Introduction to Accounting Concepts

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Learning Objectives


By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Understand Core Accounting Principles

Understand key accounting concepts, including accounting equation, the double-entry system and the five classes of accounts.

Recognise how these concepts support accurate financial reporting and provide the foundation of financial statement analysis.

Apply these principles to assess a client’s profitability, liquidity, solvency and overall creditworthiness.

Understand Financial Reports and Business Structures

Distinguish between legal entities, accounting entities and reporting periods.

Understand how different ownership structures, including sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies, may affect financial reporting, liability, repayment capacity and security availability.

Assess how reporting structures influences financial comparability and analytical reliability.

Evaluate Ownership Type and Lending Implications

Compare the credit risks and benefits of structures of different ownership structures.

Assess how ownership structures can affect borrower liability, guarantor support, tax treatment, financial transparency and lender recourse.

Identify how ownership type may influence loan structure, security requirements and credit approval considerations.

Apply Accounting Standards to Financial Statements

Understand how key accounting standards, including AASB 16 Leases and IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, can affect financial statements.

Assess how accounting standards may influence reported revenue, lease liabilities, Right-of-Use (ROU)assets, off balance sheet exposure and profitability measures.

Interpret financial statements and notes to identify potential covenant risks, reporting issues and red flags.

Use Accounting Insights to Support Better Credit Decisions

Use accounting insights to assess financial performance, repayment capacity and credit risk.

Recommend appropriate financial covenants, loan structures and risk mitigants based on the client’s financial position.

Prepared informed credit recommendations that support responsible lending and stronger portfolio outcomes.