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 Pennsylvania
Accounting Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Financial Data, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Analytics, Forecasting, Financial Statements, Accounting, Business Metrics, Performance Analysis, Anomaly Detection, Return On Investment, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Business Strategy
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Intuit
Bookkeeping Basics
Skills you'll gain: Bookkeeping, QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Financial Statements, Ledgers (Accounting), Accounting, Accounting Records, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, General Ledger, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Cash Flows
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Virginia
Managerial Accounting Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Accounting, Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Data, Financial Analysis, Decision Making, Data Visualization
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
808 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Corporate Finance Institute
Accounting Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Income Statement, Financial Statements, Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Bookkeeping, Financial Modeling, Cash Flows, Financial Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
More Introduction to Financial Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Working Capital, Financial Accounting, Income Statement, Financial Analysis, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Tax Planning, Inventory Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Income Tax, Tax, Equities, Cash Flows, Fixed Asset, Depreciation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
543 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Financial Reporting
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, 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, Tax Management, Cash Flows, Fixed Asset, Asset Management, International Financial Reporting Standards, Standard Accounting Practices
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
891 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Create a Financial Statement using Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Balance Sheet, Financial Data, Bookkeeping, Data Entry, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
710 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Advanced Financial Reporting: Accounting for Business Combinations and Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Reporting, Intercompany Accounting, Financial Accounting, Technical Accounting, Consolidation, International Financial Reporting Standards, Business Valuation, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounting, Financial Statements, Cash Flows
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
218 reviews
Advanced · 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, Ledgers (Accounting), Accounting, Financial Accounting, Sales Tax, Financial Statements, International Finance, Invoicing, Inventory Management System, Cash Handling, Tax Compliance, Reconciliation, Payment Systems, Banking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Accounting for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Bookkeeping, Financial Statements, Accounting, Depreciation, Cash Flows, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Financial Analysis, Inventory Accounting, Financial Reporting, Accrual Accounting, Business Metrics, Revenue Recognition, Asset Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
468 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Cost Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Operational Performance Management, Performance Management, Cost Estimation, Cost Control, Product Knowledge, Product Strategy
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
198 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Instructor Network
Precision Bookkeeping: Records, Reconciliation, Reporting
Skills you'll gain: Reconciliation, Accounting Records, Bookkeeping, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Financial Data, Compliance Management, Financial Statements, Internal Communications, Verbal Communication Skills, Automation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
89 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks