Financials in Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations – MB-310 Study

This course is a carefully structured introduction to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, focusing primarily on financial modules and practical configuration for consultants preparing for the MB-310 certification. It is the second installment in a three-part learning journey, crafted especially for beginners and early practitioners who aspire to transition into the role of a Dynamics 365 Finance consultant.

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is an extensive system designed to manage global financial operations, automate accounting processes, and maintain compliance across jurisdictions. This training highlights how to configure and execute essential tasks such as financial dimensions, journal controls, posting profiles, vendor setups, customer processing, and workflows. The material not only builds a solid grounding but also familiarizes you with uncommon configurations and subtle intricacies that consultants often overlook.

By the end of this part of the course, you will have the dexterity to configure critical financial processes, set up accounting structures, and process transactions in a way that mirrors real-world enterprise requirements. While it remains a beginner-focused course, it adopts a pragmatic approach that allows you to practice scenarios directly applicable to consulting projects.

What you will learn

• Creation and administration of financial dimensions and their associated values
  
  

• Configuring accounting structures with valid dimension combinations
  
  

• Establishing and generating number sequences for financial operations
  
  

• Setting up and managing journal names with advanced parameters
  
  

• Understanding journal controls and posting restrictions
  
  

• Vendor posting profiles and vendor group configurations
  
  

• Trial balance generation and analysis
  
  

• Dimension sets and their impact on reporting
  
  

• Date intervals and fiscal period management
  
  

• Workflow configurations ranging from simple approval chains to complex routing
  
  

• Customer creation and posting profiles for receivables
  
  

• Sales order processing, including free-text invoices
  
  

• Applying charges automatically to sales and purchase orders
  
  

• Charge code creation and utilization in transaction postings
  
  

• Vendor payment processes and reconciliation
  
  

Course inclusions

• 6 hours of on-demand video content with step-by-step demonstrations
  
  

• One article is designed to reinforce concepts with concise explanations
  
  

• Lifetime access on mobile devices and smart TVs
  
  

• A certificate of completion for learners who finish all modules
  
  

Requirements

• A stable internet connection and basic computing literacy
  
  

• Familiarity with the underlying business processes of an enterprise
  
  

• A foundational understanding of accounting principles
  
  

• Completion of Part 1 of this series or equivalent knowledge of its topics
  
  

Why take this course

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is becoming the cornerstone for financial management in modern enterprises. Consultants who understand how to configure, test, and deploy these modules are in high demand across industries.

This course is particularly suitable for those who wish to:

• Build a professional career in Dynamics 365 Finance consulting
  
  

• Transition from ERP systems such as AX2009 or AX2012 into the new Dynamics 365 environment
  
  

• Prepare for the MB-310 exam with a comprehensive overview of the required topics..
  
  

• Gain practical exposure to financial setups without needing a prior advanced background.nd
  
  

Unlike purely theoretical courses, this curriculum includes practical demonstrations with illustrative scenarios, enabling learners to grasp both conceptual and operational aspects of Dynamics 365.

Topics covered

Number sequences

Number sequences form the backbone of record identification in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. In this module, you will learn how to create, configure, and generate number sequences for journals, vendors, customers, and transactions. The session explores continuous versus non-continuous sequences, segment structures, and best practices for managing gaps. Learners will also see how the incorrect configuration of number sequences may result in data inconsistencies or hinder transaction posting.

Financial dimensions and values

Financial dimensions allow organizations to segment financial data for more precise reporting and analysis. This module demonstrates how to create dimensions, assign values, and associate them with entities such as cost centers, departments, or projects. Special emphasis is placed on dimension hierarchies, integration with account structures, and rare practices such as custom dimension security.

Configuring account structures

An account structure defines the rules for how main accounts and dimensions combine during transaction entry. The course will walk through creating structures that include mandatory and optional segments, as well as restricting combinations to prevent erroneous data entry. Consultants will learn to balance flexibility with compliance, ensuring that transactions align with reporting obligations and managerial requirements.

Valid dimension combinations

Building on account structures, this segment delves into defining valid combinations of dimensions. Learners will configure rules that prohibit incompatible pairings, such as linking a particular department with an unrelated project. The importance of these controls in preserving data sanctity and improving financial analysis will be highlighted with practical demonstrations.

Journal names and parameters

Journals are essential for recording financial transactions in Dynamics 365. This section explains how to create journal names, assign approval workflows, and configure parameters such as private versus shared usage. Learners will uncover how journal name configuration influences posting permissions, audit controls, and transaction categorization.

