Fundamentals of Accounting

Accounting is the “language of business.” Being able to understand this language allows individuals both inside and outside of an organization to join the “conversation” about how the organization is performing and how it can improve future performance. Financial accounting focuses on the reports that managers generate to provide interested external parties a summary of the firm’s financial position and operations. Managerial accounting focuses on the information and the analytical tools and techniques that help managers and employees make the right business decisions

• Interpret and analyze financial statements to assess the financial position of the organization
• Identify the nature, purpose, and importance of different types of decision-useful accounting information
• Use analytical tools and techniques to analyze accounting information that informs decisions made by managers, employees, and external parties

• No deep prior experience is required, but basic computer and internet skills are helpful
• Ability to read course instructions in English and complete short practice activities