The Professional Bookkeeping program provides learners with comprehensive, practical training in the core responsibilities of modern bookkeepers. Designed to reflect real‑world workplace demands, the course covers the full bookkeeping cycle—from setting up accounting systems and recording transactions to preparing financial statements, budgeting, cost analysis, and fraud detection. Through progressive modules, learners develop the skills needed to manage financial records accurately and support informed business decision‑making.
Module 1: Setting Up an Accounting System
Bookkeeping fundamentals, chart of accounts, debits and credits, double‑entry accounting, journals and ledgers, and cash vs. accrual accounting methods.
Module 2: Recording Accounting Transactions
Business transactions, system management, period‑end procedures, purchases, inventory, cash sales, payroll processing, and payroll taxes.
Module 3: Adjusting and Closing Entries
Depreciation, interest, cash reconciliation, closing journals, trial balances, accuracy checks, and adjusting the books.
Module 4: Preparing Income Statements and Balance Sheets
Accounting standards, profit measurement, income statement preparation, asset and liability accounting, equity, and statement relationships.
Module 5: Reporting on Financial Statements
Asset valuation, cash flow reporting, changes in equity, financial analysis, disclosures, and shareholder reporting.
Module 6: Planning and Budgeting for Business
Business structures, planning basics, budgeting techniques, cash vs. accrual budgeting, and long‑term obligations.
Module 7: Business Decision‑Making with Financial Data
Job costing, activity‑based costing, contribution margins, variance analysis, pricing decisions, and financial formulas.
Module 8: Cash and Purchasing Management
Cost identification, matching principle, inventory cost flow assumptions, incremental and opportunity costs, profit analysis, and value maximization.
Module 9: Auditing and Fraud Detection
Auditing principles, Sarbanes‑Oxley overview, internal controls, fraud prevention, audit risk, evidence collection, and common fraud schemes.
By completing this program, the learner will be able to:
Set up and manage an accounting system using double‑entry bookkeeping principles
Record and manage business transactions, including payroll, inventory, and cash activity
Prepare and adjust financial records through the use of journal entries, ledgers, and trial balances
Produce and analyze income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow information
Apply budgeting, planning, and cost analysis techniques to support business decisions
Recognize internal controls, auditing practices, and methods for detecting financial fraud
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be prepared, in part, to sit for the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper exam.
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.