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Accounting and finance professionals need to stay abreast of all the latest rules and regulations in their respective industries. But how do you acquire this knowledge without experiencing information overload? Online compliance courses are a great place to start.
Accounting and finance professionals can use compliance courses to demonstrate an even greater proficiency of subject matter in the workplace. Accounting and finance students can use the material to supplement what they’re learning in the classroom.
Featured Courses:
Quick Look: The Best Compliance Courses
Take a peek at Benzinga’s top picks:
- Internal Controls — Design, Implementation and Monitoring by Udemy
- Managing Financial Reporting, Operating and Compliance by Udemy
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Udemy
- Corporate Internal Controls and Fraud Controls by Udemy
- Introduction to Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) by Udemy
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Identifying and Documenting Controls by Udemy
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) General and Applications Controls by Udemy
- Identifying the Proper Balance of Internal Controls by Udemy
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Compliance by Udemy
- Preparing Financial Statements for Auditors by Udemy
- Sox 302: Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting by Udemy
What Makes a Compliance Course Great?
Look for these qualities as you explore compliance courses so you choose the right one for you.
Concise
The course should be thorough but straightforward so it’s easy to understand. Review the syllabus to confirm that it focuses on the subject matter you’re most interested in.
Knowledgeable Instructor
There are many components to compliance. You want an instructor that’s both knowledgeable on the subject and experienced in the field so he or she can draw from expertise and industry knowledge.
Look for Supplementary Material
How will you know if you’ve mastered the material in the lessons and are ready to apply your newly acquired skills in the field? Supplements, like assignments, quizzes and exams, are a great way to gauge your progress.
Our Top Picks
Our top Udemy picks for compliance courses are listed below. They are divided into 3 categories by skill level — beginners, intermediate and advanced students. We’ve also included a description of each course and the enrollment cost to help you make an informed decision.
Compliance Course for Beginners
You may be interested in these options if you’re looking for introductory compliance courses.
1. Internal Controls — Design, Implementation and Monitoring by Udemy
Learn how to design, implement and monitor internal controls in this comprehensive course from Udemy. It includes 27 lectures condensed into 6 hours of on-demand video, 3 articles and 3 downloadable resources to help you master the core concepts and perform the same functions as a compliance specialist. You will also learn how to communicate with both internal and external auditors when they review your company’s internal controls.
Maciej Rychlicki, the instructor, is an experienced internal control professional. The class is ideal for finance and IT employees who play an integral role in the development of their company’s design processes. Managers and specialists who must adhere to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Sarbanes-Oxley may find this course beneficial.
Individuals who own small businesses and startups can also use the information learned in this course to devise a plan that helps identify and minimize operational risks.
This is a beginner-level course but it’s a good idea to have basic financial knowledge before you sign up.
The enrollment fee is $194.99 and includes a certificate of completion when you reach the finish line. The course is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with the content for any reason.
2. Managing Financial Reporting, Operating and Compliance Risk by Udemy
Are you interested in finance and want to learn more about how companies develop risk management programs? This course is for you. It includes detailed lessons on risk management and mitigation processes, the management of financial reporting, operating and compliance risks and so much more.
Your enrollment fee of $49.99 includes lifetime access to 2 hours of on-demand video, 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources. There are no prerequisites for the course.
The class is offered by Illumeo Learning, a provider of practical courses for busy professionals. The facilitator, Anthony Chan, has over 25 years of experience in accounting and has served as an audit partner, executive vice president and chief financial officer. He specializes in SOX and FCPA compliance services.
3. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Udemy
Just $99.99 gets you a seat to this course, which helps you understand the fundamental elements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It’s a good fit for both professionals and students who struggle to understand IFRS standards.
Led by Rowan Malherbe, an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Gold Approved Learning Partner, this course breaks down the IFRS standards so you can get a better understanding of what they really mean. Malherbe also dives into some of the more obscure International Accounting Standards (IAS).
The course includes 4.5 hours of on-demand video and 20 downloadable resources. The IFRS standards covered in the course are also included as downloads.
Intermediate Compliance Courses
You could benefit from these courses if you’re more familiar with internal controls.
4. Corporate Internal Controls and Fraud Controls
Are you an accounting or finance student who wants to learn more about corporate internal controls and fraud controls? Maybe you’re confused by the key elements and seek more clarity.
This 1-hour video course may be what you need. There are 10 lessons on critical topics, including working papers, the COSO internal control framework, assessing internal control risk, testing internal controls, fraud schemes and so much more. The class wraps up with a final exam to test your comprehension of the material.
You will also receive 1 article and 1 downloadable resource with the $49.99 enrollment fee. Both are yours to keep — the course grants you lifetime access to the material.
The course is also brought to you by Illumeo Learning and is facilitated by Blair Cook, a financial executive and corporate director with several years of experience in the accounting and finance fields.
