Advanced Training in Accounting and Taxation: DATEV and Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK)

Advanced training in Accounting and Taxation: DATEV and Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK)

First: DATEV – the core accounting tool in Germany
What is DATEV?
DATEV is a well-known, officially recognized accounting software used by over 90% of accounting and tax offices in Germany to manage:

• Financial accounting (FiBu)

• Payroll (Lohnabrechnung)

• Tax returns (Steuererklärung)

• Balance sheet data and annual reports

What does a DATEV training program include?

• Introduction to DATEV

• Digital document processing

• Payroll (Lohn & Gehalt)

• Accounting for tax offices (Kanzlei-Rechnungswesen)

• DATEV Unternehmen online

Where are courses available?

• Directly via the DATEV Academy

• Training providers such as: IHK, WBS, Haufe Akademie, DEKRA Akademie

Duration: 2–8 weeks
Training language: German

Second: Certified Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK)
What is it?
This is the highest non-university accounting qualification in Germany. It is officially recognized and can lead to roles such as:

• Head of Finance

• Chief Accountant

• Preparing balance sheets and annual financial statements (Bilanz)

Awarding body:

• Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

• Equivalent to DQR Level 6 (roughly bachelor level)

Admission requirements:

• Accounting Ausbildung + practical experience (2–3 years)

• or a Fachwirt/Betriebswirt qualification

• in some cases, professional experience alone may be sufficient

What will you study?

• Annual financial statements under HGB (German Commercial Code)

• Tax law (Steuerrecht)

• Cost and performance accounting

• Corporate planning and controlling

• Financing & investment

• Law & corporate management

Program duration:
Usually 12 to 18 months (part-time) with an official final exam by IHK

Costs:
Around €2,500 – €5,000 (funding may be available)

Third: Funding and financial support

• Aufstiegs-BAföG: for Bilanzbuchhalter studies – up to 75% of costs

• Bildungsgutschein (employment agency): for unemployed or at risk – 100% of costs + monthly support

• Tax deductibility: for employed people – deductible in the annual tax return

Fourth: Career opportunities after the training

• Accounting firms and tax offices (Steuerkanzlei)

• Medium and large companies (finance departments)

• Self-employment in accounting

• Can support a later path toward tax advisor qualifications

Summary

• Master practical accounting tools → DATEV training (FiBu + payroll)

• Move into senior accounting roles → Bilanzbuchhalter (IHK)

• Improve reporting skills → Annual statements & controlling training

• Specialize in tax law → Tax-law-focused training

---

ـ* The website’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and by reviewing multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or certain information may be unconfirmed. Please treat the information as initial guidance and always consult the relevant authorities for verified information.