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
Managerial Accounting: Cost Behaviors, Systems, and Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Accounting Systems, Supply Chain, Accounting, Variance Analysis, Financial Accounting, Cost Management, Cost Estimation, Process Improvement, Decision Making, Financial Statements
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Intuit
Financial Statement Analysis
Skills you'll gain:
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
639 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IESE Business School
Think like a CFO
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Income Statement, Corporate Finance, Accounting, Finance, Cash Flows, Operational Analysis, Financial Accounting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Balance Sheet, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Market, Forecasting, Accrual Accounting, Operational Performance Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Financial Analysis - Skills for Success
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Financial Accounting, Variance Analysis, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Performance Measurement, Forecasting, Management Accounting, Return On Investment, Financial Management, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Cost Management, Financial Data, Budgeting, Finance, Accounting, Business Valuation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
405 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Analysis I: The Role of Accounting as an Information System
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Contract Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Income Statement, Financial Statements, Cash Flows, Accrual Accounting, International Financial Reporting Standards, Financial Analysis, Construction Accounting
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
691 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Creating a Budget with Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Budgeting, Microsoft Excel, Budget Management, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Financial Data, Cost Management, Microsoft 365
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
562 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Rice University
Business Finance and Data Analysis Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Capital Budgeting, Cash Flows, Probability & Statistics, Financial Statements, Microsoft Excel, Descriptive Statistics, Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, Box Plots, Probability Distribution, Financial Analysis, Finance, Data Visualization, Probability, Statistics, Business Valuation, Financial Statement Analysis, Accounting, Financial Reporting, Return On Investment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Macquarie University
Management and financial accounting: Know your numbers 1
Skills you'll gain: Governance, Management Accounting, Budgeting, Financial Modeling, Financial Data, Financial Forecasting, Accounting, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Financial Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Statements, Business Metrics, Business Management, Corporate Strategy, Bookkeeping, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Cash Flows, Financial Reporting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
313 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Discounted Cash Flow Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Financial Forecasting, Business Valuation, Financial Modeling, Financial Analysis, Cash Flows, Investment Banking, Capital Markets
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
745 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of California, Irvine
Recording in Journals & Posting in Ledgers
Skills you'll gain: Accounting Records, Bookkeeping, Accounting Systems, General Ledger, Accrual Accounting, Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Reconciliation, Balance Sheet, Financial Accounting, Journals, Income Statement
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
159 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mergers and Acquisitions
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Investment Banking, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Valuation, Financial Statements, Equities, Financial Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Capital Markets, Financial Modeling, Corporate Accounting, Financial Accounting, Corporate Tax, Accounting, Price Negotiation, Corporate Finance, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Investments
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
513 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
Introduction to Data Analytics for Accounting Professionals
Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making, Financial Data, Business Analytics, Data Strategy, Analytical Skills, Data Analysis, Business Transformation, Project Implementation, Data Infrastructure, Project Scoping, Data Science, Data Modeling, Data Management, Unstructured Data
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
82 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks