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

Status: Free
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Governmental Accounting II and Nonprofit Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Fund Accounting, Governmental Accounting, Non-Profit Accounting, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Governance, Performance Analysis, Financial Reporting, Revenue Recognition, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Compliance Management, Cash Flows, Tax Compliance, Reconciliation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Business Value and Project Management
Skills you'll gain: Organizational Change, Revenue Recognition, Organizational Structure, Governance, Financial Statements, Agile Methodology, Organizational Strategy, Waterfall Methodology, Organizational Leadership, Accrual Accounting, Project Closure, Business Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Business Ethics, Cash Flows, Change Management, Financial Accounting, Project Implementation, Project Planning, Bookkeeping
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IE Business School
Liquidity and Solvency in Financial Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Working Capital, Financial Statements, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet, Business Metrics, Market Liquidity, Business, Accounting, Financial Accounting, Finance
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Intuit
Liabilities and Equity in Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Payroll, Payroll Administration, Payroll Processing, Payroll Tax, Sales Tax, Balance Sheet, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Financial Accounting, General Accounting, Equities, Bookkeeping, General Ledger, Mortgage Loans, Loans, Tax Compliance
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
736 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Alfaisal University | KLD
محاسبة المخزون | Accounting for inventory
Skills you'll gain: Inventory Accounting, Inventory Management, Inventory Control, Inventory Management System, Income Statement, Accounting, Cost Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Data Analytics with Python
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, SQL, Data Visualization Software, Seaborn, Data Processing, Data Structures, NumPy, Programming Principles, Business Analysis, Databases, Accounting, Relational Databases, Data Modeling, Python Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Machine Learning, Regression Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
106 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Cost Accounting: Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Operating Cost, Cost Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Product Assortment, Price Negotiation, Capacity Management, Decision Making, Forecasting, Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
73 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Managerial Accounting: Tools for Facilitating and Guiding Business Decisions
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Performance Measurement, Cost Accounting, Variance Analysis, Budgeting, Accounting, Capital Budgeting, Organizational Strategy, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Financial Analysis, Financial Statements, Organizational Structure, Decision Making
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
634 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Cost Accounting: Profit and Loss Calculation
Skills you'll gain: Income Statement, Inventory Accounting, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Cost Accounting, Gross Profit, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Financial Statements, Inventory Management System, Operating Expense
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Irvine
Finance for Non-Financial Professionals
Skills you'll gain: Cash Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Statements, Budgeting, Accounting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Business Valuation, Financial Accounting, Finance, Financial Management, Balance Sheet
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Università Bocconi
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Skills you'll gain: Private Equity, Business Valuation, Entrepreneurial Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Investments, Financial Management, Legal Risk, Tax Laws, Entrepreneurship, Due Diligence, Negotiation, Cash Flows
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
8.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IE Business School
Basics of Accounting for Assets
Skills you'll gain: Revenue Recognition, Inventory Accounting, Accrual Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Financial Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Estimation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks