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Are you a small business owner or new accounting student? The thought of learning accounting may seem daunting as there are many facets to the discipline. However, an online course is an effective way to acquire foundational knowledge in record time.
Don’t know where to start? Benzinga did the legwork to identify the best courses to learn accounting online.
Quick Look: Best Courses to Learn Accounting Online
Here’s a glimpse at our top picks:
- Accounting in 60 Minutes – A Brief Introduction by Udemy
- Accounting Foundations by LinkedIn Learning
- Accounting 101: Learn Basic Concepts with Ease by Udemy
- Fundamentals of Accounting by Udemy
- Accounting Fundamentals: Understanding Financial Statements by Skillshare
- Accounting 101: Learn the Basic Principles the Right Way by Udemy
- Accounting: From Beginner to Advanced! by Udemy
- Accounting for Creatives by Skillshare
- Business Accounting Basics by Purdue University
What Makes an Online Accounting Course Great?
Not all online accounting courses are the same — how do you know which are worth your time and money? Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate and narrow down your options to find the best fit.
Includes Supplementary Resources
The most effective way to master essential accounting concepts is by testing your knowledge and implementing your newfound skills through projects. Look for classes that feature quizzes and assignments that allow you to demonstrate your expertise in a practice setting.
Self-Paced
You want an online accounting course that allows you to work at your own pace and around your busy schedule. Otherwise, you could be forced to rush through the course without fully grasping the information presented in the lessons.
Affordable
Don’t spend a fortune on an online accounting course that doesn’t add additional value. Start with affordable or free options and work your way up to classes that require a more significant investment as your budget permits.
Our Top Picks
Here are the best courses to learn accounting online from edX, LinkedIn, Skillshare and Udemy. Our top selections are listed by skill level (beginners, intermediate students and advanced students) and include a description and enrollment fee to help you make an educated decision.
Online Accounting Courses for Beginners
Check out these handpicked courses that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals who have little to no accounting experience.
1. Accounting in 60 Minutes – A Brief Introduction by Udemy
Price: On sale
Strapped for time but want to learn the basics of accounting? This is the perfect course for you. Whether you’re a student, business owner or manager, you will benefit from the in-depth lessons as they break challenging concepts down in a way that’s easy for newbies to understand.
Accounting in 60 Minutes – A Brief Introduction includes the following modules:
- The Accounting Equation
- Everything Balances
- The Balance Sheet
- Let’s Make Some Money!
- Let’s Put Together a Financial Statement
- Profit Does Not Equal Cash!
- Conclusion
- Extras!
Instruction is provided by accounting, business information and technology guru Vincent Turner. He’s a Certified Information Systems Auditor with a Master of Science in business analytics under his belt.
Take advantage of the promotional pricing before it ends. Register today for full lifetime access to 16 lectures condensed into 1 hour of on-demand video and 12 downloadable resources.
2. Accounting Foundations by LinkedIn Learning
Price: Included with the monthly membership
Accounting Foundations introduces students to 4 types of accounting. You will acquire foundational bookkeeping, financial, managerial and tax accounting knowledge through case studies that demonstrate real-world application of critical concepts.
Here’s a quick look at the course syllabus:
- What is Accounting?
- Financial Accounting: Balance Sheet
- Financial Accounting: Income Statement and Cash Flow
- Managerial Accounting
- Income Taxes
- Conclusion
You will walk away with an understanding of the impact accounting has on your personal and business finances.
The course is co-facilitated by Kay and Jim Stice. Both are accounting professors at Brigham Young University.
Enrollment is included with a monthly LinkedIn membership. You can grab a free seat in the course by signing up for a 1-month trial.
3. Accounting 101: Learn Basic Accounting Concepts with Ease by Udemy
Price: On sale
Accounting 101: Learn Basic Accounting Concepts with Ease is another stellar course offering that teaches the essentials of the discipline. It features 2 hours of on-demand video, 1 article and 4 downloadable resources that cover accounting terminology, the accounting cycle, financial reports and so much more.
Management consultant and chief financial officer Chris Benjamin divides the 23 lessons into 5 sections:
- Introduction
- What to Know
- What to Know (Part 2)
- Additional Information
- Course Conclusion
Get started today to get instant access to the course material.
4. Fundamentals of Accounting by Udemy
Price: On sale
Offered by Pier Hill Accounting, this highly-rated course delves into accounting essentials to help you understand your business finances or position yourself for career advancement. It includes lessons on financial accounting, managerial accounting, income taxes and financial statements.
