Fundamentals of Accounting

A short first course in accounting, which Alison estimates at 1.5 to 3 hours. It introduces the two main financial statements — the profit and loss account and the balance sheet — and shows how each is built up. Along the way it explains everyday accounting vocabulary such as matching and disclosure, works through principles including prepaid and accrued expenses and the closing and posting of entries, and demonstrates how a general journal and ledger are kept.

The course is self-paced, presented in online modules that include video with an assessment at the end, rated Beginner Level, CPD-accredited and available in English and Spanish. Alison's own FAQ on the page states that the course, like all its courses, costs nothing to take, and that learners pay only if they want a digital or physical copy of the certificate. That optional certificate is the only paid element; a free Learner Record can be downloaded on completion instead.