Introduction to Accounting

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the balance sheet, the profit and loss account and the accounting structure.
• Use the general chart of accounts and determine accounting entries.
• Record day-to-day transactions. Navigate accounting documents.
• Carry out basic accounting checks.

The Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Account

Introduction – Understanding the logic behind the balance sheet

• The concept of balance: uses versus resources
• From the company’s assets to their accounting representation: assets and liabilities: Definition and classification.
• Structure of the balance sheet: Fixed assets, current assets, equity, provisions, liabilities.
• Practical exercises: A simplified guide to reading a balance sheet, identifying the different sections.

The profit and loss account: a reflection of business activity

• Concepts of accounting period, expenses and income: Understanding the basic concepts.
• Distinguishing between different types of expenses: operating, financial and exceptional expenses.
• The concepts of depreciation, impairment and changes in stock: Definitions and significance.
• The relationship between the balance sheet and the profit and loss account: A simplified practical exercise to understand the interrelationships.

Using the chart of accounts

• Structure and organisation of the general chart of accounts (GCA): Overview and use.
• The difference between balance sheet accounts and management accounts: Identification and classification.
• Positioning of accounts on the balance sheet and in the profit and loss account: Methodology.
• Practical exercises in accounting allocation: Allocating accounting transactions based on simple documents.

Accounting coding and allocation research

• Rules for accounting coding: Principles and application.
• Methodology for determining the accounting treatment of day-to-day transactions: Techniques and tools.
• Practical group exercises: Group marking and discussion.

Recording Transactions and Accounting Organisation

Recording day-to-day journal entries

• The debit/credit principle: Understanding the mechanism.
• Recording procedure: From supporting document to accounting entry.
• Practical examples: Main types of entries (purchases, sales, payments).
• Individual practical exercises: Recording day-to-day transactions.

Navigating the accounting structure

• The accounting document workflow: Filing and archiving.
• Journal entries and posting to the general ledger: Process and significance.
• Function and use of the trial balance: Verification and analysis.
• Subsidiary ledgers: Accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Exercise in identifying and reading journal entries: Journal, general ledger and trial balance.

Understanding and identifying common accounting entries

• Recording purchase, sales and cash invoices
• Quick and simplified balance checking: Understanding how they are constructed.
• Guided practical exercise: Recording purchase, sales and cash invoices.

Conclusion and assessment of learning outcomes

• Certification of prior learning

• All audiences

This course is aimed at directors of micro-enterprises and SMEs, business founders or buyers, operational managers, department heads, sales representatives or account managers, as well as any employee wishing to learn the basics of financial analysis.

It is also suitable for professionals who are not finance specialists but wish to better understand and interpret a company’s key financial documents (balance sheet, profit and loss account, key indicators).

It is primarily aimed at companies with fewer than 50 employees operating in sectors covered by AKTO. Funding is also available for companies with more than 50 employees. Please contact us.

• Technical prerequisites:

Beginners in accounting or administrative staff wishing to learn the basics of accounting.

Between 4 and 8 trainees

• Fully classroom-based training

• Personalised course
• Group lessons

• Resource centre
• Room equipped with networked computer workstations
• Unmarked room with video projector

Positioning upstream of training entry.

Interviews, remediation with the educational referent and/or company referent during training.

Taking account of beneficiary satisfaction during and at the end of training.

Possibility of post-training support.

For beneficiaries with disabilities: possible adaptation of training and certification arrangements, support by the TH referent.

Education Nationale certified teachers, Bac +3 trainers with significant experience in adult training, professional speakers.

Trainers experienced in individualising learning.

In-course evaluations (ICE)

By the end of this course, participants will be able to understand the fundamental principles of accounting, identify the main accounting documents and carry out their first bookkeeping entries. This will enable them to keep better track of the accounting side of their business and communicate more effectively with accounting professionals.

Access for people with disabilities

Education Nationale certified teachers, Bac +3 trainers with significant experience in adult education, professional lecturers.

1st training session, we have no Quality indicators.