Dynamics 365 F&O: Deep Dive into Financials (MB-310)

MB310, Microsoft Dynamics 365, D365 Finance and Operations, Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, D365 F&O, Dynamics AX

What you'll learn

Creating Financial dimensions and Dimension values
Configuring Accounting structures
Creation and Generation of Number Sequences
Creation of Journal names
Understanding Journal control and posting restrictions
Setting up the Vendor posting profiles
Generate a Trial Balance
Dimension sets
Date Intervals
Simple and complex workflow configurations
Define Vendor groups and posting profiles.
Process Vendor payments
Customer creation
Sales order processing

This course includes

6 hours of on-demand video
1 article
Access on mobile and TV
Certificate of completion

Requirements

Good internet access and basic computer knowledgeBasic understanding of the business processes of an organizationUnderstanding accounting basics. When approaching this course, it is helpful to recognize that while Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations has been engineered with user-friendliness in mind, it remains an enterprise-grade system with layers of interconnected modules. Therefore, a few baseline requirements are recommended to ensure that learners can extract the maximum value from the training experience. The first requirement is reliable internet connectivity. Since the course is delivered entirely online through video demonstrations and practice materials, uninterrupted access is crucial. Beyond simply streaming the sessions, you may also need to download files, access the D365 environment, or revisit specific lectures multiple times to reinforce your understanding. A stable internet connection ensures that you can engage with the course without distractions caused by buffering delays or dropped sessions. In addition, basic computer literacy is strongly advised. Participants are expected to be comfortable with navigating Windows environments, working with browsers, and using common tools such as spreadsheets or word processing applications. Although the system itself is intuitive, there are scenarios where you will switch between D365, Excel, and reporting tools, and fluency with these applications will allow you to focus on the course content rather than troubleshooting simple navigation issues.

The second requirement is a fundamental understanding of organizational business processes. Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is not an isolated software but a representation of how real-world organizations function. Processes like procure-to-pay, order-to-cash, record-to-report, and budget-to-actual are the lifeblood of enterprises. Learners who already have a conceptual awareness of how goods are purchased, how services are delivered, how vendors are paid, and how customers are invoiced will find it far easier to contextualize the system configurations. For instance, when configuring a vendor posting profile, it helps to know why vendors are grouped in certain ways, how invoices are settled, and how liabilities are tracked. Similarly, when dealing with customer creation, understanding the flow from sales order to revenue recognition makes the technical configuration intuitive rather than abstract.

The third requirement relates to a grasp of basic accounting principles. You do not need to be a chartered accountant or a seasoned financial controller, but familiarity with debits and credits, ledgers, trial balances, and journal entries will go a long way. Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is essentially a digital manifestation of accounting practices, and without at least a rudimentary knowledge of these, learners may find themselves lost when the system posts transactions automatically in the background. Knowing why an accounts payable entry increases liabilities, or why an expense needs to be matched with a cost center, allows you to make sense of the configurations demonstrated. The course guides how the system handles these concepts, but a foundation in accounting ensures you absorb the reasoning instead of memorizing the mechanics.

Another recommendation, though not mandatory, is to have some familiarity with ERP systems in general. Learners who have worked on legacy systems like Dynamics AX 2009 or AX 2012, or even non-Microsoft ERPs such as SAP or Oracle, will recognize recurring concepts. For instance, the notion of posting profiles in D365 is similar in spirit to account determination in SAP. Even if your past exposure is limited to assisting with data entry or running reports in a smaller ERP system, that experience can accelerate your comprehension.

Finally, completion of Part 1 of this course series is highly encouraged. Part 1 covers the foundational settings that are often prerequisites for the configurations explained in Part 2. For example, financial dimensions in this part rely on understanding the ledger setup explained earlier, and workflows in this part assume you have already learned how to activate modules. Skipping Part 1 does not make this course impossible to follow, but it does increase the learning curve. Learners who are entirely new to D365 and accounting may find themselves overwhelmed if they dive straight into Part 2 without the grounding provided in the first installment.

In short, the requirements are intentionally light to make the course accessible to a wide audience. All you need is a reliable internet connection, basic computer literacy, an awareness of how businesses function, and a grasp of accounting fundamentals. Beyond this, curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to experiment within the D365 environment will be your most valuable assets. With these elements in place, you will not only understand the demonstrations but also begin to visualize how these configurations apply to real-world organizational scenarios.

