University of California, Irvine

What is Financial Accounting?

Andrea Eliassen

Instructor: Andrea Eliassen

17,936 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(460 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(460 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 9 hours
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Introduction to Financial Accounting: The Accounting Cycle Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 4 modules in this course

Welcome to the first module of the course! We will start our introduction to the field of financial accounting by discussing practical applications of accounting information. Additionally we will identify who uses accounting information, address ethical considerations relevant to accounting, and define the three main forms of business ownership.

What's included

2 videos2 readings2 assignments

In this module we are introduced to the accounting equation and the four basic financial statements. We will start by breaking down the components of the accounting equation: assets, liabilities, and equity. We will then take a look at three out of the four basic financial statements: the income statement, the retained earnings statement, and the balance sheet. In this module's activity we will introduce you to the sum function in Excel, which will be used in the remaining activities for this course.

What's included

2 videos1 reading2 assignments

In this module we introduce the first step in the accounting cycle: “Analyze Transactions”. By the end of this module you will be able to analyze and record service business transactions within the fundamental accounting equation. First, we will walk through examples of recording business transitions in the video lesson. Then you will complete an activity to practice recording transactions on your own.

What's included

3 videos2 readings2 assignments

In this module we will analyze and record service business transactions using the debit and credit rules. We will also cover the function of T accounts within the accounting cycle and how to calculate the balances of each account at the end of an accounting period. In this module's activity you will have the opportunity to practice recording transactions in T accounts on your own in Excel.

What's included

3 videos2 readings2 assignments

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (189 ratings)
Andrea Eliassen
University of California, Irvine
3 Courses21,595 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Business Essentials

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 460

4.7

460 reviews

  • 5 stars

    80.77%

  • 4 stars

    14.68%

  • 3 stars

    3.45%

  • 2 stars

    0.86%

  • 1 star

    0.21%

GW
5

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2022

NR
5

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2021

AK
4

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2021

New to Business Essentials? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions