Understanding the basic concepts of accounting is essential to success in business. An accountant’s job is to provide information needed to run a business efficiently, while keeping expenses low and increasing profits. Our Accounting for the Non-Accountant course provides an introduction into the field of accounting geared specifically for the beginner. This course covers the basics of financial statements, fiscal analysis, budgeting and much more.
Accounting for the Non-Accountant course content
The Accounting for the Non-Accountant course consists of 4 modules:
Accounting for the Non-Accountant Module 1 Accounting Basics
Module one provides an overview of bookkeeping and various financial statements, such as income or statement of cash flows. It also illustrates how proprietorships, partnerships and corporations operate and use accounting principles differently. Each type of business uses accounting for different purposes. Finally, proper accounting standards and how they are used will be addressed.
- What is Accounting?
- Understanding Financial Statements
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- U.S. Accounting Standards vs. International Standards
- Balance Sheets
Accounting for the Non-Accountant Module 2 Income Statements and Cash Flow
Module two illustrates the importance of understanding income statements, specifically what they are and how businesses use them. Aspects of business revenue, profits, losses and expenses is also covered. You will learn how to prepare a profit and loss statement. By the end of module two, you will also have working knowledge of capital stock, dividends and treasury stock.
- Understanding Income Statements
- Statement of Cash Flow
- Capital Stock
- Cash Dividends and Stock Dividends
- Treasury Stock
Accounting for the Non-Accountant Module 3 Financial Statements and Analysis
Module three will teach you how to analyze and examine financial accounts. You will learn how to conduct business analysis, determine financial risk and understand dividend data. Short term analysis versus long term analysis is discussed, as well as understanding assets and ratios.
- Double-Entry Accounting
- Short Term Analysis
- Assets and Ratios
- Quality of Earnings
- Dividend Data
Accounting for the Non-Accountant Module 4 Budgeting
Module four provides an overview of planning, creating and managing a budget, as well as discussing the differences between sales and capital budgets. Ideas for working with auditors for interpreting financial statements and dealing with audits are provided. Finally, tips for preventing fraud in your business and ethically appropriate practices are given.
- Planning and Controlling a Budget
- Sales and Capital Budget
- Audits and Auditors
- Fraud and Ethics
- Preventing Fraud in an Organization
After completing the Accounting for the Non-Accountant course
After completing the Accounting for the Non-Accountant course, you should be able to:
- Recognize the basic generally accepted principles of accounting
- List how an income statement is illustrated and used in corporations
- Define short-term and long-term analysis of working capital and ratios
- Recognize how to budget efficiently for a business or organization
- Identify fraudulent activities and prevention methods
Course duration
The Accounting for the Non-Accountant course is 24 hours long, taught over 4 weeks.
