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Bookkeeping Foundations and General Ledger Management Specialization

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Coursera

Bookkeeping Foundations and General Ledger Management Specialization

Build Complete Bookkeeping & Ledger Expertise. Develop professional bookkeeping skills from double-entry basics to financial ratio analysis.

Hurix Digital
John Whitworth

Instructors: Hurix Digital

Included with Coursera Plus

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Execute complete bookkeeping cycles from transaction recording through financial statement preparation using QuickBooks and spreadsheets.

  • Apply GAAP principles, detect fraud through reconciliation, ensure compliance, and maintain audit-ready digital records.

  • Process payroll accurately, perform month-end closes efficiently, and analyze financial health using key performance ratios.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

January 2026

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Specialization - 6 course series

What you'll learn

  • Understanding the five account types helps correctly classify and record all business transactions.

  • The accounting equation forms the base of accounting and must always stay balanced for every transaction.

  • Double-entry bookkeeping ensures accuracy by using a checks-and-balances system to detect errors.

  • Trial balances help verify correct ledger postings before preparing financial statements.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Accounting
Category: Ledgers (Accounting)
Category: Transaction Processing
Category: Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
Category: Reconciliation
Category: Accounting Records
Category: Bookkeeping
Category: General Ledger
Category: General Accounting
Category: Accounting Software
Category: Accounting Systems
Category: QuickBooks (Accounting Software)
Category: Financial Reporting
Category: Standard Accounting Practices
Category: Verification And Validation

What you'll learn

  • Keyboard shortcuts are fundamental productivity multipliers that transform routine data entry from time-consuming to efficient.

  • Systematic validation and error-checking processes are essential safeguards that prevent costly mistakes in financial record-keeping.

  • Professional accounting efficiency comes from combining speed techniques with accuracy protocols to maintain data integrity.

  • Mastery of basic data entry skills creates the foundation for advanced accounting automation and career advancement.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Productivity Software
Category: Spreadsheet Software
Category: Verification And Validation
Category: Financial Reporting
Category: Microsoft Excel
Category: Data Validation
Category: Data Entry
Category: QuickBooks (Accounting Software)
Category: Accounting Software
Category: Expense Management
Category: Accounting Records

What you'll learn

  • Double-entry bookkeeping keeps accounts balanced and prevents systematic errors in financial records.

  • Knowing normal account balances helps detect posting errors and maintain ledger accuracy.

  • Month-end adjustments ensure accurate accrual accounting and reflect true financial position.

  • Verifying total debits equal credits provides an error check to prevent fraud and miscalculations.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Accrual Accounting
Category: Accounting Records
Category: Bookkeeping
Category: General Ledger
Category: General Accounting
Category: Ledgers (Accounting)
Category: Month End Closing
Category: Accounting Software
Category: Accruals
Category: QuickBooks (Accounting Software)
Category: Accounting

What you'll learn

  • Federal payroll withholding compliance forms the foundation of legal payroll processing and protects both employers and employees from tax penalties.

  • Systematic data entry and verification procedures are essential for maintaining payroll accuracy and preventing costly calculation errors.

  • Effective payroll processing requires understanding both regulatory requirements and operational procedures to ensure seamless business operations.

  • Documentation and verification steps create accountability and audit trails that support long-term business compliance and employee trust.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Regulatory Compliance
Category: Record Keeping
Category: Quality Control
Category: Data Entry
Category: Payroll Tax
Category: Tax Compliance
Category: Verification And Validation
Category: Data Validation
Category: Payroll
Category: Payroll Systems
Category: Payroll Processing

What you'll learn

  • Proper documentation forms the foundation of expense compliance, requiring specific evidence showing business purpose and legitimate costs

  • Systematic policy application requires methodical review, guideline comparison, and objective decision-making to ensure compliance.

  • Effective expense processing balances organizational financial controls with employee needs for timely, accurate reimbursements.

  • Audit readiness requires consistent documentation standards and clear workflows supporting internal controls and external compliance.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Expense Management
Category: Document Management
Category: Travel Arrangements
Category: Fraud detection
Category: Accounts Payable
Category: Compliance Management
Category: Compliance Auditing
Category: Accounting
Category: Process Improvement
Category: Financial Controls
Category: Auditing
Category: Verification And Validation

What you'll learn

  • Reconciliation serves as critical internal control functioning as detective and preventive measure against fraud and misconduct.

  • Systematic comparison of internal records with external statements maintains financial integrity and uncovers unauthorized acts.

  • Proper investigation and documentation of discrepancies ensure accurate financial reporting and strengthens organizational controls.

  • Regular and timely reconciliation processes create accountability frameworks that discourage fraudulent behavior while protecting assets.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Variance Analysis
Category: Financial Statement Analysis
Category: Cash Control
Category: Internal Controls
Category: Reconciliation
Category: Asset Protection
Category: Investigation
Category: Accounting Records
Category: Financial Controls
Category: Fraud detection

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Instructors

Hurix Digital
Coursera
154 Courses3,613 learners
John Whitworth
Coursera
1 Course5 learners

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Coursera

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