The Course

This course aims to take participants through the basics of business accounting in an accessible and engaging way. Course material includes units on money management, business costs, bookkeeping and VAT, delivered through exclusive video content, interactive exercises and a multiple-choice assessment. Practice materials seek to focus learning, and a certificate is issued on successful completion.

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Course Content

Section One – Getting Started

1. Introduction: the importance of accounting
2. The four ways to structure a business: sole trader, partnership, LLP, limited company
3. Government bodies, registering and filing: HMRC and Companies House

Section Two – The Money

1. Business bank accounts
2. Sources of funding for businesses
3. Taking money from customers and creating invoices
4. Business costs part one: keeping track
5. Business costs part two: tax relief

Section Three – The Records

1. What records to keep and how
2. Bookkeeping

Section Four – The Taxes

1. VAT part one: introduction
2. VAT part two: different rates for different goods and services
3. Taxes on profit: Income Tax, National Insurance, corporation tax

Section Five – The People

1. Employing staff
2. Taking money out of a business for oneself

Section Six – The Accounts

1. Reading accounts part one: profit
2. Reading accounts part two: cash
3. Reading accounts part three: ratios
4. Planning for the future: simple forecasting
5. Do you need an accountant?

The Merchant

Excel With Business offers a selection of online courses for businesses and individuals looking to improve their skills in various areas. Founded with the aim of making analytical business tools more accessible, the company now offers courses in subjects as diverse as Microsoft Office components, accounting, app design and beauty treatments.