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 Lausanne
Accounting 1
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flows, Financial Accounting, Cash Management, Financial Statements, Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Bookkeeping, Working Capital, General Accounting, Accrual Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
126 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IESE Business School
Accounting: Principles of Financial Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Income Statement, Accounting, Cash Flows, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Analysis, Financial Reporting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accrual Accounting
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Accrual Accounting, Financial Analysis, Accounting, Cash Flows, Income Statement, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Bookkeeping, Revenue Recognition, Depreciation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
8.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Finance and Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Return On Investment, Financial Statement Analysis, Finance, Financial Reporting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Accounting, Financial Modeling, Working Capital, Balance Sheet, Accrual Accounting, Accounting, Cash Flows, Income Statement, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Analysis, Tax Planning, Equities, Financial Planning, Corporate Finance
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
14K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Virginia
Financial Accounting Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis, Annual Reports, Accrual Accounting, Income Statement, Financial Analysis, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Bookkeeping, Accounting Records, Cash Flows
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Lausanne
Accounting 2
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Equities, Tax, Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Income Tax, Inventory Accounting, Asset Management, Financial Accounting, Depreciation, Financial Statement Analysis, Investments, Corporate Finance, Balance Sheet, Financial Statements, Financial Reporting, Cash Flows
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Intuit
Intuit Academy Bookkeeping
Skills you'll gain: Reconciliation, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Inventory Accounting, Payroll, Bookkeeping, QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Inventory Control, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Depreciation, Fixed Asset, Payroll Tax, Property Accounting, Accounting Software, Financial Accounting, Financial Analysis, Sales Tax, Accounting
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fundamentals of Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Income Statement, Financial Statements, Performance Measurement, Balance Sheet, Organizational Strategy, Financial Statement Analysis, Capacity Management, Cost Accounting, Performance Metric, Cash Flows, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Accounting, Budget Management, Business Metrics, Equities, Operational Analysis, Product Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Accounting Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Financial Data, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Analytics, Forecasting, Accounting, Business Metrics, Performance Analysis, Anomaly Detection, Return On Investment, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Regression Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Corporate Accounting, Financial Statements, Business
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
212 reviews
Advanced · 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 Data, Income Statement, Bookkeeping, Data Entry, Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
700 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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, Accounting, Tax Planning, Inventory Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Tax, Equities, Cash Flows, Fixed Asset, Depreciation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
541 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months