Lesson series

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING

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Course Overview

This course introduces learners to the foundational principles and practices of accounting used by businesses to record, analyze, and communicate financial information. Through structured lessons, real-world examples, and applied activities, students explore how accounting supports decision-making, transparency, and ethical business operations. The course emphasizes practical application of accounting concepts to help learners understand financial performance and business sustainability.

What You’ll Learn

By completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Explain the purpose and role of accounting in business operations
  • Apply fundamental accounting principles and standards
  • Record financial transactions using the double-entry accounting system
  • Prepare and interpret journals, ledgers, and trial balances
  • Understand and analyze basic financial statements
  • Recognize ethical responsibilities and challenges in accounting practices 

Learning Experience

This course includes a mix of:
  • Structured, lesson-based instruction
  • Real-world accounting examples and scenarios
  • Hands-on practice with financial records and statements
  • Applied exercises and case studies
  • Assessments designed to reinforce accurate and ethical accounting practices 

Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, learners will have a strong foundation in accounting concepts and practical financial literacy. Students will be prepared to interpret financial information, support business decision-making, and apply accounting knowledge in academic, professional, or entrepreneurial settings.

Course contents

Montrese Carlisle

Montrese A. Carlisle is an accomplished accounting educator with over two decades of professional experience in finance and accounting instruction. An adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College, Montrese has passionately guided students through complex subjects such as Accounting I, Algebra, Quantitative Math, Microsoft applications, and business-related courses. Her dynamic teaching style and commitment to clarity in communication have consistently earned exceptional student feedback, achieving ratings that significantly surpass institutional averages.

Montrese’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her extensive professional background further enhances her classroom effectiveness, notable as the Director of Finance at Ivy Tech Community College and through roles involving significant responsibilities in cash management, financial reconciliation, and student financial transactions. Montrese’s deep understanding of real-world financial operations and exceptional interpersonal skills allow her to create an enriching learning environment, positioning students to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers in accounting and finance.
course instructors

Samuel Jones

When done compassionately, scientific outcomes are a beautiful reflection of the poetry of life. In nature, Sam Jones is a poet. With nurture, he is a director of stewardship, utilizing his CPA and business professional acumen to consult with nonprofit organizations and small businesses, which he has done for the past decade. His adoration for restoration, reviving, and thriving guided his pursuit of independent consulting.

Sam began his career as a public accountant with EY and Sikich, working in the Tax and Assurance units and serving nonprofit and manufacturing clients across health care, education, construction, steel distribution, and plastic manufacturing industries. Deeply committed to his community, he serves on the boards of the Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis and Greater Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity and mentors aspiring CPAs through the Indiana CPA Society and the Young Professional Leadership Academy, striving to empower others and cultivate meaningful change.