Accurate bookkeeping is key to operating a successful business. The goal of this learning path is to help small business owners and managers gain the knowledge and skills to track financial transactions and plan future business activities. At this introductory level, learners should be able to perform bookkeeping processes that allow a hired accountant to conduct financial analyses and prepare financial statements. By the end of this learning path, learners should be able to explain the five steps in the accounting cycle and maintain simple cash and inventory ledgers.