If you’re an accounting student and the numbers are starting to get you down, take heart. Basic Accounting Simplified: A Primer for Beginning and Struggling Accounting Students by the father and son team of Alvin and Gary Lesser demystifies what, to date, has been exceedingly difficult to understand.
The book’s objective is clear – to impart a practical understanding of basic accounting principles to the beginning or struggling accounting student, as well as to the bookkeeper who wishes to learn how to expand the scope of his or her work.
Father and son authors, Alvin and Gary Lesser, have a unique way of explaining accounting principles. They begin their “primer” with the first element of the accounting method, the journal entry. Then skip to and discuss the last component, the trial balance, purposely omitting journals and ledgers. Finally, the authors conclude by integrating and clarifying the middle steps—creation of the journals and ledger—so the whole process makes sense. This organization makes it easier to grasp the essentials of accounting and understand the basis of financial statements. The result of this unusual presentation is an unequaled understanding of accounting. The authors explain accounting principles visually, using charts and graphs, in direct, clear language. According to Sidney Kess, “the result … demystifies accounting concepts.”
Basic Accounting Simplified offers real-world examples in the form of sixteen business transactions that are thoroughly examined, illustrated, and explained from various perspectives. In addition, tables, charts, and diagrams combine with consistently clear, direct language to create a complete set of accounting books. Basic Accounting Simplified also discusses and explains how to prepare financial statements.
“A strongly recommended pick for anyone who is pursuing accounting
as his or her career of choice.”
— Midwest Book Review (June 12, 2011).
“The author´s presentation is ingenious – and very effective.”
— Sidney Kess, CPA, JD, LLM, nationally renowned tax expert and lecturer.
“I will assign sections and assignments from this book…”
— Barry Kozak, The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL
“A great overview. By simplifying complex concepts, like subsidiary ledgers and the general ledger, you will be able to more easily think through, understand, and master the more difficult issues that will be taught as your accounting education progresses.”
—Sam D. Arkind, Former IRS Training Instructor, Brooklyn, NY
“I was intimidated by accounting, until I read this book. It should be the number 1 book on any accounting student’s book list, as well as business owners who want to get an understanding of the business’ books.”
—Denise Appleby, CISP, CRC, CRPS, CRSP, APA, Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc., Grayson, GA
“They say that one picture is worth a thousand words and this book is yet further proof of that statement. The charts and diagrams are extremely well done, and make a complicated subject easy to understand.”
—Mac Brown, President, Doctors Financial Management Group, Orlando, FL
“With its fresh approach, clear language, memory aids, and visual illustrations, Basic Accounting Simplified makes the basics of accounting easy to understand.”
—Peter Gulia, Fiduciary Guidance Counsel, Philadelphia, PA
“It’s nicely laid out, tightly written, and makes sense from start to finish.”
—Gordon Burgett, Niche Publishing, Novato, CA
“A great overview. By simplifying complex concepts, like subsidiary ledgers and the general ledger, you will be able to more easily think through, understand, and master the more difficult issues that will be taught as your accounting education progresses.”
—Sam D. Arkind, Former IRS Training Instructor, Brooklyn, NY
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