I'd like to welcome you to the first course of the series, bookkeeping basics. At Intuit we believe in powering through prosperity by giving people access to tools and knowledge to enable them to take control of their financial and personal lives, which is why we built this certification. Since you're here, it's clear that you have an aptitude for numbers and want to know more about the world of accounting. Maybe you're looking to switch careers, maybe you're a small business owner or maybe you just have an interest in bookkeeping. Whatever the reason, we're honored to be a part of your journey to becoming a bookkeeper. Now before we get into specifics, let's talk a little bit about how the courses work. Each course in this certification is broken down into four modules and each module contains 3-4 lessons. In each lesson, you'll find a variety of content, including advice from experts, hands-on practice activities, readings, knowledge checks, graded quizzes, and peer discussions. In this first course, bookkeeping basics, you'll be introduced to the role of a bookkeeper and learn what bookkeeping professionals do every day. You'll dive into foundational accounting concepts, work your way through the accounting cycle and become familiar with key financial statements. The practice you do throughout the course will prepare you to complete a real world case study in which you'll be asked to work with a client and perform the various duties of a bookkeeper. When you have completed this course, including the final project, you'll have the skills to define accounting and the concepts of accounting measurement. Explain the role of a bookkeeper and common bookkeeping tasks and responsibilities. Summarize the double entry accounting method, explain the ethical and social responsibilities of bookkeepers in ensuring the integrity of financial information. While there are no prerequisites to participating in this course, to be successful, you should allow yourself time and space to focus the open learning new concepts. Come ready to practice and apply new knowledge, learn from mistakes and perhaps most important, have fun expanding your skills. Now, before you jump in and begin your bookkeeping journey, I want to leave you with a few parting words of advice. First, the intention of this course is to be flexible and fit into your life. You don't have to complete everything in one sitting. With that being said, we recommend that you allow yourself roughly 4-6 hours per week to review and complete the course material. Second, as you'll soon find the content topics and skills, build on one another, so you'll have several opportunities to practice important concepts. And lastly, remember, as with learning any new skill, you might not get it perfectly right on the first try, the important thing is that you keep practicing. Good luck and happy bookkeeping. [MUSIC]