Applied Accounting

by Richard Beck, Marina Chalmers, Gauda Johannes Maseko

Applied Accounting is tailored to meet the needs of students taking a first year course in Financial accounting as part of a Diploma in Accounting or a National Diploma (Accounting) both in terms of the curriculum covered and it terms of the approach toward teaching and learning. The book is suitable even for students who may not have taken Accounting at Grade 12 level as it bridges the gap between school and the first level of tertiary study. The book does this by referencing prior knowledge covered at school level and by scaffolding the level of conceptual engagement. Furthermore, students are exposed to every day financial objects or transactions such what a cheque is, or how internet banking works and understanding is supported through the use of photographs, source documents and links to video clips and audio clips as well as instructions on practical activities. Language is pitched at a level accessible to first-year students, starting simply and progressively
introducing students to the appropriate-level of Accounting discourse. Explanations are given in a step-by-step manner and explain to students why they are doing what they are doing. The text immediately highlights the key take-home points for the student. The text is extremely practical with plenty of exercises for students to practise, either alone in in pair work and group work encouraging interactive learning. In-text diagrams and tables further clarify concepts while online assessments provide further reinforcement of concepts. Applied Accounting also aims to inculcate a sense work readiness and work ethics by teaching basic Life skills and how to self-manage.

512 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2017

About the author

Richard Beck is a prominent Christian psychologist, author, professor, and blogger who bridges the worlds of psychology, theology, and faith. He serves as Professor of Psychology (and former Department Chair) at Abilene Christian University (ACU), a Christian institution in Texas.

He is also the Senior Fellow of the Saunders Center for Joy and Human Flourishing (sometimes referred to as the Landon Saunders Center), where he explores topics like joy, mental health, transcendence, and human well-being through a psychological and spiritual lens.

As an experimental psychologist, Beck's academic work often focuses on the psychology of religion, including how faith functions defensively or existentially, the integration of theology with social sciences, and issues like spirituality, purity/disgust psychology, death anxiety, and Christian mental health.

He is best known for his accessible, thought-provoking writing that integrates psychological insights with Christian theology—often challenging conventional evangelical assumptions while remaining deeply rooted in faith.

His popular blog-turned-Substack, Experimental Theology (originally at experimentaltheology.blogspot.com and now on Substack as "Experimental Theology with Richard Beck"), features near-daily posts "drawing large and startling figures" at the intersection of faith and psychology.
It's widely read for its blend of research, personal reflection, cultural critique, and spiritual exploration.