Become an Accountant: Video Series

Accounting basics include two major ideas, cash versus accrual accounting and double entry accounting. Learn how each method works and is recorded in accounting ledgers with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

There are four basic accounting principles which include historical cost, realization, matching and full disclosure. Discover how each principle works in the field of accounting, like how historical cost is recording items at what they are paid for, with insight from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Converting cash to accrual is an accounting method that records items based on when they were bought, not when they should be realized. Find out how to use accrual accounting to keep tabs on company expenses with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

An accounting balance sheet has three parts to it: assets, liabilities and equity. Learn the basic balance sheet accounting formula of assets equal liabilities plus equity with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

A trial balance in accounting is listing all debits on one side of a sheet, credits on the other side, with both being equal at the bottom. Learn how each entry is posted on a trial balance, like how cash is considered a debit, with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Becoming an accountant typically involves getting a degree but starts with taking a basic accounting course. Select the level of accounting education by choosing the right courses with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

The definition of an income statement in accounting is something that summarizes revenues earned and expenses incurred over a period of time. Discover the difference between a balance sheet and income statement with insight from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

In accounting, positive cash flow is defined as the money left over from the difference of what cash comes in and goes back out for expenses. Understand positive cash flow and how it benefits businesses with ideas from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Becoming an accountant typically involves obtaining a degree, whether it be two-year or four-year, from an accredited higher learning institution. Discover the many different educational options available for accountants with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Becoming a certified public accountant depends on each state's minimum educational and experience requirements. Find out what each state requires from accountants by checking out the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Web site with insight from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Finding CPA educational requirements is as easy as going to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Web site. Obtain requirements for certified public accountants by clicking on the state of interest from the Web site with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Passing the CPA exam requires first signing up to take the test, taking an accounting review course and studying diligently. Successfully take all four elements of the certified public accountants exam with helpful hints from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

In accounting, debits are explained as what is on the left side of a general ledger, with credits on the right side. Understand the accounting principles that define debits and credits with advice from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Every accounting transaction will always require recording a credit and a debit. Make accounting easier by using software designed to take care of simple equations with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

A certified public accounting license is required to be able to sign financial documents like tax returns and audited financial statements. See how a CPA license will help with career upward mobility and lead to fancy business cards with ideas from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

The benefits of being an accountant include being able to find work in one of the largest growing fields of work and its many specialized fields. Learn how accounting is important for many different areas of life, even art, with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Reconciling a bank statement is the accounting activity of comparing what an individual has in their bank account versus what that bank states is in the same account. Find out why bank reconciliation is important for avoiding fees and overdraft charges with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Private accounting is typically done for large public companies or can be done by individuals who work for themselves. Discover how public accountants, who perform audits, are different from private accountants with insight from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Ethics are important in accounting to maintain the level of trust with companies and independence to perform necessary auditing functions. Understand how the accountants ethics are regulated by the AICPA with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Reasons to study accounting include the many career and growth opportunities the field offers and increased regulation to prevent unethical behavior. Start a good, honest career in accounting, and learn about the many different areas of specialization with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Accounting is important to report financial information about world markets, the economy and the state of businesses around the globe. Find out more about the advice accountants can give and its importance with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

A general ledger in accounting is a listing of all financial statements that shows postings of all debits and credits. Learn about how sub-ledgers are used on general ledgers to record invoices and cash payments with hints from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.

Microsoft Excel allows individuals and companies the ability to reconcile debit and credit transactions with spreadsheets. Use Excel spreadsheets to keep track of finances with tips from a certified public account in this free video on accounting.