The basics. Getting started ; A brief look at the origins of bookkeeping ; Important concepts ; Setting up the record keeping system ; Making bookkeeping easier with technology ; The balance sheet ; The income statement ; The cash flow statement -- Intermediate topics. Recording the sales cycle ; Recording the purchase cycle ; Inventory ; Capital assets ; Leases and loans ; Transactions between the company and its owners ; Remittances to the government ; Maintaining a petty cash system ; Reconciling the bank ; When the damn thing just won't balance ; When your books are already a mess -- Advanced issues. The role of the external accountant ; Budgeting: planning for the future ; Monitoring cash flow : how not to run out of money ; A brief look at foreign currency ; Tax planning ; Graduation.