5. Introduction to Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) by Udemy
This class will teach you more about Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) and the steps companies must follow to implement, maintain and test internal and financial controls. You don’t have to be a subject matter expert but it’s a good idea to have some accounting and finance knowledge, along with a keen interest in internal audit and risk management before you enroll.
It includes 10 lectures condensed into 1 hour of on-demand video, 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources. The course is taught by Lynn Fountain, a facilitator with Illumeo Learning, with over 30 years of experience in the accounting field. She also spent 20 years working in internal and external auditing roles.
The enrollment cost is $74.99 and you’ll have lifetime access to the material.
6. Understanding Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 by Udemy
Are you interested in learning more about how to identify and document controls for Sarbanes-Oxley? Consider this course from Udemy that includes 14 lectures on the various types of internal control methods, how to identify them and best practices to record and maintain adequate documentation.
Also facilitated by Lynn Fountain of Illumeo Learning, it offers instant access to 1.5 hours of on-demand video, 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if the class doesn’t meet your needs.
7. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) General and Applications Controls by Udemy
Who’s it for: Intermediate
Price: On sale
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) General and Applications Controls discusses the significance of general and application controls related to SOX. It’s presented by Illumeo Learning and features 1.5 hours of on-demand video, 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources.
Here’s a look at the 11 lectures:
- Introduction to (SOX) General, Application and Spreadsheet Controls
- IT and SOX
- Identifying Technical Controls to Evaluate
- IT Controls Framework
- Technology Entity Controls
- Application vs. General Controls
- ITGC Specific to FR
- SDLC
- Application Controls
- IT Baselining
- Spreadsheets
The course also includes these supporting materials:
- Slides: Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) General Controls, Applications Controls
- Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) General Controls, Applications Controls
The course is facilitated by Lynne Fountain, a seasoned business professional with over 20 years of experience in public and industry accounting.
Register today to get started right away.
Advanced Compliance Courses
Those who’ve worked in the field for some time and seek more advanced knowledge may find the following courses useful.
8. Identifying the Proper Balance of Internal Controls by Udemy
Identifying the Proper Balance of Internal Controls pulls the curtain back on issues with internal control systems and why they often fail. You will learn more about risks and controls, common control types, frameworks for controls identification, automated and manual controls and testing controls.
Course material is delivered by video and you will also have access to 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources. The class wraps up with review questions and a final exam so you can have an idea of the areas you’ve mastered and where you need more work.
A seat costs $99.99. Make sure you’re familiar with internal controls and the applicable frameworks when you sign up.
9. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Compliance by Udemy
This course begins with an introduction to the FCPA, followed by a primer on corruption and the law. You will also gain critical insights into how industry professionals recognize fraud and red flags. The course includes 2 lessons that outline practical compliance and FCPA checklists.
When you enroll for $74.99, you’ll have instant access to 10 lectures jam-packed into 1.5 hours of on-demand video. The enrollment fee also includes 2 articles, 2 downloadable resources, review questions and a final exam.
It’s a good idea to have some exposure to regulatory compliance before you register for a seat.
10. Preparing Financial Statements for Auditors by Udemy
Do you help prepare financial statements for your company? This course can equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills to avoid issues with auditors.
Also offered by Illumeo Learning, the course includes 1 hour of on-demand video, 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources. You will learn best practices as you evaluate material, evaluate known and likely misstatements and measure uncertainty and subjectivity.
Before you can receive your certificate of completion, you will need to successfully complete a final exam. It’ll demonstrate your proficiency in the material presented throughout the 12 lessons and identify areas where you may need more time.
The cost to enroll is $74.99 and you will have lifetime access to the material.
11. Sox 302: Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting by Udemy
Who’s it for: Advanced students
Price: On sale
SOX 302: Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting is also offered by Illumeo Learning. It pulls back the curtain on Section 302 requirements through these video lectures:
- Introduction to SOX 302
- Background and 302 Requirements
- Certification Wording
- Other Disclosure Requirements
- Types of Disclosure Controls
- Management Requirements
- Improvements
- 404 vs. 302
Students also get access to these bonus resources:
- Slides: SOX Section 302
- SOX Section 302 Glossary/Index
The enrollment fee includes full lifetime access to 1 hour of on-demand video, 2 articles and 2 downloadable resources. Like the other offerings from Udemy, it also consists of a certificate of completion once you reach the end of the course.
Choosing the Right Compliance Course for You
Don’t spend countless hours teaching yourself about compliance as it relates to accounting and finance. Instead, enroll in a compliance course to acquire all the knowledge and skills you need in the most efficient manner possible.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU Online Offers:
- Flexible schedules
- Affordable tuition
- Online tutoring
- Access to electronic research materials
- Specialized academic advising
- Supportive online community