What's the best way to learn accounting?

Knowing why you want to learn accounting, be it for managing personal finances, advancing your career, or running a business, can focus your studies. Regular practice with accounting principles and software is vital. Join accounting communities like forums or LinkedIn groups for support. Work on real projects like managing mock financial records or preparing tax documents. Coursera’s Introduction to Financial Accounting by University of Pennsylvania is an excellent starting course.

What skills can I learn in accounting courses?

Accounting courses typically cover a wide range of essential skills including: Financial accounting and reporting Managerial accounting for decision-making Tax accounting principles Auditing practices and methodologies Forensic accounting and fraud prevention Budgeting and financial planning Accounting information systems and technology Compliance and ethical considerations in accounting

Do I need prior experience in accounting to start these accounting courses?

Not for beginner accounting courses. The most curriculums are designed to accommodate learners at all levels: Absolute beginners can start with the basics of bookkeeping and simple financial statements . Intermediate learners can progress to complex accounting theories and practices. Advanced professionals can focus on areas like strategic tax planning and international accounting standards.

What accounting certifications and credentials are available?

Accounting courses offer various credential options: Certifications in specific accounting disciplines such as tax or forensic accounting Professional certificates from leading industry partners and schools Specialized course certificates that showcase your skills in niche areas These credentials are valuable for career advancement and can be shared on your LinkedIn profile to demonstrate skills to potential employers.

What career opportunities are available in accounting?

Accounting expertise can lead to various roles including: Accountant Financial Analyst Chief Financial Officer Auditor Compliance Officer Tax Advisor Professionals in these roles utilize accounting skills to ensure financial accuracy and strategic planning for businesses and organizations.

Are there free accounting courses or certifications available on Coursera?

Yes, Coursera offers a variety of free courses across many topics, including accounting. While you can access most course materials for free by auditing the courses, this does not include graded assignments or a completion certificate. For those looking to obtain a certificate to showcase their learning or enhance their professional profile, Coursera provides the option to purchase the course. Additionally, Coursera offers free trials or financial aid to learners who qualify, making certifications more accessible to everyone.

Top Accounting Courses - Learn Accounting Online

Explore the Accounting Course Catalog

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Financial Accounting: Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Recognition, Financial Statements, Accrual Accounting, Financial Accounting, Accounting Records, Income Statement, Accounting, Financial Reporting, Balance Sheet, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounts Receivable, Inventory Accounting, Cash Flows
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Irvine
Introduction to Financial Accounting: The Accounting Cycle
Skills you'll gain: Accounting Systems, Accounting, Month End Closing, Accounting Records, Bookkeeping, Financial Accounting, Financial Statements, General Accounting, General Ledger, Accrual Accounting, Financial Reporting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Project Closure, Revenue Recognition, Business Ethics, Reconciliation, Microsoft Excel, Journals
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
655 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Intuit
Bookkeeping Basics
Skills you'll gain: Bookkeeping, QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Financial Statements, Accounting, Accounting Records, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, General Ledger, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cash Flows, Journals
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Intuit
Assets in Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Inventory Accounting, Inventory Control, Depreciation, Fixed Asset, Property Accounting, Asset Management, Accounting, Financial Statements, Lease Contracts, Bookkeeping, Financial Reporting, Income Statement, Balance Sheet
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Financial Reporting
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Contract Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Depreciation, Financial Statement Analysis, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounts Receivable, Accounting, Inventory Accounting, Income Statement, Financial Statements, Cash Management, Accrual Accounting, Cash Flows, Fixed Asset, Asset Management, International Financial Reporting Standards, Technical Accounting
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
881 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Corporate Finance Institute
Accounting Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Income Statement, Financial Statements, Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Balance Sheet, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Bookkeeping, Financial Modeling, Cash Flows, Financial Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Create a Financial Statement using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Balance Sheet, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Data, Income Statement, Bookkeeping, Data Entry, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
705 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Tally Education and Distribution Services Private Limited
Tally Bookkeeper
Skills you'll gain: Accounts Payable and Receivable, Accounting, Bookkeeping, Accounting Software, Sales Tax, Accounting Records, Budgeting, Tax Returns, Data Import/Export, Inventory Management System, Order Management, Financial Statements, Tax, General Ledger, Data Entry, General Accounting, Tax Compliance, Billing & Invoicing, Inventory Control, Cost Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
187 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Accounting for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain:
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
468 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Tally Education and Distribution Services Private Limited
Financial Business Accounting and MIS Reports
Skills you'll gain: Accounts Payable and Receivable, Accounting Software, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Financial Accounting, Sales Tax, Financial Statements, International Finance, Invoicing, Cost Benefit Analysis, Inventory Control Systems, Inventory Management System, Cash Handling, Tax Compliance, Reconciliation, Banking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Virginia
Managerial Accounting Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Accounting, Operating Cost, Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Management, Budget Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Analysis, Decision Making, Resource Allocation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
805 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Cost Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Operational Performance Management, Performance Management, Cost Estimation, Product Knowledge
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
197 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours