Basic Bookkeeping
Dive into the world of accountancy and bookkeeping with our e-learning module. We'll explain the role of a bookkeeper, key terms, managing invoices, and offer some helpful tips.
Overview
This course has been developed for people who are interested in getting to grips with the basics of accounting – that is keeping financial records, or “the books”, in order for a business or any organisation with financial activities. Getting comfortable with bookkeeping is a handy skill if you are running your own business or getting involved with helping manage the finances of a charity. Bookkeeping can be a fulltime job in its own right and is also a first step on the ladder to becoming an accountant. Accounting can seem quite intimidating at first. There appear to be lots of rules and unusual terms. Fortunately your first steps as a bookkeeper are usually limited to handling the record keeping that the more experienced, qualified accountants can use.
More detail
Course syllabus
Module 1: Basic Bookkeeping
- Course Introduction
This unit provides an overview of the course structure and explains how the following units cover the key elements of bookkeeping.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
We begin the course with an introduction to the world of accountancy and discuss the role of the bookkeeper. This unit also provides an overview of potential career progression and the different options for training in this field.
- Bookkeeping Concepts and Terms
In this unit, we explore the basic principles and terminology that underpin accountancy. By the end of this section, you’ll have a solid understanding of fundamental bookkeeping concepts, helping you navigate the rest of the course with confidence.
- Managing Invoices and Bills
Here, we focus on one of the main duties of a bookkeeper: entering receipts, recording bills to be paid, and generating invoices for payment. The unit concludes with a demonstration of how to perform these tasks using a common accounting software package.
- Handling Other Items
This unit covers everyday bookkeeping tasks such as managing petty cash, recording expenses, and tracking payments accurately and efficiently.
- Key Business Reports
As we near the end of this introduction to bookkeeping, we review the four key business reports that bookkeepers are often required to produce, explaining their importance and how to interpret them.
- Tricks and Tips
To help you in your bookkeeping career, we provide a collection of practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid. The unit also includes advice on performing effective month-end checks and maintaining accurate records.
Obtaining your certificate
You will need to pass a multiple-choice exam at the end of the course in order to gain your accreditation. Once passed, we will send your official certificate by email.