2 CPE This course is focused on providing the learner with a foundation of knowledge to prepare for the many job responsibilities that will come the way of a typical bookkeeper. As the bookkeeping profession continues to expand and evolve, bookkeepers are often the accounting “go-to” people for companies of all sizes.
Whether you are a business owner or want to develop the skill of bookkeeping to begin a career, there are critical accounting and bookkeeping concepts that are important to learn. This course, developed by a CPA who has both small and large business accounting experience and background, will provide a solid foundation.
NOTE: This course is one of a series of courses developed for the Professional Bookkeeping Certification program on Illumeo. The full curriculum of courses will provide you with the ultimate foundation to a career as a bookkeeper.
Note: Information within this course comes from readily available public domain documents and is utilized by the trainer as a supplement for relaying the course content.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the basics of bookkeeping and identify types of transactions.
- Explore the comparison of bookkeeping to accounting
- Explore critical terminology including components of the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement
- Explore bookkeeping tips
Last updated/reviewed: March 14, 2024
Included In Certifications
This course is included in the following Certification Programs:
14 CoursesProfessional Bookkeeping Certification
- Bookkeeping: Terminology and Process Execution
- Bookkeeping: Debits And Credits
- Bookkeeping: Cash vs. Accrual
- Bookkeeping: Payroll And Expenses
- Bookkeeping: Legal Entity And Chart Of Accounts
- Bookkeeping: Journals, Subsidiary Ledgers and General Ledger
- Bookkeeping: Responsibilities
- Bookkeeping: Fixed assets and inventory
- Bookkeeping: Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable And Receipts
- Management Internal Control Essentials
- GAAP Principles, Assumptions and Considerations
- GAAP Presentation of Financial Statements
- Bookkeeping Basics – Case Study Scenario
- Useful Bookkeeping Tools
152 Reviews (590 ratings)
Reviews
Anya Bright
(Accountant at University Co-Op)
Great detailed overview of the bookkeeping process. Strong yet brief explanation of the basics. Terminology was clearly defined, no confusion. I liked having an option to view the course in parts or as a whole, very convenient. Having all the terms in PDF form under separate tab was very convenient as well. Overall a very helpful course. Didn't really like having a set minimum characters review, I understand the point but it was a bit surprising.
Mark Eastman
(Accountant at Self)
This was a very good introduction to the bookkeeping function and an overview into basic financial statements/trial balance and monthly close processes. I would recommend adding some information about reconciliations between key source documents such as bank statements or credit card statements to their associated G/L accounts as this is a common and important bookkeeping function.
Anonymous
(Executive Assistant)
The courses are well taught. I did however need some more information, communication is pretty responsive. I prefer live help during my learning courses but overall it's an online course that is helpful and informative.
I do enjoy that you can download the manuals after and keep them for future use.
You can study on your own time which is a great plus and super helpful
Dan Bader
(Bookkeeper at Dan Bader Services)
I liked how thorough the material is. I have a college degree in business and accounting but have been away for many years and my skills and knowledge need refreshing. Was surprised at the amount of material covered and all the material was relevant and accurate. Even with my previous educational background, I felt challenged and excited to move on to the next course.
Anonymous
(Sr. Treasury Analyst)
This course was a good overall introduction to accounting terminology and financial statements. It laid the foundation for more detailed discussion and information. This is a good first step for someone interested in learning more about accounting terminology and understanding a simplistic view of financial statements.
Anonymous
(CPA)
I learned from this course the basic knowledge about bookkeeping and the relevant terminologies. It also provides a review of financial statement such as trial balance, income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow, etc. It is a wonderful starting point to learn further details about bookkeeping and accounting.
Anonymous
(Manager)
I don't think a review is necessary at this time.
This is new for me so I don't have much input.
I don't like that my review must be long enough to complete the course.
I don't have much else to say, I am just waiting for the text box to be green so that I can complete the course.