Journal control and posting restrictions

Organizations often require limitations on who can post or approve certain journals. This module teaches how to configure journal controls, including restrictions based on user groups, account ranges, and dimension values. Consultants will also learn how posting restrictions improve governance, reduce errors, and enforce segregation of duties within financial departments.

Simple and complex workflows

Workflows automate approval processes for journals, purchase orders, and vendor payments. The course explains the fundamentals of simple workflows and gradually moves into advanced routing scenarios. You will configure workflows that include escalation hierarchies, conditional approvals, and custom notifications. The module encourages creative workflow design that balances efficiency with compliance.

Vendor posting profiles

Vendor posting profiles determine how transactions flow into the general ledger. This segment introduces vendor groups, posting profile hierarchies, and mappings to main accounts. You will explore scenarios where multiple profiles are required, such as for domestic and foreign vendors, or vendors linked to projects.

Trial balance generation

Producing a trial balance is a critical step in financial control. The course guides you through generating trial balances, filtering by dimension sets, and interpreting reports. Learners will understand how trial balances provide early detection of misstatements and serve as the foundation for statutory reporting.

Dimension sets

Dimension sets allow consultants to group financial dimensions for reporting purposes. This module explains how to configure sets for managerial analysis, such as revenue by department or expense by region. Participants will explore techniques to design sets that align with an organization’s reporting taxonomy.

Date intervals

Date intervals simplify financial reporting and inquiry by allowing predefined ranges, such as last month, last quarter, or fiscal year-to-date. You will configure custom intervals and understand how they integrate with reporting and analysis features. The ability to configure rare but useful intervals, such as rolling 13-month periods, is also discussed.

Customer creation and posting profiles

This section covers creating customers, configuring posting profiles, and linking them to receivable accounts. Learners will understand how customer profiles mirror vendor posting profiles, yet involve unique considerations for sales order processing and invoice settlement.

Sales order processing

The course explains how to create, confirm, and post sales orders. Special focus is given to the linkage between sales orders, financial postings, and dimension tracking. The module also introduces learners to free text invoices, emphasizing their utility in service-oriented organizations.

Applying charges automatically to orders

Charges are supplementary costs that must be added to transactions, such as freight, insurance, or customs duties. In this module, learners will configure charge codes and automate their application to sales and purchase orders. Scenarios such as fixed charges per order, percentage-based charges, and conditional application are covered in depth. Consultants will recognize how automating charges ensures consistent cost allocation and avoids overlooked expenses.

Vendor payments

Vendor payment processing is a vital routine in any enterprise. This module demonstrates how to configure payment methods, generate payment proposals, and execute settlements. Learners will understand how payment journal creation integrates with workflows and posting profiles. Special attention is given to international payment methods and reconciliation techniques.

Who this course is for

• Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations consultants preparing for the MB-310 certification exam
  
  

• ERP consultants beginning their careers in the Dynamics 365 Finance modules
  
  

• Professionals with experience in Microsoft Dynamics AX2009 or AX2012 who wish to upgrade their expertise in D365 Finance and Operations
  
  

• Business analysts and accounting practitioners who want to extend their knowledge into enterprise-level ERP systems

Course Benefits

Enrolling in this Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations training provides learners with a spectrum of advantages that extend far beyond conventional tutorials. One of the key benefits is its practical emphasis, ensuring that every concept introduced is immediately contextualized within real system configurations. Instead of abstract accounting lectures, participants will be engaging with tangible setups inside the ERP environment. This approach accelerates familiarity with the user interface and instills confidence in handling intricate processes.

Another benefit lies in the modular breakdown of topics. Learners are not overwhelmed with complex jargon from the outset. Instead, each area of financial configuration, such as dimension creation, workflow setup, or posting profile mapping, is introduced progressively. This layering of knowledge prevents cognitive overload and allows participants to consolidate their learning before moving on to the next concept.

The course also enhances problem-solving acumen by encouraging learners to think critically about why certain configurations are necessary. For instance, when working on account structures, students are guided to contemplate not only how to define combinations but also the implications of restricting certain values. This fosters analytical judgment, a quality that distinguishes a proficient consultant from a mere end user.

A distinctive benefit of this training is the integration of rare or seldom-discussed features. Many courses overlook subjects such as automated charge application, custom date intervals, or dimension security. By including these subtle yet powerful capabilities, the course equips learners with a competitive advantage in consultancy assignments, where clients often demand solutions that surpass ordinary setups.

Participants also benefit from exposure to real-world scenarios. Instead of presenting features in isolation, the instructor weaves in business use cases. For example, vendor posting profiles are not simply explained in theory but are illustrated through practical cases such as domestic versus foreign vendor treatment or vendors linked to specific project accounts. This realism ensures that learners understand not just how to configure but also why a configuration exists.

