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: August 17, 2023

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

14 CoursesProfessional Bookkeeping Certification

  1. Bookkeeping: Terminology and Process Execution
  2. Bookkeeping: Debits And Credits
  3. Bookkeeping: Cash vs. Accrual
  4. Bookkeeping: Payroll And Expenses
  5. Bookkeeping: Legal Entity And Chart Of Accounts
  6. Bookkeeping: Journals, Subsidiary Ledgers and General Ledger
  7. Bookkeeping: Responsibilities
  8. Bookkeeping: Fixed assets and inventory
  9. Bookkeeping: Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable And Receipts
  10. Management Internal Control Essentials
  11. GAAP Principles, Assumptions and Considerations
  12. GAAP Presentation of Financial Statements
  13. Bookkeeping Basics – Case Study Scenario
  14. Useful Bookkeeping Tools
145 Reviews (561 ratings)

Reviews

5
Member's Profile
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.

4
Member's Profile
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.

4
Anonymous Author
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

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

3
Anonymous Author
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.

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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.

5
Member's Profile
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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...

5
Member's Profile
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

5
Anonymous Author
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!

4
Anonymous Author
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

5
Anonymous Author
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.

4
Member's Profile
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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!

3
Member's Profile
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 .

5
Member's Profile
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.

4
Anonymous Author
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.

4
Member's Profile
A good overall review of bookkeeping duties, and a reminder of the separation of bookkeepers versus accountants. A helpful course that provides clear overview.

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is a very good overview of the basics to bookkeeping. I especially appreciated the information distinguishing bookkeeper and accountant duties.

5
Member's Profile
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.

5
Member's Profile
Good review of the basic of bookkeeping, helping to differentiate between the responsibilities of an accountant and a bookkeeper and terminology tips.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
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.

5
Anonymous Author
Appreciated this course! It's more of a review of your earlier accounting classes, but easy to get through and great refresher of knowledge

4
Anonymous Author
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.

5
Member's Profile
Sometimes bookeeping and accountant terms can be used interchangeably. this course course does a good job of defining the two separately.

5
Anonymous Author
Very well done course and easy to follow. It was nice to have access to the vocabulary and the slides. Would recommend to others.

5
Member's Profile
The instructor was very clear and easy to follow. I appreciate that the instructor took the time to clarify various terminology.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative and detailed. The instructor was very clear to understand and not to terminlogy, broke it down to lamens terms.

5
Anonymous Author
Overall a good course for beginner accountants. I would recommend to someone who is getting into accounting for the first time.

5
Member's Profile
I liked that the accounting principles were explained in a simple and detailed manner. Easy to follow, Interesting material.

4
Member's Profile
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.

5
Member's Profile
The explanations for how each document (ATB, Journal, GL) is used in the bookkeeping and accounting processes was helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent refresher on bookkeeping terminology and process execution, and differences between accounting and bookkeeping.

5
Anonymous Author
Great review course especially for training new bookkeepers on the job and teaching terminology and basics of accounting.

4
Member's Profile
Provides a comparison between Accounting and bookkeeping, good presentation of what each financial statement represents.

4
Member's Profile
If course was in book form would be excellent but overall relevant information was provided in an understandable manner

5
Anonymous Author
I liked the examples and overview of the basic functions of bookkeeping and how it's different from accountant's role.

5
Anonymous Author
The instructor and slides are very clear on each concept, and the examples provided are helpful for me to understand.

4
Anonymous Author
It was good and goes through all of the information, I just wish it had more visual learning instead of mostly vocal.

5
Anonymous Author
I liked that it was formatted in a way which doesnt overwhelm the user at first. It was educational and a good start.

5
Anonymous Author
For someone with no background in accounting who is starting their own business, this was a very useful introduction

4
Member's Profile
Good review course for terminology and concepts. Will use to help people on team grow. Test questions make sense.

5
Member's Profile
Excellent narration of slides, instructor did a good job of using examples to further explain terms and concepts.

