This 4-day course on Bookkeeping Fundamentals is designed for program managers, administrative and finance staff, and small business operators.

Participants receive live instruction in Bookkeeping Fundamentals, along with practical demonstrations, and ongoing support from an experienced instructor throughout the program.

Practical Training

Additionally, participants complete hands-on exercises and practical projects that reinforce each topic covered throughout the course.

As a result, participants will develop the knowledge and practical skills to record transactions accurately and finish the bookkeeping cycle.

Whether you are beginning a new career, expanding your responsibilities, or refreshing your existing skills, this course provides a solid foundation in Bookkeeping Fundamentals.

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

A bookkeeper records an organization’s day-to-day financial transactions and ensures records stay accurate.

Bookkeeping Fundamentals guide how staff manage invoices, reconcile bank accounts, and monitor cash flow.

The role includes processing payroll and monitoring money moving into and out of a program, Band office, or business.

Core Responsibilities
  • Record daily financial transactions, including sales, purchases, receipts, and payments.
  • Reconcile bank statements with accounting records to identify and correct discrepancies.
  • Prepare and manage customer invoices and supplier payments.
  • Process payroll and maintain payroll records.
  • Maintain organized financial files and supporting documentation.
Bookkeeper vs. Accountant

Although both professions work with financial information, their roles are different.

Bookkeepers focus on recording, organizing, and maintaining accurate financial records on a daily basis.

Accountants use those records to prepare financial statements, analyze financial performance, develop financial strategies, prepare budgets, and complete tax reporting.

Why Take This Course?

Bookkeeping skills are essential for managing program finances or operating a successful small business. This course provides the practical knowledge needed to:

  • Accurately record financial transactions.
  • Understand the complete bookkeeping cycle.
  • Improve cash flow management.
  • Produce reliable financial information for decision-making.
  • Build confidence in maintaining financial records.
Course Description

This course covers the complete bookkeeping cycle and provides participants with the skills required to perform essential bookkeeping functions for Programs, Band offices, non-profit organizations, and small businesses.

If you are new to bookkeeping, this course will provide a strong foundation and help you develop the confidence to perform bookkeeping tasks accurately. If you already have bookkeeping experience, the course serves as an excellent refresher while reinforcing best practices and strengthening your understanding of the complete accounting cycle.

Course Topics

Throughout the four-day program, participants will learn:

  • Introduction to Bookkeeping

What bookkeeping is and why it is important.

  • Bookkeeper vs. Accountant

Understanding the different roles and responsibilities.

  • Roles and Responsibilities of a Bookkeeper

Daily duties, ethical responsibilities, and record management.

  • Types of Business Structures

Sole proprietorship’s, partnerships, corporations, and other organizational structures.

  • Accounting Periods

Calendar year, fiscal year, and interim reporting periods.

  • Double-Entry Accounting System

Understanding debits, credits, and the accounting equation.

  • Chart of Accounts

Account classifications and account types.

  • Accounting Methods

Cash basis and accrual basis accounting.

  • General Ledger

Recording and organizing financial information.

  • Subsidiary Ledgers

Managing detailed supporting records.

  • Accounting Journals

Recording business transactions accurately.

  • Trial Balance

Preparing and verifying account balances.

  • Financial Statements

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Statement of Cash Flows

  • The Complete Accounting Cycle

Following transactions from source documents through financial reporting.

  • File Maintenance

Best practices for organizing, storing, and maintaining financial documentation.

  • Bookkeeping Procedures

Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual bookkeeping checklists and routines.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of a bookkeeper.
  • Record financial transactions accurately using the double-entry accounting system.
  • Maintain journals, ledgers, and subsidiary records.
  • Prepare trial balances and basic financial statements.
  • Complete the full bookkeeping cycle.
  • Organize financial records using accepted bookkeeping practices.
  • Apply bookkeeping procedures to programs, Band offices, non-profit organizations, and small businesses with confidence.