New Electric Cooperative Accounting Professional Learning Path
Designed for professionals new to the electric cooperative industry, this learning path builds a strong foundation for accounting, finance, and analyst roles for the electric cooperative professional. Courses progress logically from industry fundamentals to RUS accounting standards, work order and construction accounting, financial analysis, and performance measurement.
All of the courses in every learning path are included with an annual membership!
About this learning path
This learning path is designed for professionals who are new to the electric cooperative industry or moving into accounting, finance, or analyst roles. It provides a clear, structured sequence of courses that build foundational knowledge before the new professional takes more advanced courses in accounting standards, work order accounting, financial analysis, and performance measurement.
Completing this learning path will give you the skills to:
Understand how electric co-ops are structured and regulated.
Know how to apply RUS accounting fundamentals in real utility environments.
Know the fundamentals of RUS construction and work order accounting.
Read and interpret electric co-op financial statements with confidence.
Understand how costs flow into rates and revenue requirements.
Know how to use key performance indicators to support better operational and financial decisions.
Know strategies for managing cash reserves and patronage capital.
Receive 8.5 hours of NASBA Certified Professional Education Credits (credits awarded for each class).
Earn a Cooperative Accounting Foundations Certificate and a verifiable digital badge upon completion—ready to add to your professional profile.
This learning path is for:
- New cooperative accounting and finance staff
- Analysts moving into cooperative finance or accounting roles
- Professionals new to cooperatives
- Supervisors onboarding new team members
- Auditors of cooperatives
"I was new to co-op accounting and these courses gave me a clear, practical overview of the RUS chart of accounts and work order accounting. I can now do my job effectively and think about ways we can make our accounting process work better.
Ashley
Co-op Accountant
This learning path includes the following courses:
Comprehensive Introduction to the Electric Industry: How the Power Business Really Works
Value: $127.00 Included!
If you’re new to the electric industry, this in-depth introduction explains how power is delivered to customers, how utilities are regulated, who does the work, and how electric rates are created. (2.00 credits)
RUS Accounting 101 - Essential Guide to Electric Co-op Accounting
Value: $157.00 Included!
The RUS USOA sets the standard for co-op accounting. Learn how to use it confidently with real-world examples and proven techniques. (1.50 credits)
Mastering Electric Construction Cost Accounting Under FERC & RUS Standards
Value: $157.00 Included!
FERC and RUS define the gold-standard for electric construction accounting. In this course, you’ll learn exactly how to apply those rules so your construction costs are accurate, defensible, and fully recovered through rates. (2.00 credits)
Co-op and Utility Rate Study Fundamentals: Building Revenue Requirements, Cost of Service, and Rates
Value: $97.00 Included!
A practical introduction to utility rate studies—learn the ratemaking process, from revenue requirements and cost allocation to cost-of-service analysis and designing fair, defensible rates. (CPE credits -1.00)
Understanding and Reviewing Financial Statements: Clear Insights for Better Decisions
Value: $77.00 Included!
If you’re new to electric utility finance, on a board, or in management, financial statements can feel overwhelming. This course shows you what matters, what doesn’t, and the questions that drive better decisions. (CPE credits - 0.50)
Evaluating and Using Key Performance Indicators to Drive Better Performance
Value: $67.00 Included!
If you provide financial insight or approve electric finance, rate, or strategy decisions, this course delivers a clear overview of key performance indicators and how they guide better management decisions. (CPE credits -0.50)
Strategies to Optimize Patronage Capital and Cash Reserves
Value: $97.00 Included!
Patronage capital is a critical financing tool for electric cooperative operations and projects. This class explains how patronage capital works and how to determine optimal cash reserve levels. (1.00 credits)
Taught by a nationally recognized utility accounting expert
Russ Hissom
CPA
Russ Hissom, CPA, is a national utility accounting and rate expert with 35+ years of experience helping electric cooperatives and electric, gas, water, wastewater, and broadband utilities improve accounting and work order processes, strengthen financial performance, enhance operational excellence, support strategy development and implementation, and design fair, sustainable rates.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The learning path includes a structured path of on-demand courses covering cooperative accounting fundamentals, financial reporting, construction accounting, rates, and RUS standards. It is designed to build confidence and practical understanding for professionals new to the electric cooperative industry.
Course access is unlimited after purchase.
This learning path adds to your knowledge, making your career skills deeper and giving you tools to provide value to your organization.
The information is taken from industry best practices, real-life examples, and the experience of the instructor in providing practical solutions to power and utilities organizations.
The course number of CPE hours are shown in the course description. You'll receive a course completion certificate that also shows the number of CPE hours when you complete 100% of the course and take the course quiz. CPE hours are computed based on a 50 minute presentation hour.
Utility Accounting and Rates Specialists, LLC is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: NASBAregistry.org.
All course materials can be downloaded for each lessons. These include course slides, exercises, and Excel templates that can be tailored to your organization.
Upon completion, participants earn a Cooperative Accounting Foundations Certificate and a verifiable digital badge. The certificate documents course completion for professional records, while the digital badge provides a shareable, online credential that can be added to professional profiles (such as LinkedIn) to demonstrate foundational cooperative accounting knowledge.
This course also includes:
- $859 value - save 55% over individual course prices
- All course downloads and templates you can tailor to your organization
- 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
- Study on your own terms with 24/7 access
- Revisit any lesson as many times as you like
- Access from anywhere across multiple devices
We Have Served Over 1,000 Professionals from All Experience Levels!
What Our Students Say
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Utility Accounting and Rates Specialists, LLC is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: NASBAregistry.org.
Course Accreditation, Requirements, and Refund and Cancellation Policy
Course #: AT-2,AT-3, FT-4, FT-6, B-1
Program Level: Basic
Area of Study: Accounting - Technical
Delivery: QAS Self Study
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
CPE Credits: 8.50 total for all classes
Last Reviewed: 8.1.24
Access Period: 12 months
Exam Questions: 5
Passing Grade: 70%
Retakes: Unlimited
Refunds and cancellations: Requests for refunds must be made in writing within 30 days for purchasing the course. No refunds will be granted after the qualified assessment has been completed. For any concerns, please contact us at 608 628 4020 or at [email protected].