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Accounting Guides & Tutorials

Free in-depth guides on core accounting topics — written clearly, with worked examples.

Exam Prep2026-05-2211 min read

How to Pass the EA Exam: A Complete Study Guide

The IRS Enrolled Agent credential opens doors to tax representation work. Here's the breakdown of all three parts, the pass rates, the best study strategies, and how AI practice can accelerate your prep.

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Financial Statements10 min read

How to Read a Balance Sheet: A Complete Guide

A balance sheet is a snapshot of what a company owns and owes. Learn to decode assets, liabilities, and equity — and calculate the ratios investors actually use.

Inventory9 min read

FIFO vs LIFO: Which Inventory Method Is Right for You?

FIFO and LIFO produce very different profits, taxes, and balance sheet values from the same inventory. See side-by-side examples and learn when each method makes sense.

Fundamentals7 min read

How to Prepare a Trial Balance (Step-by-Step)

A trial balance is the first check that your books are in order. Walk through each step — from listing ledger balances to spotting errors — with worked examples.

Fundamentals8 min read

What Is Double-Entry Accounting? A Beginner's Guide

Every financial transaction has two sides. Learn how double-entry accounting works, why debits equal credits, and how this 500-year-old system still powers modern bookkeeping.

Cash Management9 min read

Mastering Cash Flow: AP, AR, and Bank Reconciliation

Learn how accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliation work together to manage business cash flow. Includes journal entries and a complete bank reconciliation example.

Cost Accounting7 min read

Understanding Direct and Indirect Costs in Project Budgeting

Learn how to separate direct and indirect costs in project budgeting. Includes step-by-step calculations, real examples, and how to calculate indirect cost rates.

Banking10 min read

How Banks Earn Money — A Complete Guide to Banking Profitability

Discover how banks generate profits through interest rate spreads, fees, trading, and investments. Includes real examples from SVB financial statements and analysis of banking revenue streams.

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