From Cash to Accrual: Quality Balance Sheet Transitions
Using foundational accrual concepts, this course moves beyond strategy into execution and the practical mechanics of balance sheet transformation during cash-to-accrual transitions. With over 30 years of accounting experience, Shana Cooper, CPA and founder of The AccountAbility Team, LLC, offers practitioners the specific tools and methodologies needed to confidently navigate accrual conversions.
This hands-on course provides step-by-step guidance through real balance sheet scenarios, offering practical templates and systematic approaches that work across different business types and complexity levels. Cooper shares proven conversion methodologies, common adjustment examples, and quality control checklists developed through successful client transitions, making complex technical concepts accessible to practitioners at all experience levels.
Key topics covered include:
Balance sheet account-by-account conversion walkthrough with practical examples
Asset adjustments: establishing accounts receivable, inventory valuations, and prepaid expense schedules
Liability recognition: accounts payable cutoffs, accrued expenses, and payroll liability calculations
Common conversion adjustments with journal entry examples and supporting documentation
Quality control checklists and testing procedures to ensure accurate conversions
Template library including trial balance worksheets, adjustment matrices, and reconciliation tools
Industry-specific considerations for service businesses, retail operations, and manufacturing companies
Documentation standards and audit trail requirements for regulatory compliance
Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, attendees learn systematic approaches to balance sheet reconstruction that build confidence and ensure accuracy. Cooper emphasizes repeatable processes, comprehensive documentation, and quality control measures that create audit-ready financial statements while minimizing conversion errors.
The course is designed for accounting professionals at all levels, from staff accountants executing conversions under supervision to CFOs and controllers managing conversion projects and training their teams. Whether working in public practice, industry, or fractional roles, participants gain immediately applicable tools and frameworks for successful accrual implementations.
Learning Objectives
Understand the fundamental differences between cash and accrual basis and the business impact of accurate balance sheet presentation
Identify and categorize the key balance sheet adjustments required during cash-to-accrual conversions
Execute systematic conversion processes using proven templates and quality control procedures
Business Benefits
Standardized conversion processes that reduce errors and increase efficiency
Comprehensive documentation supporting audit and regulatory requirements
Scalable training materials for staff development and team consistency
Improved client service through systematic, professional conversion approaches
Enhanced confidence in technical execution across different business scenarios
Reduced project timelines through proven methodologies and quality control measures
Stronger foundation for advisory conversations built on accurate accrual-based insights
Who This Course Is For:
Accounting professionals at all levels involved in cash-to-accrual conversions, including staff accountants, seniors, managers, controllers, CFOs, and firm practitioners. Designed to provide both hands-on execution guidance for implementers and management oversight tools for supervisors and team leaders.