Description

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is not merely an enterprise software but a comprehensive ecosystem designed to weave together the threads of finance, operations, compliance, and decision-making into a single unified platform. This course, which is the second installment in the three-part MB-310 series, builds upon the foundation established in Part 1 and carefully guides learners through intermediate and advanced financial topics. The material is structured in a narrative format so that even those with minimal experience can follow along. At the same time, those with prior knowledge will gain new insights into areas that are frequently overlooked or underexplained. The heart of Part 2 lies in mastering the essential financial configuration elements that shape the daily functioning of D365 Finance and Operations. At its core, this involves understanding number sequences, financial dimensions, account structures, posting profiles, journal controls, workflows, and payment processing. Each of these topics may appear discrete at first glance, yet when combined, they form the latticework of financial integrity inside the system.

Number sequences represent the most rudimentary yet indispensable mechanism for ensuring order and coherence in data entry. They define how vouchers, invoices, purchase orders, and customer records are labeled. In this course, learners are not only shown how to create number sequences but also how to manage scope parameters, adjust formats, handle continuous versus non-continuous options, and monitor the impact on database performance. Real-world illustrations are provided, such as setting up independent number sequences for intercompany transactions versus retail operations, so participants understand how design decisions resonate across reporting and audit requirements.

The module on financial dimensions explores the subtleties of analytical accounting within D365. While many courses stop at a superficial explanation, this training examines the philosophy behind dimensions. Learners will understand that dimensions are more than data fields; they are the interpretative lenses through which executives and auditors view the health of an enterprise. Participants will practice creating dimension values for departments, projects, regions, or product lines. They will also learn how to configure user-defined dimensions that extend beyond traditional categories, enabling organizations to capture industry-specific information such as environmental costs, sustainability initiatives, or compliance-driven allocations. With detailed walkthroughs, learners will see how dimensions can be applied to journal entries, sales orders, or vendor invoices, creating a multidimensional ledger that supports nuanced analysis.

Configuring account structures requires a careful blend of technical knowledge and business acumen. The course explains how to design account structures that correspond to an organization’s chart of accounts. Instead of generic definitions, scenarios are used to demonstrate how manufacturing firms, service organizations, and retail businesses may design different structures. The principle of allowing valid dimension combinations is explored in detail, showing how an account structure acts as a gatekeeper that blocks illogical or prohibited postings. For instance, a project-related expense account may only be paired with certain cost centers, preventing users from accidentally assigning it to irrelevant departments. By configuring these restrictions, learners will understand how the system itself becomes a silent auditor, reducing downstream reconciliation efforts.

The section on journal names brings participants into the operational reality of financial postings. Journals are the vessels through which every financial transaction eventually enters the ledger. By creating journal names, learners define categories for transactions such as general journals, fixed asset journals, or payment journals. The course explains the impact of parameters such as approval requirements, voucher series assignment, and default offset accounts. Practical examples include configuring a recurring journal for monthly accruals or setting up an approval journal that requires managerial oversight before postings are committed.

Journal control and posting restrictions add another layer of governance. This part of the training demonstrates how to configure who can post what, under which conditions, and within what temporal boundaries. For example, learners will see how to restrict postings to specific users, enforce posting dates within an open fiscal period, and create approval chains that safeguard the ledger from erroneous or fraudulent entries. Through these settings, participants appreciate how D365 supports corporate governance frameworks and compliance with standards like SOX or IFRS.

Workflows represent the living processes of organizations translated into digital rules. In this module, both simple and complex workflows are explored. Learners are shown how to design a basic workflow that approves a single journal entry as well as a complex multi-tier workflow that handles vendor invoices with escalation paths, rejections, and conditional approvals. The nuances of workflow hierarchies, notification methods, and exception handling are explained in depth. Participants also see how workflows contribute to efficiency by eliminating manual interventions while simultaneously strengthening audit trails.

Vendor posting profiles form the bridge between sub-ledger entries and the general ledger. Learners discover how to define posting profiles for vendors, ensuring that each transaction flows seamlessly from accounts payable into the correct ledger accounts. Case examples cover trade vendors, employee vendors, and project vendors. Particular attention is given to mapping scenarios where different groups of vendors must be routed into separate accounts based on tax laws, regional practices, or internal reporting requirements. Parallel to this, customer creation and posting profiles are introduced, emphasizing the similarities and differences in configuring accounts receivable. Learners will see how setting up appropriate posting profiles ensures that revenue, receivables, and cash receipts are systematically aligned with corporate financial policies.

The section on vendor groups and payments illuminates how large enterprises manage complexity in accounts payable. By creating vendor groups, learners can assign standardized payment terms, cash discounts, and posting rules to clusters of vendors. The course then progresses into actual payment processing, where learners practice executing vendor settlements, generating electronic payments, printing checks, and reconciling them with bank statements. By simulating payment runs, participants develop the dexterity needed to handle real-world month-end and year-end closing tasks.

Sales order processing is covered not just from an operational perspective but from its financial implications. Learners create customers, generate sales orders, confirm them, post packing slips, and finally post invoices. Each step is analyzed to show its impact on the general ledger. This integrative approach reinforces the idea that finance and operations are not separate silos in D365 but interdependent flows of activity.

The module on trial balance reporting introduces learners to one of the most essential tools for financial control. Generating a trial balance, configuring dimension sets, and setting up date intervals are explained step by step. Learners develop the ability to produce reports that accurately reflect an organization's health. They also learn how to interpret results, identify anomalies, and prepare for external audits. This module underscores how reporting is not a passive activity but an active mechanism for governance and decision-making.

Beyond the technical details, the course stresses why these skills matter. D365 Finance and Operations is not a theoretical system but a practical environment used by global corporations, mid-sized firms, and public institutions alike. Configuring it correctly ensures financial stability, compliance, and efficiency. Misconfigurations, on the other hand, can result in cascading errors, misstatements, and regulatory penalties. By mastering the topics in this course, learners equip themselves with the capability to safeguard financial systems and enhance organizational value.

Who this course is for

Dynamics 365 F&O Consultants who want to get certified on MB-310
ERP consultants who want to start their career in D365 F&O as Financial consultants
Consultants who have experience with AX2009 and Dynamics AX2012 and want to upgrade their skills with D365 F&O
Business analysts, auditors, and finance professionals who wish to gain operational fluency in D365 Finance modules

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations: Financials Part 2/3 is a critical stage in developing expertise within the MB-310 certification pathway. By investing six hours in this guided training, learners acquire not only the theoretical understanding but also the practical confidence to configure, test, and manage financial processes. With topics ranging from number sequences to workflows and from vendor profiles to trial balance reports, this course delivers a panoramic yet detailed exploration of financial operations in D365. It is designed to empower learners to transition smoothly into client projects, certification exams, or internal organizational roles. The intricate nature of D365 Finance and Operations requires patience and practice, and this course provides both structure and depth. Those who complete it will find themselves prepared not only for Part 3 of the series but for real-world financial consulting challenges where accuracy, compliance, and adaptability are paramount.

Course Benefits

One of the most defining aspects of this course is the way it has been structured to deliver tangible benefits to learners across different backgrounds. While Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the sheer breadth of its modules, the design of this training ensures clarity, gradual progression, and applicability. Learners are not simply watching demonstrations but are guided through each configuration step, shown the reasoning behind every decision, and provided with scenarios that mimic real business conditions. By taking this course, learners benefit from more than technical know-how; they acquire a skill set that is directly aligned with certification requirements and practical consulting engagements.

Key benefits include:

• Career advancement opportunities in ERP consulting and finance domains
  
  

• Structured content that follows a logical sequence rather than being fragmented learning
  
  

• Practical, scenario-driven demonstrations that reflect real organizational challenges
  
  

• Improved readiness for the MB-310 certification exam
  
  

• Confidence in handling Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations configurations independently
  
  

The first and most obvious benefit is career advancement. Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations has cemented itself as one of the dominant ERP platforms across industries ranging from manufacturing and retail to finance, logistics, and services. Companies continue to migrate from older systems such as AX2009 and AX2012 into D365 Finance and Operations. This shift has created immense demand for consultants, analysts, and finance specialists who are fluent in the platform. Completing this course positions learners in a favorable place to seize these opportunities. Whether you are preparing for the MB-310 certification or hoping to secure a role as a junior consultant, this training gives you the toolkit necessary to demonstrate competence and confidence. The benefit here is not only theoretical knowledge but also employability and credibility in the marketplace.

A second benefit lies in the structured nature of the content. Many learners begin their Dynamics journey through fragmented resources: short tutorials, scattered documents, or trial-and-error exploration inside the system. While such methods provide glimpses of understanding, they often leave learners with gaps and uncertainties. This course removes that ambiguity by presenting topics in a deliberate sequence. Number sequences are covered before journal names because the latter depend on the former. Financial dimensions are explained before account structures, so learners can understand how they integrate. Workflows are demonstrated after journal controls so that participants can appreciate how they interact. This sequencing ensures that learners progress in a logical flow, where each new module builds upon what has already been explained.

