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Robert (Bob) Steele

This comprehensive course covers the fundamental concepts and processes of adjusting entries, posting them to a worksheet, creating financial statements from an adjusted trial balance, and understanding reversing entries.

The adjusting entry process is often misunderstood, as it is commonly assumed to be a means of correcting accounting errors. However, adjusting entries are an integral part of the accounting cycle and are built into the accounting system. They help us recognize revenue and expenses based on accrual concepts and timing differences.

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This comprehensive course covers the fundamental concepts and processes of adjusting entries, posting them to a worksheet, creating financial statements from an adjusted trial balance, and understanding reversing entries.

The adjusting entry process is often misunderstood, as it is commonly assumed to be a means of correcting accounting errors. However, adjusting entries are an integral part of the accounting cycle and are built into the accounting system. They help us recognize revenue and expenses based on accrual concepts and timing differences.

In this course, we will learn to enter adjusting entries as of the end of the accounting period. These entries have both balance sheet and income statement components. Once the adjusting entries are complete, we will use the adjusted trial balance to generate financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity.

To enhance your learning experience, this course provides valuable resources, including downloadable PDF files, Excel practice files, multiple-choice practice questions, short calculation practice questions, and discussion questions. These resources will supplement your understanding and allow for practical application.

Your instructor for this course is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) with extensive technical accounting experience. He has a Master's degree in Taxation and is a certified post-secondary instructor (CPS) with expertise in curriculum development. You will benefit from his practical insights and instructional expertise.

Topics covered in this course include the adjusting process, posting adjusting entries to a worksheet, financial statement creation, and reversing entries. We will explore the components of the worksheet and understand how adjusting entries impact accrual accounting.

By the end of this course, you will be able to effectively navigate the accounting cycle, identify the different categories of adjusting entries, create financial statements from an adjusted trial balance, and understand the relationship between the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity.

Join us on this learning journey as we delve into Financial Accounting, Adjusting Entries & Financial Statements. Get ready for an engaging and educational experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity for continuing professional education (CPE).

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify the components of the accounting cycle and analyze the role of adjusting journal entries within it.
  • Classify and categorize the four main types of adjusting journal entries: prepaid expenses, unearned revenue, accrued expenses, and accrued revenue.
  • Apply the appropriate adjusting journal entries for each type and construct examples to illustrate their impact.
  • Evaluate the distinguishing characteristics of adjusting journal entries and differentiate them from regular journal entries.
  • Organize and manage data effectively using an adjusting journal entries worksheet.
  • Analyze and interpret common adjusting journal entries encountered in financial accounting.
  • Critically assess the purpose and significance of reversing entries and analyze common examples.
  • Construct accurate balance sheets, income statements, and statements of equity based on the adjusted trial balance.
  • Examine the interconnectedness of the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity in financial reporting.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of accrual concepts and their application in the adjusting process.
  • Apply problem-solving skills through multiple-choice practice questions to reinforce comprehension and analytical thinking.
  • Utilize mathematical reasoning to solve short calculation practice questions related to adjusting entries.
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Syllabus

Introduction
Describe the accounting cycle, where adjusting entries fit in, and list the categories of adjusting entries.
2 Accounting Cycle, Types of Adjusting Entries, Cash vs Accrual
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides downloadable PDFs and Excel practice files, which allow learners to apply concepts and build practical skills in financial accounting
Covers adjusting entries, which are an integral part of the accounting cycle and are built into the accounting system for recognizing revenue and expenses
Explores the relationship between the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity, which is essential for understanding financial reporting
Taught by a CPA and CGMA with a Master's degree in Taxation and expertise in curriculum development, which ensures practical insights and instructional expertise
Includes multiple-choice and short calculation practice questions, which reinforce comprehension and analytical thinking skills
Requires learners to download Excel worksheets, which may pose a barrier to learners who do not have access to Microsoft Excel

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Reviews summary

Accounting adjusting entries and financial statements

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in adjusting entries and financial statement preparation. Students praise the instructor's clear explanations and the step-by-step approach, which makes complex topics digestible. The downloadable practice files and quizzes are frequently mentioned as highly valuable resources for hands-on learning and reinforcing concepts. While largely well-received, some students note that the pace may vary depending on their prior accounting background, and a few wished for more advanced examples.
Speed might feel fast or slow for some.
"The course moves at a steady pace, which was great for me, but might be slow if you have significant prior knowledge."
"I found the pace a bit fast when introducing new concepts, but the practice helped."
"Depending on your familiarity with debits and credits, the initial sections might feel rushed or too basic."
Thorough coverage of key accounting cycle steps.
"Covers all the essential types of adjusting entries and how they impact financial statements."
"The logical flow from adjusting entries to worksheets and then financial statements is well-structured."
"Understanding reversing entries was made simple through the examples provided."
Excellent for beginners or refreshers.
"This course is perfect for anyone new to accounting or needing a solid review of these fundamentals."
"It provided me with the strong base I needed to tackle adjusting entries confidently."
"Highly recommend for accounting students covering this material for the first time."
Downloadable files and quizzes aid learning.
"The Excel files and practice questions are incredibly helpful for applying what you learn."
"I really appreciated having the downloadable worksheets to follow along and practice."
"The quizzes at the end of sections helped solidify my understanding before moving on."
Instructor explains complex topics effectively.
"His explanations are clear and concise, making complex adjusting entries easy to understand."
"The instructor has a great way of breaking down the topics into manageable steps."
"I found the teaching style to be very easy to follow, especially on topics I previously struggled with."
Some learners desire more complex scenarios.
"While the basics are covered well, I would have liked to see more complex examples."
"Wish there were more varied practice problems for different industries or situations."
"Could use additional case studies to challenge understanding further."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement with these activities:
Review Accounting Principles
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental accounting principles to better grasp the adjusting entry process.
Show steps
  • Review the basic accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity).
  • Study the definitions of assets, liabilities, and equity.
  • Practice identifying different types of accounts and their classifications.
Review 'Accounting for Dummies' by John A. Tracy
Get a simplified overview of accounting principles to build a stronger foundation for understanding adjusting entries.
Show steps
  • Read the relevant chapters on accounting basics and financial statements.
  • Focus on the explanations of key concepts and terminology.
  • Use the book as a reference for clarifying any confusing topics.
Review 'Financial Accounting' by Jerry Weygandt
Enhance your understanding of financial accounting principles by reviewing a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to adjusting entries and financial statements.
  • Work through the example problems and exercises.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Adjusting Entries Practice
Solidify your understanding of adjusting entries by working through a variety of practice problems.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in accounting textbooks.
  • Work through each problem step-by-step, showing all calculations.
  • Check your answers against the solutions and analyze any errors.
  • Repeat with different types of adjusting entries.
Tutor a classmate
Reinforce your understanding by explaining adjusting entries and financial statements to a classmate who is struggling.
Show steps
  • Offer to help a classmate who is having difficulty with the material.
  • Explain the concepts in your own words, using examples.
  • Answer their questions and provide feedback on their work.
Create a Presentation on Adjusting Entries
Deepen your understanding by creating a presentation that explains the different types of adjusting entries and their impact on financial statements.
Show steps
  • Research the different types of adjusting entries.
  • Create slides explaining each type with examples.
  • Practice presenting the material to a friend or colleague.
Build a Financial Statement Model
Apply your knowledge by building a financial statement model in Excel that incorporates adjusting entries.
Show steps
  • Create a spreadsheet with the basic financial statement structure.
  • Incorporate formulas to calculate key financial statement items.
  • Add adjusting entries to the model and observe their impact.
  • Test the model with different scenarios.

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Senior Accountant
A senior accountant analyzes financial information and prepares financial reports. This course will be useful for a senior accountant because it covers the adjusting process. The course's detailed explanation of the four types of adjusting entries and the construction of financial statements are directly applicable to the tasks a senior accountant performs regularly. This course enhances the senior accountant's ability to manage financial data effectively.
Management Accountant
Management accountants analyze financial information to help organizations make informed business decisions. This course covers the adjusting entry processes to generate financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity. The adjusting entries apply to accrual accounting, which applies directly to the responsibilities of an accountant. The instructor of the course is a certified public accountant.
Staff Accountant
A staff accountant is responsible for preparing journal entries, maintaining balance sheet reconciliations and assisting with monthly closings. This course helps one understand the accounting cycle, adjusting entries, and ultimately, the creation of financial statements from an adjusted trial balance. The course's focus on adjusting entries, including understanding their impact on accrual accounting, is directly relevant to the tasks a staff acccountant performs regularly. This course also helps build a strong foundation for analyzing financial statement relations.
Financial Controller
A financial controller directs the preparation of financial reports, summarizes and forecasts an organization's financial position, and ensures compliance with accounting principles. This course's detailed coverage of adjusting entries, preparation of worksheets, and creation of financial statements provides a solid foundation for a financial controller. The course’s focus on understanding accrual concepts and the interconnectedness of financial statements directly supports the responsibilities of a financial controller. The certified instructors can offer technical accounting experience.
Auditor
Auditors examine and verify financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This course will be helpful for an auditor as it covers the adjusting process and the preparation of financial statements. The course focuses on how adjusting entries impact accrual accounting and the relationship between the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity. It’s structured with practice questions to reinforce analytical skills.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers maintain accurate records of financial transactions. This course will be helpful to a bookkeeper because it provides an understanding of adjusting entries, posting to worksheets, and creating financial statements. The course's detailed exploration of adjusting entries, including prepaid expenses, unearned revenue, accrued expenses, and accrued revenue, directly applies to the responsibilities of a bookkeeper. The downloadable resources, such as Excel practice files, are also beneficial for practical exercises to help a bookkeeper be successful.
Accounting Manager
Accounting managers oversee the accounting operations of an organization, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information. This course may be useful for accounting managers as it covers the adjusting process and the creation of key financial statements. The course's resources, which include downloadable PDFs and Excel practice files, help with understanding and application. An accounting manager will use these skills to lead accounting activities efficiently.
Accounting Clerk
Accounting clerks perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks to support the accounting department. This course may be useful for an accounting clerk as it covers the fundamental concepts of adjusting entries in financial accounting, posting them to a worksheet, and using the adjusted trial balance to generate financial statements. The course's emphasis on understanding the relationship between the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity can support the clerk's roles. This course also dives into the accounting cycle which helps build a more fundamental background in accounting.
Audit Assistant
Audit assistants support auditors in examining and verifying financial records. This course may be useful to an audit assistant as it covers the adjusting process, posting adjusting entries, and the preparation of financial statements. The course's curriculum, which includes multiple choice questions, short calculation practice questions, and discussion questions, helps reinforce comprehension and analytical thinking, crucial for audit work. This course's focus on analyzing and interpreting common adjusting journal entries can help lead to an understanding of accrual concepts.
Budget Analyst
Budget analysts are responsible for helping organizations manage their finances by developing and analyzing budgets. This course is helpful for budget analysts because it covers financial statement creation and understanding accrual concepts—both vital for creating and interpreting budgets. Budget analyst candidates can use the adjusting entry process to better understand the impact of specific transactions on financial statements. The knowledge learned will enable a budget analyst to make more informed decisions.
Tax Preparer
Tax preparers assist individuals and businesses with preparing and filing tax returns. This course can give a tax preparer a solid foundation in financial accounting principles. The course’s discussion of adjusting entries and financial statements can help one understand how financial data is organized and presented, which is valuable for tax preparation. In particular, the statement of equity helps build these core skills. The course’s downloadable resources may also increase knowledge in the field.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in understanding financial statements and the accounting cycle. The course's focus on how adjusting entries impact financial statements can help a financial analyst better understand the underlying financial health of a company. Additionally, the course addresses many topics by providing multiple choice questions.
Business Consultant
Business consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. This course may be useful for a business consultant because understanding financial statements is crucial for assessing a company’s financial health and making strategic recommendations. The course's emphasis on the relationship between the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of equity is particularly relevant for consultants needing a broad understanding of a company's financial position. This course can also dive into what adjusting entries actually are.
Fraud Examiner
Fraud examiners investigate allegations of fraud and misconduct within organizations. It will be useful to a fraud examiner to understand how financial statements are created and how adjusting entries can be manipulated. The course's discussion on the accounting cycle and adjusting entries can help you identify irregularities and potential fraud schemes. Fraud examiner students must learn the proper ways to post financial statements and investigate areas where these statements may have been misrepresented.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants investigate financial irregularities and fraud, often in legal contexts. This course may be helpful for a forensic accountant because it provides a thorough understanding of the accounting cycle, adjusting entries, and the construction of financial statements. The course’s coverage of adjusting entries and their impact on financial reporting can assist in identifying discrepancies and potential fraud. Further, the course has multiple choice questions and short calculation questions that help reinforce comprehension.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Financial Accounting-Adjusting Entries & Financial Statement.
Comprehensive introduction to financial accounting principles and practices. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the adjusting entry process and financial statement preparation. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory accounting courses. This book provides more depth and breadth to the existing course.
Provides a simplified and accessible introduction to accounting concepts. It is particularly helpful for those who are new to accounting or who need a refresher on the basics. It is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. This book is helpful in providing background or prerequisite knowledge.

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