5
Member's Profile
Great review of all the forgotten detailed definitions. Very helpful and presented in easy to understand format.

5
Anonymous Author
This was good, have been doing accounting for awhile and learned something. very basic, but sometimes that's good

4
Member's Profile
The terminology list was comprehensive. It would be helpful for those new to the topic, or needing a refresher.

4
Member's Profile
Bookkeeping: Terminology and Process Execution - get ready for an emotional roller coaster hold onto your chair.

5
Anonymous Author
This is an awesome course on bookkeeping. It contains many useful information, presented in a very clear manner

5
Member's Profile
Very well explained and good examples. The definitions are also very helpful in understanding the differences

5
Member's Profile
Very easy to follow. The instructor is very knowledgeable. The pdf version of the content is a great asset.

5
Anonymous Author
Good introductory course that covers the basics. Instructor made the concepts and terms easy to understand.

5
Member's Profile
VERY INFORMATIVE COURSE, EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND GREAT MATERIAL TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH AND KEEP FOR REFERENCE

3
Anonymous Author
Good course explaining bookkeeping terminology and process execution. Always good to refer to the basics.

5
Anonymous Author
great and easy to understand. would have been super useful when I was just entering the accounting field.

5
Member's Profile
A good overview of bookkeeping terminology and process execution. There were good insights discussed.

5
Member's Profile
The course helped me to understand basic terminologies and has developed my language skills in Business

5
Member's Profile
This was a great first course. The information was presented in a good format and easy to understand

4
Member's Profile
more explanation/examples for some of the terms like Book value, Direct Cost, Amortization Expense...

5
Anonymous Author
Great breakdown of bookkeeping concepts! It covers all the basics in a succinct and effective manner.

5
Anonymous Author
good discussion of the fundamentals of the bookkeeping vs. accounting processes. much appreciated.

5
Member's Profile
Good introduction to basic bookkeeping terminology and processes. Examples are clear and concise.

5
Anonymous Author
Really helped breaking each part of the financial statements down with definitions. Great course!

4
Anonymous Author
Good introduction to theory. More practical examples would be useful as well as best practices.

4
Anonymous Author
Very helpful. A little slow. Maybe more graphics would be helpful. Terminology very helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
Very good review of bookkeeping and the differences between both bookkeeping and accounting.

5
Anonymous Author
This is a good orientation of the financial statements and the main duties of a bookkeeper.

5
Member's Profile
This course was clear, concise, and helpful to begin learning about Bookkeeping principles.

5
Anonymous Author
The teacher gave a very good explanation about each accounting term and about the process.

5
Anonymous Author
Great! Easy to follow and very informative, Highly recommend for an overview of the basics

5
Member's Profile
Very good slides and glossary. Excellent practice exam. I really enjoy this instructor

4
Anonymous Author
Nice course to help dilineate bookkeepers role vs. accountant and everything in between.

5
Member's Profile
Course was excellent. The syllabus was extensive and languages were very well delivered

5
Member's Profile
Great tips for beginning bookkeepers and accountants alike. Overview of topic spot on.

5
Anonymous Author
Really good, Instructor gives great examples of the Balance sheet and Income Statement.

5
Anonymous Author
Good if you are just learning about book keeping and accounting. Slides easy to read.

5
Anonymous Author
It was a great refresher course and was helpful for a few things that I did not know.

5
Member's Profile
Great review. Was very pleased with the instructor. Covers the basics of bookkeeping.

5
Member's Profile
very informative and also well paced. pdf notes were also helpful and easy to follow

5
Anonymous Author
Nice recap of the bookkeeping function. Simple and sweet. Thanks for the materials.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative and concise. The speaker was great. The information was relevant

4
Member's Profile
Reasonably well-planned orientation for the topic. Easy to understand and follow.

5
Anonymous Author
The course had a great overview of Bookkeeping Terminology and Process Execution.

5
Member's Profile
pretty unique offering - i would highly recommend for an annual cpe requirement

5
Anonymous Author
Very good overview of bookkeeping and the basics of keeping books for a company.

5
Member's Profile
Great introduction into the course. Nice set of basics to get the ball rolling.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is a good summary of Bookkeeping: Terminology and Process Execution.