The third benefit is the inclusion of practical examples that mirror real organizational challenges. For instance, when configuring vendor posting profiles, the course demonstrates how an international company might create separate accounts for domestic and foreign vendors to comply with tax laws. When generating a trial balance, learners see how dimension sets are used by management to analyze profitability across business units. These examples give learners a strong sense of how their training will be applied in day-to-day consulting or in-house financial management. Rather than memorizing screens and settings, participants begin to think like functional consultants, understanding not just how to configure something but also why it is configured in that manner.

Student Support

Student support is another crucial area where this course distinguishes itself. Learning a system as expansive as Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations inevitably generates questions. Some learners may struggle with the conceptual link between financial dimensions and account structures, while others may find workflows complex when multiple approvals are required. To address these challenges, dedicated support is made available. Students are encouraged to raise queries, seek clarification, and engage with the instructor. The responses are not generic answers but targeted explanations that bridge the learner’s gap. This means you are never left stranded with doubts but are guided back on track promptly.

Forms of support include:

• Direct guidance for resolving questions related to specific modules
  
  

• Access to supplementary resources and references for deeper study
  
  

• Suggested assignments and exercises for practical reinforcement
  
  

• Exam-oriented tips and strategies for MB-310 preparation
  
  

• Flexible access via mobile devices and TV for studying on the go
  
  

• Opportunities to connect with peers and exchange experiences
  
  

Beyond reactive support, the course also emphasizes proactive engagement. Supplementary materials are provided to reinforce key topics, ensuring learners have reference points even after completing a module. Periodic assignments and practice tasks are suggested so students can immediately apply what they have learned in a simulated environment. This active engagement transforms learners from passive watchers into active participants, which enhances retention and builds confidence. For those preparing for certification exams like MB-310, student support extends into exam-oriented guidance, such as highlighting areas frequently tested, explaining the logic behind multiple-choice questions, and offering tips on time management during the exam.

Another dimension of support lies in the accessibility of the course itself. With availability on both mobile devices and televisions, learners can study in whatever setting is most comfortable for them. A professional consultant may choose to review a lecture during travel, while a student might prefer to cast the sessions on a larger screen for a classroom-style experience. This flexibility accommodates diverse lifestyles and ensures that no learner is constrained by physical or logistical limitations.

Support also comes in the form of a learning community. Engaging with peers who are on the same journey allows learners to share experiences, ask broader questions, and gain insights into how others are applying the knowledge. This collaborative element provides encouragement, breaks the isolation often felt in self-paced courses, and offers new perspectives that might not be covered directly in the lessons. Together, these different aspects of support create a safety net where learners feel guided, motivated, and equipped to keep progressing.

Updates and Enhancements

Equally significant are the updates and enhancements made to the course over time. The world of enterprise software is not static; Microsoft continuously refines Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, releasing periodic updates that introduce new features, modify workflows, or adjust interfaces. A course that remains frozen at the time of its original publication risks becoming outdated quickly. To counter this, the course is designed with adaptability in mind. Updates are added whenever Microsoft introduces significant changes to the platform, ensuring learners are always studying the most relevant material. For example, if a new reporting tool or workflow option becomes available in a recent release, the course content is expanded to cover it. Learners thus benefit from ongoing enhancement rather than being left behind by technological evolution.

Highlights of updates and enhancements:

• Periodic revisions aligned with Microsoft’s release cycles
  
  

• Additional demonstrations are added when new features appear.
  
  

• Refinements made based on recurring student questions
  
  

• Supplementary notes provided for complex topics
  
  

• Assurance that course knowledge reflects current system capabilities
  
  

This commitment to updates extends to the learning materials as well. If learners raise recurring questions on a particular topic, supplementary explanations or additional demonstrations may be added to the course. This creates a dynamic learning environment that evolves in response to both platform changes and student needs. As a result, students who enroll in this course are not simply purchasing a static package but gaining access to a continually refined resource.

There is also a more subtle benefit that comes from this evolving design: confidence. Learners know they are not studying obsolete methods or outdated interfaces, but are receiving guidance that reflects the current state of Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. This confidence translates into their workplace, where they can contribute with the assurance that their knowledge is contemporary and accurate. For consultants, this is invaluable, as clients expect up-to-date expertise. For in-house finance professionals, it means implementing processes that align with the latest best practices and system capabilities.

In the long term, this commitment to updates ensures that the course remains not just a one-time learning resource but an ongoing companion. Learners who revisit the content months or even years later will find that it has evolved alongside the platform. This approach acknowledges the reality that learning is not static; professionals need to refresh and refine their knowledge as systems change. With updates and enhancements consistently integrated, learners can rely on the course as a trustworthy reference long after their first completion.