Course Overview:

Welcome To EarthTab Business School. My Name Is Aryan Kumar And I Will Be Your Course Preceptor For The Course, Accounting For Non-Accountants. 

Accounting is often viewed as a highly technical discipline reserved for financial experts, auditors, and professional accountants. However, in today’s world, every decision-maker whether an entrepreneur, business executive, NGO manager, artisan, or civil servant requires a working knowledge of accounting principles. Without an understanding of financial fundamentals, it is nearly impossible to make sound business decisions, evaluate performance, or ensure the sustainability of an organization.

The course “Accounting for Non-Accountants” has been carefully designed to demystify accounting by breaking it down into simple, practical, and relatable terms. It avoids unnecessary technical jargon while still maintaining the professional standards, accuracy, and logical flow that characterize accounting practices worldwide. You will acquire not only theoretical insights but also hands-on skills that they can apply immediately in their businesses, workplaces, and personal financial lives.

2. Purpose of the Course

The purpose of this course is to:

• Provide a comprehensive foundation in accounting principles for individuals without prior accounting knowledge.
  
  

• Equip learners with the ability to read, understand, and interpret financial statements.
  
  

• Develop the capacity to record financial transactions accurately using simple systems.
  
  

• Build skills in budgeting, financial planning, and cash flow management.
  
  

• Foster awareness of internal controls, fraud prevention, and compliance practices.
  
  

• Empower non-accountants to engage confidently with accountants, auditors, and financial institutions.
  
  

3. Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners – who must keep records, manage cash, and understand profitability.
  
  

• Managers & Supervisors – who make financial decisions but lack accounting training.
  
  

• NGO Staff & Administrators – who need accountability and transparent reporting.
  
  

• Students & Fresh Graduates – who want practical knowledge for career advancement.
  
  

• Artisans & Informal Business Operators – who want to scale their businesses with financial discipline.
  
  

• Professionals in Non-Financial Roles – HR officers, project managers, marketers, engineers, etc., who need to understand numbers to perform effectively.
  
  

4. Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Define and explain fundamental accounting concepts and principles.
   
   

2. Apply the accounting equation to real-life business activities.
   
   

3. Record financial transactions using the double-entry system.
   
   

4. Prepare and interpret basic financial statements.
   
   

5. Differentiate between cash basis and accrual basis accounting.
   
   

6. Develop and manage budgets and cash flow projections.
   
   

7. Recognize the importance of internal controls for safeguarding assets.
   
   

8. Use simple accounting software and tools to automate record-keeping.
   
   

9. Read and analyze profitability, liquidity, and financial performance reports.
   
   

10. Apply accounting knowledge to decision-making and business strategy.
    
    

5. Course Philosophy & Approach

Unlike traditional accounting courses that rely heavily on technical rules, this program is designed to be:

• Practical: Every concept is illustrated with real-life case studies from small businesses, NGOs, and entrepreneurial ventures.
  
  

• Accessible: Terminologies are explained in plain language, supported by analogies that non-accountants can relate to.
  
  

• Interactive: you engage in practical exercises, group discussions, and financial role-play activities.
  
  

• Flexible: The course provides both theoretical frameworks and hands-on skills, ensuring learners can adapt to various financial contexts.
  
  

• Progressive: Starting from the basics, the course builds step by step until you can confidently interpret financial statements and make informed business decisions.
  
  

6. Course Structure

The course consists of 10 detailed modules, each building upon the last to provide a well-rounded mastery of non-technical accounting:

1. Introduction to Accounting – The nature, purpose, and scope of accounting.
   
   

2. Basic Accounting Terminologies – Understanding assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.
   
   

3. Double-Entry Bookkeeping – The foundation of accounting systems.
   
   

4. Recording Business Transactions – From journals to ledgers and trial balances.
   
   

5. Financial Statements – Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow explained.
   
   

6. Cash vs. Accrual Accounting – Choosing the right method for your business.
   
   

7. Cash Flow Management – Ensuring liquidity and sustainability.
   
   

8. Budgeting and Financial Planning – Using budgets as control tools.
   
   

9. Internal Controls and Record Keeping – Safeguarding business assets.
   
   

10. Practical Application – Case studies, accounting software, and decision-making.
    
    

Each module contains:

• Detailed theoretical content (explained in simple terms)
  
  

• Illustrations, diagrams, and examples
  
  

• Mini case studies to show application
  
  

• 5 quiz questions to test understanding
  
  

7. Learning Methodology

• Lectures & Explanations – Simplified teaching of accounting principles.
  
  

• Case Studies – Real business scenarios for practice.
  
  

• Classroom Exercises – Journal entries, balancing accounts, preparing mini statements.
  
  

• Discussions – Encouraging learners to relate concepts to their business realities.
  
  

• Quizzes & Exams – Ensuring mastery of knowledge.
  
  

• Practical Demonstrations – Using spreadsheets and simple accounting software.
  
  

8. Benefits of Taking This Course

You will gain:

• Confidence in handling numbers and finances.
  
  

• Ability to communicate effectively with accountants and auditors.
  
  

• Skills to manage their own business finances without errors.
  
  

• Competence in budgeting, cost control, and profit analysis.
  
  

• Awareness of risks, fraud, and compliance requirements.
  
  

• Improved capacity to make evidence-based business decisions.
  
  

9. Final Assessment

At the end of the program, you will take a 50-question multiple-choice final exam covering all modules. This ensures they have achieved a holistic understanding of accounting suitable for non-specialists.

10. Expected Impact

By the end of this course, you will transition from seeing accounting as a mysterious technical subject to viewing it as a practical life skill that underpins every successful venture. Whether in business, NGOs, or personal finance, graduates of this course will become empowered decision-makers, capable of analyzing financial information critically and applying it strategically.

This overview itself already reads like a professional training guide.