5
Anonymous Author
Its nice to see the powerpoint notes explained a little further by the teacher

4
Member's Profile
Very good basic review of the terminology. Great reference and starting point.

5
Anonymous Author
I appreciate an oversite of terminology and basics before beginning a course.

5
Anonymous Author
Nicely done and outlined supporting materials and relevant review questions.

4
Member's Profile
This is a very basic course. Good for beginning bookkeepers or accountants.

5
Member's Profile
Very simple and straight-forward refresher course on accounting vernacular.

5
Member's Profile
Good review course on bookkeeping. Good instructor, easy to pay attention.

4
Member's Profile
We have to teach our clients, this was so basic that they could understand

5
Member's Profile
this was a great introduction into bookeeping and the role of said title

5
Anonymous Author
Very good practical, basic course! I appreciate the format and content.

4
Anonymous Author
good basics and shows the differences between bookkeeping and accounting

5
Member's Profile
Nice course. Content was clear and laid out well. I like this creator.

4
Anonymous Author
Excellent intro for beginning bookkeepers or refresher for accountants.

5
Member's Profile
Good Bookeeping tips, space filler space fillerspace fillerspace filler

4
Member's Profile
Good overview of concepts and items that go into main financial reports

3
Member's Profile
Was very good and understandable. Video and information was very clear

4
Anonymous Author
Nice and clear introduction yo bookkeeping and accounting terminology.

5
Member's Profile
Very helpful material which is easy to follow and refresh my memories

5
Anonymous Author
I appreciated how the terms were broke down to be easily understood.

4
Anonymous Author
I thought the content was good, but the speaker is very monotone.

5
Anonymous Author
Thanks Lynn, I am quite satisfied with the info. You are the best.

5
Member's Profile
This a very good course, I learned the meaning of several terms.

4
Anonymous Author
I think it is a very good overview of basic concepts/vocabulary

5
Anonymous Author
Great course with wonderful examples and detailed explanations

4
Member's Profile
Good presentation which is easily understandable for students.

5
Member's Profile
fantastic course in my humble opinion. such a good presenter.

4
Anonymous Author
I would like to see more visual elements on some explanations

4
Member's Profile
This course was concise and helpful to introduce bookkeeping

5
Anonymous Author
Great introduction to bookkeeping. I would highly recommend.

5
Member's Profile
Excellent course for entry level accounting professionals.

4
Member's Profile
Great just would have like more detail and visual examples

5
Member's Profile
helpful and practical guidance for the topic area, useful

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview summary of the topics and refresher course.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course to review the fundamentals of bookkeeping.

5
Member's Profile
this is a very informative course with great examples.

4
Anonymous Author
I liked the terminology definitions it was very helpful

5
Anonymous Author
Great fundamental overview of the bookkeeping process.

5
Member's Profile
This was well organized and explained the basics well.

5
Member's Profile
Great course, highly recommend watching. learned alot

5
Member's Profile
Good overview, helpful tips. The slides were helpful.

5
Member's Profile
slides really helped in learning these tips and terms

5
Anonymous Author
that i am finding it intresting and learning from it

5
Member's Profile
This was a good review of basic bookeeping concepts

5
Member's Profile
My favorite teaching on illumeo, great course! Fun!

5
Member's Profile
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 .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to The Basics of Bookkeeping – Terminology and Processes3:51
  Basics15:21
  Types of Transactions7:44
  Terminology (Part 1)7:56
  Terminology (Part 2)10:12
  Terminology (Part 3)10:23
  Income Statement Terminology12:29
  Bookkeeping Tips3:32
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  The Basics of Bookkeeping – Terminology and Processes 1:11:28
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: The Basics of Bookkeeping – Terminology and ProcessesPDF
  The Basics of Bookkeeping – Terminology and Processes Glossary/IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam