Course Description
This certificate program equips learners with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to understand and navigate the core principles of accounting and finance. It covers essential areas like:
- Accounting Fundamentals: Understanding the basic accounting equation, double-entry bookkeeping system, and the preparation of financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement).
- Financial Accounting Principles: Exploring generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and their application in recording and reporting financial transactions.
- Management Accounting: Learning how accounting information is used for internal decision-making, budgeting, and performance analysis.
- Financial Analysis: Developing skills to interpret financial statements and assess the financial health of organizations.
- Introduction to Finance: Gaining a basic understanding of core financial concepts like time value of money, risk and return, and capital budgeting.
Course Justification
A strong foundation in accounting and finance is valuable for various career paths, from bookkeeping and accounting clerk positions to business ownership and financial management roles. This certificate program provides learners with the essential knowledge to effectively manage personal finances, understand financial data, and contribute to the financial well-being of organizations.
Course Objectives
The program aims to:
- (i) Introduce learners to the fundamental principles and practices of accounting.
- (ii) Equip learners with the skills to record and report financial transactions accurately.
- (iii) Develop an understanding of how accounting information is used for internal business management.
- (iv) Provide learners with the skills to analyze financial statements and assess organizational performance.
- (v) Introduce core financial concepts for a foundational understanding of financial decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners should be able to:
- (i) Explain the basic accounting equation and apply it to practical scenarios.
- (ii) Utilize the double-entry bookkeeping system to record financial transactions.
- (iii) Prepare basic financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- (iv) Analyze financial statements to assess profitability, liquidity, and solvency of organizations.
- (v) Demonstrate a basic understanding of financial concepts like time value of money and risk-return trade-off.