Empowering the Next Generation: My QuickBooks Workshop at the University of Oregon Software in Business Club
Last week, I had the pleasure of presenting a hands-on QuickBooks Online workshop to the talented students in the University of Oregon's Software in Business Club. We dove into practical accounting workflows using QuickBooks Online (QBO), tailored to help future business leaders build strong financial foundations.
We covered the essentials step by step:
Exploring and customizing the Chart of Accounts to ensure accurate categorization of business data.
Managing the operational cycle, including creating invoices for money coming in and setting up bills for money going out—highlighting their direct impact on financial statements.
Emphasizing data integrity through the three pillars of matching: bank feeds (the evidence), internal transactions (the record), and source documents (the proof). We practiced reviewing auto-matches in the Banking section and verifying accuracy to maintain clean, reliable books.
We wrapped up with team breakouts analyzing key reports like Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and AR Aging, turning raw data into actionable insights for better decision-making.
As a special bonus, I shared my favorite topic: the magic of compounding interest—what Warren Buffett calls the 8th Wonder of the World. We walked through a classic example of three savers investing the same amount over time but starting at different ages, illustrating how time and consistent contributions lead to dramatically different outcomes.
These bright students showed incredible curiosity, sharp questions, and real enthusiasm for applying these tools in real-world scenarios. They have incredible futures ahead—whether launching startups, leading teams, or driving innovation in Oregon's vibrant business community!
It was an honor to share insights drawn from 32+ years of corporate finance and operations—now delivered through Willamette Way Bookkeeping & Consulting™ to Oregon small businesses. Thank you to the University of Oregon’s Software in Business Club for the invitation!
Ready for clean books, clear insights, and more time to focus on what you love? Visit www.willametteway.com to learn more or schedule a free consultation.
A collage of images from Willamette Way’s Quickbooks Workshop for the University of Oregon’s Software in Business Club.
