Governments and private businesses operate in vastly different environments, so their accounting processes and reporting are substantially different, too. Online courses in the University of Georgia’s three-part Governmental Accounting Series will help you gain the foundational understanding of accounting in a governmental environment that you need to succeed.

Upon successful completion of all three accounting courses, a Certificate of Program Completion will be awarded from the University of Georgia.

Snapshot

Format: Online

Hours: 25.8

Credits: 2.55 CEUs / 21.5 CPEs

When: Start anytime

Cost: $469 - $499

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Part I of this three-course series will familiarize you with the basic accounting equation and how transactions affect that equation. You will also learn the elements of financial reports, and be aware of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for state and local governments. In addition, you will learn to record financial transactions using the modified accrual basis of accounting used by governmental funds; a practice exercise is included in this NASBA-approved, 25.8-hour course.

  • An introduction to basic accounting theory, the chart of accounts, double entry accounting, and accounting systems and records
  • The basics of how accountants should record transactions
  • The basics of fund accounting
  • The basics of payroll and benefits accounting
  • The basics of accounting for inter-fund transfers
  • How to adjust and close the general ledger

Test your current knowledge with our free online diagnostic quiz

Who Should Attend?

Are you new to the world of state and local government accounting and financial reporting? Do you need a refresher? This intensive online course is for you if you are one of the following:

  • State and Local Governmental employees who require knowledge of governmental accounting.
  • State of Georgia employees enrolled in the State Financial Management Certificate Program.
  • Georgia Local Government employees who are enrolled in the Local Government Financial Management Certification Program.
  • Governmental accounting professionals with previous private sector experience who want to gain governmental accounting knowledge.
  • Independent public accountants with state and local governmental auditing or consulting.
  • Accountants/CPAs who are interested in developing a government practice.
  • Many state licensing boards require that CPAs maintain and improve their skills through continuing professional education (CPE) courses. This course is approved by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
  • Accounting Professionals preparing for the CPA Exam.

Course Information

Course Number: 

0504-005

Course Date Info: 
  • Enroll at any time
  • Complete the course's required online quizzes and exercises within three (3) months of issuance of course access details (i.e., a Welcome email containing the course URL, username and password)
  • For more details about the course, please click on the downloadable files titled, "How Does Introductory Governmental Accounting — Part I Work?", and Frequently Asked Questions."
  • Practical day-to-day accounting methods and financial reporting—and complying with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is addressed throughout three-course, accounting online series!

Course Format:
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Course Fee(s): 

$469 (US Funds) — Residents of Georgia
$499 (US Funds) — Non-Residents of Georgia
$50 (US Funds) — One-Month Extension (Only one extension is granted per participant)

Prepayment is required to be registered. Prices listed are per person. Prices are subject to change.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: The Georgia Center will gladly issue full refunds for cancellations received in writing before the release of course access information. You may cancel your enrollment at any time during the course and receive a refund less a $50 administrative fee, provided that you have not accessed the online course material at all. During the first 30 days of your course, if you have not completed any course work, you may opt for a one-time transfer of your enrollment to another student; the new student (i.e., substitute) would have up to three months from the transfer date to complete the course. The course may be transferred only once for a fee of $50 (US). Written requests should be sent to questions@georgiacenter.uga.edu