Introduction to Accounting, Budgeting, and Finance

Course Start Date

Start at any time

Learning Format

Fully Online

Duration

Self-Paced

Course fee

free

For learners with high school or undergraduate education. The Intermediate program is currently available in English.

Overview

This course provides learners with an introduction to accounting, budgeting, and finance fundamentals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions in both business and personal contexts. Learners will gain insights into the ways in which financial information is generated, analyzed, and used to support decision-making, as well as the role of budgeting in effective resource planning and management. The course also explores core financial principles and tools, and prepares learners how to navigate a variety of financial challenges and evaluate investment opportunities with confidence. This course serves as a foundation for global accounting and finance while providing practical applications for personal and professional financial well-being.

What you'll learn

Learners will demonstrate the ability to apply various capital budgeting techniques to make informed decisions on business investments.

Learners will be able to explain how financial statements are prepared and could be used to determine the financial health of a firm.

Learners will employ time value of money and financial markets concepts to help make personal investment and financial decisions.

The Lextorah Advantage

Dual Certification

Learn a Language & Gain a Professional Skill – 2-in-1 Offer!

Self-paced

Start anytime and learn at your pace

Earn A Degree with What you Know

Turn what you have learned into academic credits and apply them toward a degree program at ASU or Thunderbird

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the 100 Million Learners Global Initiative?

Launched in January 2022, the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative provides accredited online, world-class education in 40 different languages to learners across the globe, at absolutely no cost to the learner. This program aims to empower individuals worldwide to enhance their skills, expand career opportunities, and drive economic and social impact in their regions. Learners can receive Thunderbird and ASU-accredited certificates that carry global recognition, making top-tier education accessible without financial barriers. By gaining practical skills in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, participants can enhance their employability, boost their earning potential, and drive innovation in their local economies. With the Foundational course available in over 40 languages, the initiative ensures that learners worldwide, regardless of their location, can study in their native language and at their own pace.

The Global Initiative will further advance Thunderbird’s mission to empower and influence global leaders and managers who maximize the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to advance equitable and sustainable prosperity worldwide.

What pathways are available to learners?

The Global Initiative offers three pathways to learners depending on their current education levels:

Advanced Program: graduate-level courses: for advanced undergraduate learners and above.
Intermediate Program: undergraduate-level courses: for advanced high school learners to current undergraduate learners.
Foundational Program: entrepreneurship bootcamp: for learners without a high school diploma.

What courses are offered within each pathway?

The Advanced program includes graduate level courses on: global leadership and personal development, global entrepreneurship and sustainable business, data analytics and digital transformation, customer experience and digital marketing and global accounting, and managing by the numbers.

The Intermediate program includes graduate level courses on: global management, global marketing, global sustainability, global entrepreneurship and an introduction to accounting, budgeting and finance.

The Foundational program offers the Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp and includes modules on becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business.

What is the cost to enroll in the program?

As part of the Thunderbird School of Global Management’s dedication to accessibility, this program and each course are offered at no cost to the learner. When a learner completes a course they can earn a digital non-academic certificate and digital badge. Completion of five courses within a program will yield a non-academic certificate.

How will learners take each course?

Each course is accessible through a digital platform located at the top of the page here at the “sign up” and “sign in” buttons.

How much time do learners have to complete each course?

Each course may be taken on demand at each learner’s individual pace.

May learners pursue this program for academic credit?

Yes, however, learners must first complete all five courses within either the advanced or intermediate level program. Then learners must submit courses for grading by a faculty member. Learners must also submit an application and be admitted to the program of their choice.

What do learners earn after taking a course?

By completing each course with an 80% or higher, a learner can earn a digital badge and a certificate through module and content completion. A digital badge will be issued once a learner has completed a course through your 100 Million Learner Portal.

What type of digital credential does a learner receive?

Digital badges and certificates will be issued to a learner after the completion of each course through the platform. Badges can then be pushed to each learner’s individual portfolio or social media channels for promotion of completed courses.

What type of digital certificate does a learner receive?

At the completion of the five advanced courses, or five intermediate courses, a learner will receive a non-academic digital certificate in Global Management, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from Thunderbird.

How might these courses help learners toward earning a degree program?

Completed and graded courses will be available for academic credit through application to a degree program at Arizona State University or specifically within a degree program at Thunderbird. Any and all ASU/Thunderbird degree program and admissions requirements will need to be met for application of academic credit.

Where can additional resources be found for assistance within each course?

If you are having difficulty within the course, please click on the “help & navigation” link located on the left hand side of your course page. The “help & navigation” link will provide you with additional information for assistance and troubleshooting.

How much does it cost to have courses graded?

$100.00 USD per course.

How long does it take to have courses graded?

It may take up to 12 business days to complete course grading by a faculty member.

How much does it cost to have credits placed on an official academic credit?

$500.00 USD per course (three credits) within the Advanced program. For the entire certificate, this amounts to a $3,000 USD transfer credit fee.

How long does it take to have credits placed on an academic transcript?

This may take between one and three months. Due to University processing times, this can sometimes happen more quickly than expected.

In which languages are the courses available for learners to study?

The Global Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp course (Foundational program) is now available in 40 languages. The full list of languages include: