Bookkeeping and Accounting Essentials I

This introductory course is the first course in the Bookkeeping Essentials sequence and provides an overview of the essential skills needed to be a successful bookkeeper. The course is ideal for bookkeepers and accountants who are early in their career or individuals considering a career transition. Students learn the principles of double-entry bookkeeping, the basics of preparing financial statements and how to analyze business transactions from an accounting standpoint. Topics include recording entries in a general ledger, preparing end-of-period worksheets and financial statements, and adjusting and closing entries accounting. Additional topics include accounting for cash; preparing a bank reconciliation; a general overview of payroll accounting; employee earnings and deductions; employer taxes and reporting; using the payroll register and journal entries; accounting for sales, cash receipts, purchases and cash payments; and accounting for merchandise inventory using weighted average, FIFO and LIFO methods.