Your Path to Accounting Excellence
At Bentley, we empower professionals to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market through expert-led programs designed for immediate impact. Our offerings emphasize practical, implementable skills, customized learning paths aligned with your organization’s goals, and course content rooted in cutting-edge research and industry best practices.
In partnership with FlexProfessionals, this program was developed to meet real-world needs. FlexProfessionals specializes in supporting businesses and nonprofits through affordable, flexible talent solutions while connecting job seekers with flexible work options and upskilling for current business skills. This course is designed to help professionals build capabilities quickly and develop the confidence and readiness needed to take on accounting responsibilities.
Upskill to stay ahead of market trends
Emphasis on skills that can be immediately implemented
Customized programs to match organizational needs
Course content grounded in latest research and industry best practices, including AI advancements
Opportunity to partner with acclaimed academic centers
Graduates of Bentley’s Business Accounting Accelerator Certificate Program gain hands-on knowledge of accounting and technology functions, ranging from managing cash flow and budgets to financial reporting and the month-end-close. Through targeted instruction in QuickBooks Online and Excel, participants develop technical expertise using the tools most critical to accountants, including essential accounting systems and AI-enhanced solutions tailored to business needs.
The course is taught in a series of modules, each of which includes assessments to ensure the learner’s mastery of the material. Each module includes assessments to ensure a 75% minimum competency, and upon successful completion, learners receive a Bentley University non-credit certificate, boosting their credentials and career readiness. Students in the course have access to the FlexForward job search program offered by FlexProfessionals. This online, modular series equips students navigating career transitions with the skills, tools, and confidence needed for success.
Course Overview
Financial Accounting Foundations
Overview of Financial Accounting: Explain the purpose and importance of financial accounting in business decision making.
Basic Accounting Concepts: Introduce key concepts and financial statement elements.
Financial Statements: Provide an overview of the major financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows).
The Accounting Cycle
Double-Entry Accounting: Explain the double-entry accounting system and the accounting equation and the debit/credit nature of accounts.
Journal Entries: Demonstrate how to record transactions using journal entries
General Ledger: Show how journal entries are posted to ledger accounts.
Adjusting for Accuracy
Adjusting Entries: Explain the purpose and types of adjusting entries (accruals, deferrals, depreciation).
Financial Statement Elements: Demonstrate critical accounting principles for each key area of the balance sheet and income statement.
Completing the Cycle from Trial Balance to Financial Statements
Trial Balance: Discuss the preparation of a trial balance and its role in financial statement preparation
Financial Statements: Guide learners through the process of preparing financial statements from the adjusted trial balance.
How You Will Learn
This program is designed to empower participants with a solid foundation in the principles of financial and managerial accounting and the use of key functionality in use in QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Excel, GenAI tools and the ability to navigate the rapidly evolving demands of business accounting, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements. It is designed for a variety of audiences, including:
- Professionals re-entering the workforce
- Entrepreneurs seeking to upskill their accounting knowledge
- Outsourced and fractional accounting staff
Overall Program Structure
This is a 16-week program consisting of 'flipped classroom' modules combining asynchronous, self-paced learning with live virtual instruction from Bentley faculty who are subject matter experts.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous content: students watch 'bite-sized' lecture and problem-solving videos targeted toward program content, prepare textbook and other assigned readings, and work assigned practice exercises and problems; a total of 6-8 hours per week in advance of live, synchronous sessions.
Live Sessions and Support
Each weekly, live, synchronous session is 90-minutes long. The focus is on clarification of material prepared in advance with additional group exercises, and scenario-based discussions.
Assessments and Certification
Assessment after each topic (learners must pass with a 75% minimum to receive a Certificate of Completion).
Program Overview
If you are seeking a primer in accounting basics and the practical application of operational accounting concepts, this program is designed for you. The program is designed to empower professionals re-entering the workforce, starting their own business, or seeking to upskill with critical accounting knowledge, and equips participants with foundational accounting skills, proficiency in widely used tools such as QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Excel, and GenAI, and with the ability to navigate the rapidly evolving demands of accounting, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements.
This online, modular course offered through FlexProfessionals equips individuals navigating career transitions — whether re-entering the workforce, shifting career paths, or positioning for new opportunities — with the skills, tools, and confidence needed for success.
Each module includes a series of on-demand recordings, downloadable resources, practical exercises, and a workbook for guided application. Participants may take modules individually or complete the full series for a comprehensive career development experience:
| Module 1: Create a Compelling Resume |
| Module 2: Master LinkedIn for Job Search and Career Growth |
| Module 3: Networking - Uncover the Hidden Job Market |
| Module 4: Interviewing with Purpose - Communicate your Value with Clarity and Confidence |
| Module 5: Navigating Career Transitions |
Take the Next Step
Meet the Faculty
MSA Suffolk University
MJ has spent over 40 years working in accounting and related fields, starting with her first internship at age 17. She held a variety of positions throughout her time in industry, including: audit manager (PwC), internal auditor, operational consultant, project manager, manager of learning and development, controller, and director of financial and SEC reporting.
Since 2005, Professor Potvin has been a full-time accounting lecturer, first at Suffolk University, then at Merrimack College. She joined the faculty at Bentley in Fall 2023. Her teaching focuses on financial accounting/reporting and AI in accounting.
MSA Bentley University
Eric Gaynor brings his experience in professional accounting and nonprofit managerial experience through his work at several state agencies as Senior Consultant for Sivic Solutions Group and as Project Manager with Maximus specializing in revenue maximization. His work is primarily with health & human service agencies, with an emphasis on child welfare. He is also an instructor for the National Association of State Human Services Finance Officers (HSFO). Additionally, Eric has public accounting experience in tax and audit and teaches managerial accounting, and data analytics
MBA, Entrepreneurship Bentley University
Lynn's professional experience includes: accounting/finance roles with venture-financed technology company start-up and growth corporate experience, including cash management, financial reporting/analytics and corporate expansion/M&A integration. Audit and tax public accounting experience with Arthur Andersen. Venture Capital experience with CMGI and NorthBridge Venture Partners. Portfolio company experience includes: Certica Solutions, AdmitHub/Mainstay, Authentica, Qvidian and Raptor Systems. Lynn teaches primarily in financial, managerial accounting & analysis and the principles of fraud investigation.
Program Details
Virtual Format: self-paced pre-work with live, virtual weekly classes with Bentley professors. Virtual live instruction on Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST. All sessions will be recorded for future viewing.
Program Dates:
September 30th - December 30th | 2025
Program Cost: $3,000
- Program fee includes tuition and instructional materials.
- Register 30+ days in advance to receive a 20% discount.
- Bentley Alumni receive a 50% enrollment discount.
Contact us for your discount code: execed@bentley.edu.
Bentley Refund Policy
Bentley University will grant a full refund for cancellations received at least 30 days before the program start date. A 50% refund will be given for those cancellations made prior to fourteen days of the program start date. No refund will be granted for those cancellations received after that time.
Get More Info
We are happy to answer your questions and provide more details about the program.
Contact Bentley University Executive Education at execed@bentley.edu
Supporting Our Community
50% Discount for Alumni, Non-Profits, Service Members, Law Enforcement, and Job Seekers in Transition. Inquire for more info: execed@bentley.edu.
Early Registration Discount Ending:
August 31, 2024
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