Accounts Payable Overview
Successful completion of an accounts payable or accounting program allows students to be eligible for national certification testing in accounts payable or certified bookkeeping. Some colleges and industry associations may also offer individual professional development classes and short courses covering accounting software or accounts payable topics available online, such as accounts payable management, reimbursement for business expenses and internal controls for accounts payable.
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Some common concepts taught in these courses are:
- Business computer skills
- Microsoft Office and QuickBooks knowledge
- Ability to use both manual and automatic accounting techniques and tools
- Knowledge of business ownership and career subjects
- Understanding of accounting subjects and terminology
List of Common Accounts Payable Courses Available Online
Basic Accounting Course
This introductory course examines the theories of financial accounting, including the preparation of financial statements and the accounting cycle. Students discuss the use of internal controls, the preparation of financial statements, and the filing of financial reports. Other topics covered include cost control, budgets, and external reports.
Functions of Accounts Payable Course
This course reviews the role that accounts payable plays in a business. Students track the progress of a purchase order from receipt of invoice to final payment. Topics include internal controls, fund disbursements, statement reconciliation, and tax document preparation. Successful completion of this course allows students to be eligible for the Accounts Payable-Entry Level National Certification Examination.
Advanced Accounts Payable Course
The advanced accounts payable course teaches students how to prepare for audits and how to detect and prevent fraud. Students learn how to organize and file records for long-term storage. The proper destruction of sensitive records is discussed. Other topics discussed include petty cash, data security and software issues, disbursement methods, and international payments.
Bookkeeping Course
Students focus on accounts payable, billing, and accounts receivable. They learn how to process bills and receipts, enter and adjust worksheet entries, establish cash control systems, and make purchases and cash payments. This course uses accounting software programs to produce financial reports, track invoices and payments, chart accounts, monitor inventory, and prepare banking transactions.
Payroll Operation Course
This course looks at the process of a payroll cycle of a small business. Students in this class discuss the laws, regulations and accounting principles governing payroll disbursements, tax filings, and other information. The impact fringe benefits have on processing payroll is examined.
Cost Accounting Course
Participants in this class review the concepts of analyzing costs as part of running a business. Topics include budgeting, cost behavior, planning and control and labor. Students learn the techniques and tools used in cost analysis, including computer software programs.
Accounts Payable Training and Certification
While work in accounts payable does not usually require an accounting degree or certification, certification or degree can improve the appeal of a job applicant for work in accounts payable. Many community colleges and private programs will offer certifications in many areas of accounting including payroll, tax preparation, accounts receivable, and accounts payable upon completion of accounts payable classes.
