All accounting programs start out with general accounting courses. These courses are needed in order to pursue any type of specialization in the field of accounting. To start off with, most programs will offer a course on the history of accounting. This will cover how accounting got started, and methods of keeping track of finances throughout history. Accounting isn't new, and some methods learned in this course will be very outdated. But some of these basic methods were used to develop more accurate methods of recording financial data that are used today. After finishing these courses, students should be able to understand why accounting is necessary.

Terminology courses are also offered among general accounting courses. Terms such as "finances," "liability," "liquidity," "asset," and "equity" must be clearly understood in order for a student to proceed further into the course. These terms are used frequently, not just in the classroom but in real world business situations as well. Identifying and using acronyms, such as LIFO (last in, first out) and FICO (first in, first out) is also a requirement. Students should be able to clearly define these in order to apply the methods they will learn for managing and handling accounting responsibilities.

Reading a financial statement and preparing one will also be taught in general accounting courses. Students should be able to prepare a mockup of a company's Income Statement and financial reports when they're finished taking these courses. They should also be able to work with a Balance Sheet. A student will also be taught how to identify fraudulent activity on financial statements. They will also be taught how to keep good books, and what good bookkeeping habits entail. Sometimes mistakes found on the books are the result of the accountant, and not of the company. Students need to be aware of bad bookkeeping habits so that they can avoid them altogether.

The consequences of bad bookkeeping habits can lead to other general accounting courses. For example, these bad habits can lead to auditing. Students will be taught what to expect during an audit, and how to properly prepare for one. While auditing can occur randomly, it is best that an accountant not raise any red flags by engaging in questionable or lazy practices or habits. Preparing for an audit can involve getting together the necessary paperwork, giving auditors access to a company's finances, and being able to effectively communicate with an auditor.