Unit 2 • Lesson 10.8h
Launch: The Month-End Closing Crisis
To establish the founder problem and unit scoreboard before teaching accounting procedures or automation.
What You'll Learn
- ▶Understand why delayed month-end closing hurts a growing business
- ▶Identify the month-end close workflow scoreboard: timing, accuracy, compliance
- ▶Explain the business consequences of manual closing processes
- ▶Recognize what adjustments make month-end closing necessary
Key Concepts
Month-end closing workflow as a business-control process
Timing differences between cash and accrual accounting
Adjusting entries: accruals and deferrals
+2 more concepts
Lesson Phases
This lesson follows a structured 6-phase learning model designed for authentic project-based learning.
Hook
Experience the chaos of manual month-end closing through an interactive CFO crisis scenario
Introduction
Learn about month-end closing challenges and the business case for automation
Guided Practice
Explore GAAP requirements for accruals, deferrals, and adjusting entries
Independent Practice
Analyze month-end procedures and identify automation opportunities
Assessment
Complete formative assessment on month-end closing concepts and GAAP compliance
Closing
Reflect on the competitive advantage of automated financial processes
How You'll Learn
Launch the month-end close crisis through Sarah's founder story
Establish the unit scoreboard before teaching procedures
Create business urgency around timely closing