John Wiley & Sons

Foundations of Accounting: Principles & Statements

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John Wiley & Sons

Foundations of Accounting: Principles & Statements

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Interpret and analyze financial statements including income and balance sheets.

  • Apply accounting principles to safeguard company assets effectively.

  • Understand the roles and structures of various business entities.

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Recently updated!

August 2026

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 8 modules in this course

This module introduces the foundational concepts of accounting, including key terminology, the purpose of financial statements, and the role of accounting in both business and personal finance. Learners will develop financial literacy skills and learn how to interpret basic financial information for informed decision-making.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the three primary financial statements—income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows—detailing their components, purposes, and the standards that guide their preparation. Learners will gain foundational knowledge of how these statements inform business decision-making and the importance of consistency in financial reporting.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

This module explores the essential practices for protecting business assets through effective bookkeeping, robust internal controls, and fraud prevention strategies. Learners will discover the importance of accurate financial reporting, the bookkeeping cycle, and the role of competent personnel in maintaining reliable accounting systems. Practical guidance on designing useful management reports and recognizing common fraud schemes is also provided.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

This module explores how digital technologies are transforming accounting practices, from the adoption of cloud-based software to the management of electronic payments and security risks. Learners will gain insights into modern tools for efficient financial management and strategies for safeguarding assets in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the various legal and accounting structures of business entities, including partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. Learners will examine how ownership, equity, and profit distribution differ among these entities, and how these differences impact financial reporting and tax obligations.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

This module guides learners through the structure and interpretation of income statements, highlighting how profits are measured, reported, and analyzed. You will explore the impact of revenues and expenses on financial position, understand key reporting conventions, and learn to critically assess the accuracy and meaning of reported profits.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the structure and components of the balance sheet, highlighting its role in summarizing a business's financial position. Learners will explore how to interpret key figures, assess asset and liability sizes, and understand the treatment of depreciation and intangible assets. Practical examples and ratios will help you analyze real-world balance sheets with confidence.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

This module guides learners through the structure and interpretation of the statement of cash flows, highlighting how businesses generate and use cash. You will explore the direct method, analyze the impact of inventory and liabilities, and understand the concept of free cash flow. The module also addresses the limitations of cash flow statements and strategies for active financial analysis.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

Instructor

Wiley Skills Network
John Wiley & Sons
175 Courses15,275 learners

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