Fundamentals of Accounting is comprised of the following segments:
- Welcome
- Accounting Basics
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Income Taxes
- Conclusion
When you reach the finish line, you will have the expertise to analyze balance sheets, income statements and the statement of cash flow.
The enrollment fee includes 25 lectures jam-packed into 3 hours of on-demand video. You will also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
5. Accounting Fundamentals: Understanding Financial Statements by Skillshare
Price: Free
New to accounting and interested in learning more about financial statements? Accounting Fundamentals: Understanding Financial Statements is worth considering as it takes a closer look at balance sheets, cash flow statements and income statements.
This popular course is brought to you by Skillshare CEO Matt Cooper and includes 10 lessons:
- Introduction
- Getting Started
- Accrual vs. Cash Accounting
- Calculating Revenue
- Income Statements: Part One
- Income Statements: Part Two
- Balance Sheets
- Cash Flow Statements
- Final Thoughts
There’s also a mock spreadsheet project that allows you to apply your newfound skills in a practice setting.
Grab a free seat by signing up for a Skillshare trial.
6. Accounting 101: Learn the Basic Principles the Right Way by Udemy
Price: On sale
Learn the basics of accounting from the ground up with this highly-rated course from Udemy. You should consider enrolling if you want to learn how to read financial reports, do the bookkeeping for your business or expand your overall knowledge of accounting.
Led by accountant and bookkeeper Mark Cunningham, Accounting 101: Learn the Basic Principles the Right Way is categorized into 9 sections:
- Introduction
- Accounting Basics
- Assets and Liabilities
- Balance Sheets
- Profit and Loss Statements
- Journals
- Trial Balance
- Accounting Cycle
- Bonus Lecture
Register today to unlock 25 lectures jam-packed into 1 hour of on-demand video that can be accessed 24/7 from your computer, smartphone or another mobile device.
7. Accounting: From Beginner to Advanced! by Udemy
Price: On sale
Go from accounting novice to subject-matter expert with this Udemy bestseller. Accounting professor Stefan Ignatovski draws from his extensive experience in the field to teach you the mechanics of accounting along with more advanced concepts in a little over 5 hours.
Here’s what to expect from the course:
- Introduction
- Accounting Principles and Fundamentals
- Accounting During the Year
- Accounting at Year-End
- Keeping Cash and Bank Reconciliation – A Must-Know!
- Accounts Receivable – Collections – Not Everyone Pays
- Accounting For Merchandising Businesses
- Tracking Inventory – More Competitive, Save on Taxes
- Fixed Assets and Depreciation – Get it right!
- Accounts Payable and Bonds
- Equity – Stocks and Dividends
- Investments and Time Value of Money
- Statement of Cash Flows
- Financial Statements and Analysis
- Conclusion
Sign up at the tap of a button for instant access to 86 on-demand video lectures, 2 articles and 24 downloadable resources.
Plus, you can enroll with confidence knowing the course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied for any reason.
8. Accounting for Creatives by Skillshare
Price: Free
Are you a creative with little to no knowledge of the accounting process? This course will help clear the haze and arm you with invaluable accounting knowledge to track your income and expenses in your creative business with ease. You will also learn how to boost your profit potential and save money on taxes.
Accounting for Creatives sheds light on a host of core topics through these invaluable lessons:
- Introduction
- Income Sources for Creatives
- Class Project
- Expenses for Creatives
- Donating Your Work
- The Engagement Letter (Terms of Service)
- Tracking Your Income and Expenses
- Working with an Accountant
- Conclusion
It is facilitated by Michelle Cornish, a former accountant with close to 20 years in the public accounting sector.
Enrollment is free.
9. Business Accounting Basics by Purdue University
Price: Free
Offered by Purdue University, this introductory course focuses on business financials and discusses ways they can be leveraged to make sound investment decisions for your company.
Business Accounting Basics provides instruction on the following:
- Building blocks of financial accounting
- Vital accounting concepts and terminology
- Four financial statements
- Accounting cycles in a business break-even analysis, degree of operating leverage and target profit analysis
This 5-week course is facilitated by Certified Public Accountant Kimberly Fatten.
There’s no cost to enroll, but you upgrade your enrollment to add a verified certificate for only $49. Expect to spend 3 to 5 hours per week working through the course material.
Learn Accounting Online Today
Commit to an online accounting course today to ramp up your knowledge. Enroll in an option from our list of recommendations, put your best foot forward and learn the basics of accounting so you can apply your newfound skills in a real-world setting.
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