A curriculum for a beginner's bookkeeping class should guide
students from foundational accounting principles through the
full accounting
cycle and the creation of financial
statements, incorporating both manual methods and
modern accounting
software.
The following outline can be adapted for a course of study:
Unit 1: Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
This unit introduces fundamental concepts and terminology.
Module 1: What is Bookkeeping/Accounting?
Defining the purpose of accounting and the role of a
bookkeeper.
Overview of different business entities (sole proprietors,
partnerships, corporations).
Introduction to the fundamental accounting equation: Assets
= Liabilities + Owner's Equity.
Module 2: Key Principles and Terminology
Understanding Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
and ethics.
Cash basis vs. accrual basis accounting.
Key terms: Revenue, Expenses, Chart
of Accounts, Debits, and Credits.
Module 3: The Three Golden Rules & Transaction Analysis
The rules of debit/credit: debit the receiver, credit the
giver; debit what comes in, credit what goes out; debit all
expenses/losses, credit all incomes/gains.
Analyzing basic business transactions to determine their
effect on the accounting equation.
Unit 2: The Accounting Cycle
This unit covers the core, step-by-step process of recording
financial data.
Module 4: Recording Transactions (Journalizing)
Introduction to formal record-keeping.
Using a general journal to record daily transactions
chronologically.
Understanding source documents (invoices, receipts) and
their importance.
Module 5: Posting to the Ledger
Posting journal entries to the general ledger (T-accounts).
Calculating account balances.
Module 6: The Trial Balance and Adjustments
Preparing an unadjusted trial balance to ensure debits equal
credits.
Introduction to adjusting entries (e.g., depreciation,
prepaid expenses, unearned revenue).
Module 7: Financial Statements & Closing the Books
Preparing the primary financial statements: Income
Statement, Balance
Sheet,
and Cash
Flow Statement.
Identifying permanent and temporary accounts.
The process of closing entries to prepare for a new
accounting period.
Unit 3: Practical Applications and Software
This unit prepares students for real-world bookkeeping tasks,
often involving technology.
Module 8: Accounting for Specific Items
Cash and banking transactions, including reconciliations.