New Training Sessions Help Build Core Accounting Knowledge
As UC Davis transitioned to Aggie Enterprise, staff began working in a more robust, accounting-forward system. While many brought strong financial experience, levels of formal accounting knowledge varied, highlighting the need for a shared foundation to help staff navigate complex processes with confidence.
That need became clear when Finance teams began seeing common questions surface through help desk requests and office hours, pointing to gaps in foundational accounting knowledge and how it applied in the new system.
“The accounting is the same, but the terminology and the way you navigate the system are very different,” said Taylor Urban, director of Accounting and Financial Reporting. “It’s almost like learning a new language.”
To address this need, Urban partnered with Aggie Enterprise Change, Communications and Training Manager Henrique Teixeira to lead a cross-functional effort to develop the Accounting Fundamentals series. The goal was to build shared understanding and connect core accounting concepts to day-to-day work across UC Davis.
A practical approach to a complex need
Aggie Enterprise offers greater transparency and stronger financial controls, but it also requires users to understand concepts such as debits, credits and how transactions flow through multiple ledgers.
Rather than building a large training program, the team launched monthly, one-hour sessions that build knowledge over time. Topics range from the accounting equation to the general ledger, subledgers and journals. Each session introduces key concepts and demonstrates how they apply within Aggie Enterprise. Live sessions allow for real-time questions, while recordings support onboarding and ongoing learning.
Across four sessions, the series has generated 801 registrations and 505 live attendees, reflecting strong engagement across a decentralized campus. The sessions are especially valuable for smaller departments, where staff may be the sole person managing financial tasks and may not have access to the same level of local training or support.
Improving accuracy and stewardship
The sessions help reduce errors, improve data quality and support more informed decision-making. Staff are better equipped to interpret reports, understand system-generated entries and manage university resources effectively.
“The goal is to give people a foundation so they understand the ‘why’ behind what they’re doing, not just how to complete a task,” said Teixeira. “Having a basic understanding of these concepts helps people understand what they are seeing in the system and make better decisions.”
A collaborative effort
The Accounting Fundamentals series reflects close collaboration between Finance and the Office of Business Transformation in Administrative Innovation and Technology. By combining subject matter expertise with training strategy, the team developed a practical approach to building accounting knowledge across campus.
Together, the initiative demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration and practical learning can make complex systems easier to understand and strengthen university operations.