Accountancy and SME software leader, IRIS Software Group announced the launch of a cloud-based training service, developed to help its users make the most of its products, in bite-sized modules.

The series of 70 courses on IRIS accountancy products is broken into short modules lasting between just two and twelve minutes. Typically, most are five minutes long, enabling business owners to brush up on software features when needed?

Courses cover the basics from preparing limited company accounts, understanding time & fees to practice management. Customers can expect to save a minimum of 22 hours a week by using a handful of the IRIS products.

Research highlights that micro-business owners work an average of 52 hours a week, 63 per cent longer than the average worker^[1]. Couple this with the increasing expectation to undertake continual professional development regardless of industry sector, career level, job role or responsibilities and the time challenges become self-evident. The IRIS Online Training service addresses this by providing customers with 24/7 access with the added benefit that modules count towards CPD accreditation.

According to IRIS Software Group CEO, Phill Robinson, the majority of IRIS customers are small business owners who constantly juggle multiple tasks every day.  Training often falls to the bottom of the pile on the ‘to do’ list with time ‘just running out’ in a 9-5 day.  He says, “A number of customers don’t invest in training and knowledge of the solution erodes over time. IRIS Online Training enables them to maximise the return on investment in IRIS products, when it’s convenient to them.  They can access the platform at any time of the day or night.  This gives them the flexibility to brush up on skills at a convenient time with no additional charge.”

David Hawkins, IT Consultant at Stevens & Willey is planning to use IRIS Online Training for the accountancy professionals in his firm.  He comments, “We’ve been using IRIS for ten years and I see three key areas where this will make a dramatic difference to our business.

“Firstly, this is a perfect way for my colleagues to keep up to date with their Continual Professional Development.  The bite-sized modules allow professionals to digest key information incredibly quickly, without taking a whole day away from the practice for training.  It’s also very useful if a member of staff asks a question about IRIS that can be solved by digesting a short video – not only providing the information they required almost instantly, but reducing my time training colleagues.  Finally, as we have been using the software for many years, we can take advantage of the newer features and evolve our understanding and usage of the software efficiently.  I’m impressed with the approach to IRIS Online Training and envisage many more benefits in the coming months.”

[1] Research by call handling firm Penelope (2013)