Spencer Guerin
(Student Worker at Apple Guerin Company LLC)
Great course. There was a lot of terminology, but I think I am starting to understand it. What surprised me the most was that bookkeeping is very important in business. I think anyone who would want to learn about bookkeeping would get the most from the course.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Foundational learnings regarding the bookkeeping process. Those pursuing a bookkeeping position or those interested in organizational management, separation of duties and roles and responsibilities within an organization may benefit from this course.
Anonymous
(Anonymous)
The course was very informative and the instructor did a great job explaining terms. I found the explanation of the income statement and balance sheet to be very good. The cash flow was also well explained with operating, investing and financing.
Eliane Costa
(office manager at Family life chiropractic)
I like the ability to rewind and listen over when needed. Very informative and easy to understand explanation. Love the idea of PDF available to print before starting so I can add my own notes. Looking forward for the rest of the course.
Lauren Doiron
(Accounting Assistant at Asakura Robinson, LLC)
I liked the slides when Lynn was present as it was easier to absorb the information. Beginner bookkeepers would get the most from this course after having a basic understanding (and some experience in the field) of accounting basics.
Anonymous
(Associate Accountant)
Good course if you want an overview of the duties of bookkeeping versus accounting duties. Outlines balance sheets and income statements so that it is easy to understand. The notes correlate well with the material in the lecture.
Leticia Annett
(President at Letty’s Cuba, LLC)
Very detailed, simple to understand for anyone with basic experience. The instructor is clear and the speech ar a great balanced speed. Enjoyed very much and looking forward to deeper learning in next classes. Thank you.
Letty
Anonymous
(-)
Very clear, enjoyable course. Basic accounting terminology, but with an emphasis on the role of the bookkeeper and how it is distinct from the accountant. This is part of a larger course that you might consider enrolling in.
Anonymous
(Bookkeeper)
Very informative course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and Lynn does a great job going over materials. I will say that I don't love the test questions as sometimes they are rather vague and multiple of the answers could be correct.
Yann Moreau
(Owner at 3GSP srl)
As a business owner this introductory course was very efficient in term of learning the different terminology... I am now more confident when I am talking to my customers or partner tu use the correct vocabulary...
Lawrence Hirsch
(Controller at Builders design)
Once again Lynn has taken me through another wonderful recap of basic bookkeeping policy, procedure and process. The case studies are current and tips are valuable. Thank you once again Lynn. You Rock.
Larry
Anonymous
()
Excellent content. This course really did a good job at getting to the meat and potatoes of the content. The content, context, and multiple modes of representation they provide is highly effective and enjoyable!
Anonymous
(Sr. Director of Cost Management and Comp..)
Good overview for a beginner to the world of accounting and bookkeeping, or refresher for both. Good explanation of financial statements and key terms and in-depth review of ledger and trial balance terms
Anonymous
(Assistant Bookkeeper)
The supporting material, helped and guided into understanding of the different terminology for bookkeeping and accounting world. Instructor was easy to understand and broke down the information well.
Allie Bouffard
(CEO at Bouffard's Business Advisory, Inc)
I liked that it was a quick overview of terminology to set a foundation. It was said in a way that makes sense. I liked that there were examples given that were simple enough to get the basic idea.
Anonymous
(Senior Accounting & Reporting An..)
Very informative and included the right amount of detail. Lynn keeps the courses up-beat so I feel more engaged. It was interesting to learn some of the more detailed aspects of bookkeeping.
Anonymous
(Partner)
This was a solid refresher. Our firm has decided to start offering bookkeeping services and this class helped to determine how I want to have my staff trained and several topics to teach them.
Anonymous
()
As an experienced accountant, it was a great refresher and helped me to better understand the general responsibilities of the bookkeeper. I will be taking the other courses in this series.
Anonymous
()
Good information presented clearly and concisely. The speaker's voice isn't the greatest with clarity, but the information was clearly outlined in the slideshow so that was really helpful.
Alicia Almanza
(Financial Coach at Almanza Financial Coaching Services)
I liked the way the instructor broke down the terms learned and the examples utilized. Those who are serious about learning bookkeeping or accounting would be best suited for this course.
Anonymous
()
I am happy with the structure of the course along with the provision of course materials! The course was detailed, but not overly complicated to digest. I would recommend this course!
Robert Nelson
(VP, Accounting at Routeware, Inc.)
This was a really good intro to bookeeping class. It taught basic conecpts around the general ledger and trial balance as well as the types of activities that bookeepers perform .
Mangesh Jadhav
(GL Specalist at Duff & Phelps)
It was best learning by examples and pictures. It helps to understand the course very quickly. It will be help full for every one who want to learn booking & accounting.
Anonymous
(AP specialist)
for me who is very new to the professional accounting world these terms and explanations did wonders. Extremally recommended to take this course. It's good course.
Jennifer Rodriguez
( at Root Organization)
A good overall review of bookkeeping duties, and a reminder of the separation of bookkeepers versus accountants. A helpful course that provides clear overview.
Anonymous
(Operations Manager)
Overall a good general review on the basics of bookkeeping. Sometimes went a little fast from topic to topic, but obviously able to pause and rewind as needed.
Anonymous
(Accounting Student)
This course is a very good overview of the basics to bookkeeping. I especially appreciated the information distinguishing bookkeeper and accountant duties.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
I thought this course was very interesting and helpful. I thought the instructor explained the topic very well. I would recommend this course to others.
Daniel De La Cruz
(Accounting Specialist at Improve YourTomorrow)
I already had a level of understanding from prior work experience, however it was great to have a deeper level of understanding for certain terminology.
Christopher Chomic
(Director of Finance at Advanced Plumbing Technologies)
Good review of the basic of bookkeeping, helping to differentiate between the responsibilities of an accountant and a bookkeeper and terminology tips.
Anonymous
(Administrative Assistant)
Great as a review. New to the field, I liked that I could review sections many times at my own pace. I used the continuous play feature as a review.
Anonymous
(CPA)
This course was informative. I like that it was short, and I really like to option to read the PDF document as an alternative to watching the videos.
Anonymous
(Project Management Administrator)
I personally don't mind terminology and definitions, so this course was pretty easy and enjoyable for me. I also found the exam was fairly easy.
Sean Flynn
(Accounting Manager at Rosemawr Management)
Good course on what a bookkeeper is and how they differ from an accountant, what the basic financial statements are and what they are used for.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Appreciated this course! It's more of a review of your earlier accounting classes, but easy to get through and great refresher of knowledge
Anonymous
(Case Manager worker)
It is a great refresher for me. I like the way the course is taught especially by providing all the documentation that the instructor said.
Mahira Sheikh
(Accounting Manager at DLC Group)
Sometimes bookeeping and accountant terms can be used interchangeably. this course course does a good job of defining the two separately.
Anonymous
(Bookkeeping Manager)
Very well done course and easy to follow. It was nice to have access to the vocabulary and the slides. Would recommend to others.
Yemisi Akintola-Harrison
(Accountant at Google)
The instructor was very clear and easy to follow. I appreciate that the instructor took the time to clarify various terminology.
Anonymous
(Office Manager)
Very informative and detailed. The instructor was very clear to understand and not to terminlogy, broke it down to lamens terms.
Anonymous
()
Overall a good course for beginner accountants. I would recommend to someone who is getting into accounting for the first time.
Shamina Lavingia
(Accountant at Shamina lavingia)
I liked that the accounting principles were explained in a simple and detailed manner. Easy to follow, Interesting material.
Kathy Graybeal
(Kathy A Graybeal at Kathy A Graybeal)
I cant seem to navigate this program. I would like to see lesson 1, 2, 3 etc. I need lessons that tell me where to start.
Shavonne Wagner
(Mom at Mom)
The explanations for how each document (ATB, Journal, GL) is used in the bookkeeping and accounting processes was helpful.
Anonymous
(CPA)
Excellent refresher on bookkeeping terminology and process execution, and differences between accounting and bookkeeping.
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
Great review course especially for training new bookkeepers on the job and teaching terminology and basics of accounting.
Mary Oconnor
( at Scribcor Global Lease Administration)
Provides a comparison between Accounting and bookkeeping, good presentation of what each financial statement represents.
Karen Brumfield
(Owner at Brumfield Tax Services)
If course was in book form would be excellent but overall relevant information was provided in an understandable manner
Anonymous
(Sr. Accounting Manager)
I liked the examples and overview of the basic functions of bookkeeping and how it's different from accountant's role.
Anonymous
(Revenue Accountant)
The instructor and slides are very clear on each concept, and the examples provided are helpful for me to understand.
Anonymous
(Owner)
It was good and goes through all of the information, I just wish it had more visual learning instead of mostly vocal.
Anonymous
(caretaker)
I liked that it was formatted in a way which doesnt overwhelm the user at first. It was educational and a good start.
Anonymous
(Part Owner)
For someone with no background in accounting who is starting their own business, this was a very useful introduction
Jack Brown
(Consultant at JB Consulting LLC)
Good review course for terminology and concepts. Will use to help people on team grow. Test questions make sense.
Elena Davis
(Office Manager at TKO Contractors LLC)
Excellent narration of slides, instructor did a good job of using examples to further explain terms and concepts.
Jennifer Hubbard
( at Scribcor Global Lease Administration)
Great review of all the forgotten detailed definitions. Very helpful and presented in easy to understand format.
Anonymous
()
This was good, have been doing accounting for awhile and learned something. very basic, but sometimes that's good
Cynthia Hernandez
( at none)
The terminology list was comprehensive. It would be helpful for those new to the topic, or needing a refresher.
Sean Searley
( at Sean Searley)
Bookkeeping: Terminology and Process Execution - get ready for an emotional roller coaster hold onto your chair.
Anonymous
()
This is an awesome course on bookkeeping. It contains many useful information, presented in a very clear manner
Denise Cutrone
( at Denise Cutrone Advisors)
Very well explained and good examples. The definitions are also very helpful in understanding the differences
Julie Ventura
(Supervisor at Tapestry)
Very easy to follow. The instructor is very knowledgeable. The pdf version of the content is a great asset.
Anonymous
()
Good introductory course that covers the basics. Instructor made the concepts and terms easy to understand.
ANGELA NUNEZ
(NOTARY PUBLIC/NSA/PUBLIC TAG AGENT at SWEETLAKE TITLE COMPANY, LLC)
VERY INFORMATIVE COURSE, EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND GREAT MATERIAL TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH AND KEEP FOR REFERENCE
Anonymous
(GL Manager)
Good course explaining bookkeeping terminology and process execution. Always good to refer to the basics.
Anonymous
()
great and easy to understand. would have been super useful when I was just entering the accounting field.
Corey Masters
(Accountant, Internal Auditor, Risk Speci.. at Self)
A good overview of bookkeeping terminology and process execution. There were good insights discussed.
Alpha Kakay
(Accounting at Five Guys Enterprise)
The course helped me to understand basic terminologies and has developed my language skills in Business
Bonita Morlang
(Owner at Integrity Mobile Notary Servi)
This was a great first course. The information was presented in a good format and easy to understand
Julia Weidler
(n/a at n/a)
more explanation/examples for some of the terms like Book value, Direct Cost, Amortization Expense...
Anonymous
()
Great breakdown of bookkeeping concepts! It covers all the basics in a succinct and effective manner.
Anonymous
()
good discussion of the fundamentals of the bookkeeping vs. accounting processes. much appreciated.
Austin Dix-Garcia
(Bookkeeper at A)
Good introduction to basic bookkeeping terminology and processes. Examples are clear and concise.
Anonymous
(N/A)
Really helped breaking each part of the financial statements down with definitions. Great course!
Anonymous
(Finance Director)
Good introduction to theory. More practical examples would be useful as well as best practices.
Anonymous
(Legal Services Clerk)
Very helpful. A little slow. Maybe more graphics would be helpful. Terminology very helpful.
Anonymous
()
Very good review of bookkeeping and the differences between both bookkeeping and accounting.
Anonymous
(Consultant)
This is a good orientation of the financial statements and the main duties of a bookkeeper.
Melissa Drumeller
(Customer Relations at Responsible House)
This course was clear, concise, and helpful to begin learning about Bookkeeping principles.
Anonymous
(Accountant/Bookkeeper)
The teacher gave a very good explanation about each accounting term and about the process.
Anonymous
()
Great! Easy to follow and very informative, Highly recommend for an overview of the basics
Roanna Alahakkone
(accountant at ABC)
Very good slides and glossary. Excellent practice exam. I really enjoy this instructor
Anonymous
(SVP Corp Compliance & Accounting)
Nice course to help dilineate bookkeepers role vs. accountant and everything in between.
Raymond Olufemi Mason
( at cavu business advisors)
Course was excellent. The syllabus was extensive and languages were very well delivered
Bettie McCarthy
(Consultant at Bridgepoint Consulting)
Great tips for beginning bookkeepers and accountants alike. Overview of topic spot on.
Anonymous
(Accounts Payable)
Really good, Instructor gives great examples of the Balance sheet and Income Statement.
Anonymous
(Director Finance)
Good if you are just learning about book keeping and accounting. Slides easy to read.
Anonymous
(Unemployed)
It was a great refresher course and was helpful for a few things that I did not know.
Lilian Valcarcel
(Assurance Specialist at Anglo American PLC)
Great review. Was very pleased with the instructor. Covers the basics of bookkeeping.
Alayna Morales
(Associate at ATP Bookkeeping Services)
very informative and also well paced. pdf notes were also helpful and easy to follow
Anonymous
()
Great overview. Can't waitt to start the rest of the courses to get my certificate!
Anonymous
(Finance Consultant)
Nice recap of the bookkeeping function. Simple and sweet. Thanks for the materials.
Anonymous
(ACCOUNTANT)
Very informative and concise. The speaker was great. The information was relevant
Muhammad Baig
(Managing Director at N/A)
Reasonably well-planned orientation for the topic. Easy to understand and follow.
Anonymous
(Accounting Technician)
The course had a great overview of Bookkeeping Terminology and Process Execution.
Kendall Houk
(Chief Financial Officer at Famous Smoke Shop)
pretty unique offering - i would highly recommend for an annual cpe requirement
Anonymous
(Senior Accounting Business Partner Coord..)
Very good overview of bookkeeping and the basics of keeping books for a company.
Doug Bassette
( at Total Wine and More)
Great introduction into the course. Nice set of basics to get the ball
rolling.
Anonymous
(Managing Director)
This course is a good summary of Bookkeeping: Terminology and Process Execution.
Anonymous
(Default reporting Analyst)
Its nice to see the powerpoint notes explained a little further by the teacher
Melissa Olofson
(Administration at Reno City Center)
Very good basic review of the terminology. Great reference and starting point.
Anonymous
()
it was not boring at all and a good review. the instructor gave practical tips
Anonymous
(Controller)
I appreciate an oversite of terminology and basics before beginning a course.
Anonymous
(Manager)
Nicely done and outlined supporting materials and relevant review questions.
Mark Eason
( at BVUA)
This is a very basic course. Good for beginning bookkeepers or accountants.
Kirk Valencia
(Business Administrator at Denver Church of Christ)
Very simple and straight-forward refresher course on accounting vernacular.
Roxane Wells
(Senior Manager at Stevenson Smith CPA's LLC)
Good review course on bookkeeping. Good instructor, easy to pay attention.
