Chart of Accounts and Bookkeeping for the Education Industry

July 2, 2023
Kayn Ars
Chart of Accounts and Bookkeeping for the Education Industry

This article explores the role of a chart of accounts in the education business. The education sector is growing quickly, including schools, colleges, universities, and private institutions. It prepares students for the workforce and constantly undergoes policy changes. The chart of accounts (COA) systematically organizes an organization’s general ledger accounts, offering a precise analysis of all financial transactions.

Companies use COA to manage money and give interested parties a deeper understanding of a company’s performance, including shareholders and investors. Each account on a chart of accounts comprises a name, a brief description, and an identifying code to make it simpler for readers to find particular accounts. COA helps to guarantee that financial statements meet disclosure requirements by separating expenses, revenues, assets, and liabilities.

Education Industry Sectors

The education sector comprises four sectors: elementary and secondary education, supplementary educational services, educational products sector, and educational services sector. Each sector has distinct tasks and responsibilities, and understanding the industry is essential for learners to comprehend the dynamics of the education sector.

Private Schools

Private schools, also known as private institutions, are not controlled by local, state, or federal governments, and they fund their education through the tuition fees they charge their students.

Public Schools

The main goal of public schools is to increase public access to high-quality education. The government operates public schools through general tax money and is open to all students. Traditional university degrees are obtained through full-time enrollment at a college or university in a formal academic discipline. Online degree programs do not currently count toward conventional university degrees.

The Education Industry

Products for the education sector include government-run schools, education at a private school, early childhood education, higher education institutions like universities, linguistic centers, and technical education and advanced study. Sectors served with the help of a chart of accounts. The education industry is no exception to this. A diagram of accounts (COA) allows educational institutions to track their finances accurately and produce financial statements that meet the necessary disclosure requirements.

The education industry comprises various sectors, including elementary and secondary education, higher education, vocational training, and educational products and services. Each of these sectors has unique tasks and responsibilities defined by market segments.

Private schools not controlled by local, state, or federal governments fund their education by charging tuition fees. On the other hand, public schools are government-run schools that aim to provide high-quality education to all students. Traditional universities offer degrees obtained by full-time enrollment at a college or university in a formal academic discipline.

The education industry provides a significant number of jobs and revenue globally. In the United States alone, postsecondary education generates more than $400 billion in revenue. Despite their low literacy rates, fast-growing markets like China and India offer enormous growth potential for the industry.

What to Include in the Chart of Accounts?

Here’s a sample chart of accounts for an educational institution:

Accounts on Income Statement (Profit and Loss)

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Grants and Scholarships
  • Other Revenue
  • Cost of Goods Sold (if applicable)
  • Operating Expenses

Accounts on the Balance Sheet

  • Assets
  • Current Assets
  • Long-term Assets
  • Liabilities
  • Current Liabilities
  • Long-term Liabilities
  • Equity

Current Assets

  • Cash and Cash Equivalents
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Inventory (if applicable)
  • Prepaid Expenses

Long-term Assets

  • Property and Equipment
  • Investments
  • Other Long-term Assets

Current Liabilities

  • Accounts Payable
  • Accrued Expenses
  • Deferred Revenue

Long-term Liabilities

  • Mortgage Payable
  • Notes Payable
  • Other Long-term Liabilities

Equity

  • Common Stock
  • Retained Earnings

Income: 

  • Tuition and Fees
  • Grants and Scholarships
  • Contributions and Donations
  • Interest Income
  • Other Revenue

Cost of Goods Sold

  • Cost of Goods Sold (if applicable)

Operating Expenses

  • Salaries and Wages
  • Employee Benefits
  • Professional Services
  • Contracted Services
  • Supplies and Materials
  • Rent and Lease Payments
  • Utilities
  • Insurance
  • Depreciation and Amortization
  • Travel and Entertainment
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Other Operating Expenses

Read More:

Real Estate: Chart of Accounts For Real Estate Business

Chart Of Accounts for Hotel and Restaurant In USA

Charts of Accounts for an Auto Repair Shop – Ceptrum

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the education industry is a rapidly expanding sector crucial in preparing individuals for the workforce and life. As the industry grows, it becomes increasingly important for educational institutions to maintain accurate financial records with the help of a chart of accounts. By doing so, they can manage their money effectively and give interested parties a deeper understanding of their financial performance. Ceptrum is expert in performing accurate accounting for the educational industry, ensuring institutions have the financial insights they need to thrive.

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