MW SysArcTools

Learn by building the statements

Accounting from zero, through 18 connected calculations.

Predict the result, calculate it, inspect the relationship and then change one input. Each stage supplies the concepts required by the next.

Start the path

The accounting loop

Transaction → ledger → statement → interpretation

  1. Identify what changed and which accounts are affected.
  2. Check that debits and credits remain equal.
  3. Carry balances into the relevant financial statement.
  4. Reconcile the statements and calculate an analytical ratio.
  5. Explain what the result can and cannot establish.

The Accounting from Zero spine

18 calculator lessons in dependency order

Progress is available to free members and is also retained locally when you are signed out.

Step 3

Build the income statement

Move from revenue through gross and operating profit to net income.

Before starting: Understand revenue, expenses and period matching.
  1. Step 3 · Lesson 1Gross profitCalculate gross profit and gross margin from revenue and cost of goods sold.
  2. Step 3 · Lesson 2Operating profitCalculate operating profit after cost of goods sold and operating expenses.
  3. Step 3 · Lesson 3Net incomeBuild a compact income statement from revenue, costs, other items, interest and tax.
Step 6

Inventory and long-lived assets

Calculate cost of goods sold and allocate asset cost through depreciation.

Before starting: Understand expenses, inventory and carrying amounts.
  1. Step 6 · Lesson 1Cost of goods soldReconcile beginning inventory, purchases and ending inventory to calculate COGS.
  2. Step 6 · Lesson 2Straight-line depreciationAllocate an asset's depreciable amount evenly over its useful life.
  3. Step 6 · Lesson 3Declining-balance depreciationApply a depreciation rate to an asset's opening carrying amount.
Step 7

Read the statements with ratios

Interpret collections, supplier payments, leverage and returns using consistent periods.

Before starting: Understand the income statement and balance sheet.
  1. Step 7 · Lesson 1Receivables turnoverMeasure how often average trade receivables are collected during a period.
  2. Step 7 · Lesson 2Payables turnoverMeasure how often average trade payables are paid during a period.
  3. Step 7 · Lesson 3Days sales outstandingEstimate the average number of days represented by ending receivables.
  4. Step 7 · Lesson 4Debt to equityCompare total interest-bearing debt or liabilities with shareholders' equity.
  5. Step 7 · Lesson 5ROA and ROECompare net income with average assets and average shareholders' equity.

Clear answers

Learning accounting with calculators

Do I need accounting experience?

No. Step 1 starts with the accounting equation, and each later stage states what should be understood first.

How is progress saved?

Progress is saved locally for everyone. A free member account can synchronise completed lessons across devices.

Will this make me a qualified accountant?

No. It builds practical foundations and calculation fluency; professional work also requires the applicable standards, law, judgement and review.