Another significant benefit lies in the direct alignment of course content with the MB-310 certification objectives. By covering every examinable area in sequence, the training ensures that learners are exam-ready without having to scour multiple resources. This saves valuable preparation time and reduces the uncertainty often associated with certification studies.

Finally, the benefit of accessibility should not be understated. Learners can access the training on mobile devices and smart televisions, making it possible to review modules during commutes or while multitasking at home. The flexibility of on-demand video enables individuals to proceed at their rhythm, revisiting challenging segments as often as necessary. This self-paced learning style caters to varied schedules, particularly for working professionals balancing study with job responsibilities.

Student Support

A course of this nature requires more than just static content; it requires responsive guidance and support. Learners will have the ability to seek clarifications, raise queries, and receive prompt assistance throughout their learning journey. This support system ensures that students never feel stranded when confronting perplexing concepts or system behaviors.

Student support is available in multiple forms. First, there are discussion threads where learners can interact directly with the instructor and with peers. These forums create a collaborative learning community, where questions from one student often benefit others who encounter the same challenge. Such communal interaction transforms isolated learners into members of an active knowledge-sharing cohort.

Another layer of support is the availability of updates to the course material whenever Microsoft releases changes to the Dynamics 365 platform. Since cloud-based ERP solutions evolve rapidly, certain screens, features, or configurations may look different after periodic updates. The course provides continuous refreshers to bridge these changes, ensuring that students are never left studying outdated instructions.

In addition, learners are given detailed walkthroughs that replicate common support queries encountered in actual projects. For example, troubleshooting issues with workflow approvals, resolving blocked journal postings, or reconciling mismatched vendor payments are included. These case-driven supports simulate the type of challenges consultants face in client environments, thereby preparing learners to troubleshoot with self-sufficiency.

The support system also emphasizes inclusivity. Beginners who may not have prior ERP experience are guided gently through foundational aspects, such as the meaning of number sequences or the purpose of financial dimensions. The language of instruction avoids unnecessary jargon, focusing instead on clarity. This ensures that no student, regardless of background, feels alienated or excluded.

Furthermore, feedback is actively solicited from learners. Student suggestions are considered when shaping future enhancements, making this course a collaborative endeavor rather than a static one. Such reciprocal support allows students to contribute to the evolution of the learning material, thereby feeling a sense of ownership in their educational path.

Updates and Enhancements

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is not a static system; it is continuously evolving, with Microsoft introducing fresh features, improved interfaces, and regulatory updates regularly. To keep pace with this evolution, the course incorporates periodic updates that mirror the latest functionality. Learners are never left behind when a new release changes the appearance of a screen, modifies workflows, or introduces expanded capabilities.

Updates are not superficial adjustments. Instead, they are carefully crafted enhancements that explain new features in detail while demonstrating how existing configurations are impacted. For instance, when Microsoft introduces extended functionalities for dimension-based reporting or modifies workflow approvals, the course is enriched with fresh video demonstrations and examples. This ensures learners are not only aware of new features but also capable of applying them in client projects.

Enhancements are also made in response to learner feedback. If students highlight a particular area as requiring more explanation, additional tutorials or expanded guides are created. This iterative refinement guarantees that the course remains responsive to the real needs of its learners rather than existing as a rigid, one-size-fits-all program.

The enhancement process also seeks to introduce unique knowledge that is not readily available in official documentation. For example, learners may be exposed to uncommon but valuable tricks such as configuring layered workflows for multinational approval chains or creating rare dimension sets to support complex managerial reporting. By weaving in such enhancements, the course maintains an edge of originality, providing insights that cannot be easily gleaned from standard manuals.

Another facet of enhancement relates to examination preparation. As Microsoft periodically revises the MB-310 exam blueprint, the course is adjusted accordingly. Any new topics introduced into the certification requirements are covered swiftly so that learners remain aligned with the most current exam expectations. This ensures that their study investment continues to hold value even when the certification landscape evolves.

Technical enhancements are equally significant. Video clarity, audio precision, and system demonstrations are reviewed periodically to ensure quality standards remain high. Any modules that become dated in terms of interface visuals are re-recorded to mirror the present-day system. This proactive enhancement approach ensures that learners do not feel as though they are engaging with obsolete or grainy material.

Lastly, updates and enhancements are not limited to content alone but extend to the overall learning experience. Improved navigation, supplemental guides, and auxiliary articles are introduced over time. These refinements make the course more user-friendly, enabling learners to locate relevant modules swiftly or revisit specific topics without difficulty.