Bob Phipps
( at R.W. Phipps, PA)
We have to teach our clients, this was so basic that they could understand
Nicholas Pierce
( at self)
this was a great introduction into bookeeping and the role of said title
Anonymous
(CPA)
Very good practical, basic course! I appreciate the format and content.
Anonymous
(Director)
good basics and shows the differences between bookkeeping and accounting
David Fisher
(Associate at YPTC)
Nice course. Content was clear and laid out well. I like this creator.
Anonymous
(Senior Director Internal Audit)
Excellent intro for beginning bookkeepers or refresher for accountants.
Sean Lee
(Accountant at PureFacts Financial Solutions Inc.)
Good Bookeeping tips, space filler space fillerspace fillerspace filler
David Martinson
(Senior Accountant at Self)
Good overview of concepts and items that go into main financial reports
Vivian Apache
(Accounts at Grants-Cibola County Schools)
Was very good and understandable. Video and information was very clear
Anonymous
(Owner)
Nice and clear introduction yo bookkeeping and accounting terminology.
John Kim
(Accountant at Pepsico, Inc.)
Very helpful material which is easy to follow and refresh my memories
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
I appreciated how the terms were broke down to be easily understood.
Anonymous
()
I thought the content was good, but the speaker is very monotone.
Anonymous
()
Thanks Lynn, I am quite satisfied with the info. You are the best.
Stephanie Murphy
(Clerical Supervisor 2 at City of Philadelphia Government)
This a very good course, I learned the meaning of several terms.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
I think it is a very good overview of basic concepts/vocabulary
Anonymous
(-)
Great course with wonderful examples and detailed explanations
Syed Kazmi
(Controller at Encompass Capital Advisors LLC)
Good presentation which is easily understandable for students.
Matthew Sloan
( at DB USA)
fantastic course in my humble opinion. such a good presenter.
Anonymous
(EA)
I would like to see more visual elements on some explanations
Eliza Kolak
(Parish Manager at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church)
This course was concise and helpful to introduce bookkeeping
Anonymous
(CFO)
Great introduction to bookkeeping. I would highly recommend.
Steven Whitehead
( at Neighborhood Health Plan)
Excellent course for entry level accounting professionals.
Lauren Donovan
(Staff Accountant at Seven Bridges Genomics Inc)
Great just would have like more detail and visual examples
Alice Jeanna Yu
(title at bank)
helpful and practical guidance for the topic area, useful
Anonymous
(Analyst)
Good overview summary of the topics and refresher course.
Anonymous
(Assistant Controller)
Great course to review the fundamentals of bookkeeping.
Alicia Watson
(Executive administrator at Ice sculpture inc.)
this is a very informative course with great examples.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
I liked the terminology definitions it was very helpful
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
Great fundamental overview of the bookkeeping process.
Laura Reames
(Owner at Reames CPA Services)
This was well organized and explained the basics well.
Alyssa Borenstein
(n/a at Casper)
Great course, highly recommend watching. learned alot
Renae Pryjmak
( at Rocket Lab)
Good overview, helpful tips. The slides were helpful.
Stephanie Sheafer
(Owner at Sheafer fitness)
slides really helped in learning these tips and terms
Anonymous
(clerical)
that i am finding it intresting and learning from it
Gary Katz
(CPA at Gary K Katz CPA)
This was a good review of basic bookeeping concepts
Erik Hanner
(Consultant at DLC Group)
My favorite teaching on illumeo, great course! Fun!
Babette Grothe
(Office Manager at Aircraft Turbine Works)
So far this is very helpful. A lot of information.
Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Education Provider Information
Company:
Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA
95113
Contact:
For more information regarding this course, including complaint and
cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to
.
Lynn FountainCPA, CGMA, CRMA, MBA, cPIA, Consultant, Author, Trainer
About Illumeo
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- Phone: 408-400-3993
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