accuracy of information.
5
Interactive Learning:Many online courses incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, case studies, and exercises, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention among participants.
6
Self-Paced Learning:Online courses allow accounting staff to learn at their own pace, accommodating different learning styles and preferences while minimizing disruptions to daily tasks and responsibilities.
7
Industry Experts:Online accounting courses provide access to industry experts. This can jump-start your team's knowledge and allow them to implement practical solutions to complex issues.
8
Certification:Online classes provide continuing education credits for attendees, allowing them to add credits to their licensing requirements — including NASBA-registered CPE for CPAs.
9
Skill Enhancement:Online courses can help accounting staff develop specialized skills in areas such as data analysis, regulatory accounting, or financial modeling, expanding their career opportunities and value to the organization.
10
Continuous Learning Culture:Incorporating online accounting courses into a company's training program fosters a culture of continuous learning and skill development, keeping accounting staff motivated and competitive in the field.

Online Training Will Provide Value to Your Team

Online training can be an option for your team, providing opportunities to learn from experts in the electric industry. The accounting standards and best practices used by your co-op or utility directly impact financial reporting, rates, and long-term planning. Making an investment in training will pay dividends in building your team's experience and value.

Explore Our Courses
UtilityEducation.com Course Library
NASBA-registered CPE  ·  On-demand access
View All Courses →
Stay Current
New articles and course updates — straight to your inbox
You’re subscribed — thank you!

Explore Our Courses
UtilityEducation.com Course Library
Specialized online training for utility and cooperative accounting professionals — NASBA-registered CPE included.
NASBA-registered CPE  ·  On-demand access
View All Courses →
Free Newsletter
Utility accounting insights in your inbox

Practical guidance for utility and cooperative finance professionals — new articles, course updates, and industry insights.

You’re subscribed — thank you!
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Russ Hissom, CPA
Written by
Russ Hissom, CPA
Principal, UtilityEducation.com  ·  35+ Years of Utility Accounting Experience

Russ Hissom is a nationally recognized utility accounting and rate expert with deep hands-on experience in FERC and RUS accounting, regulatory accounting, cost-of-service studies, and rate design for electric utilities and cooperatives across the United States. Learn about consulting services →

Disclaimer: The material in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or accounting advice provided by Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists, LLC. You should seek formal advice on this topic from your accounting or legal advisor.