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

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, Expense Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bayesian Statistics: From Concept to Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Inference, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Probability Distribution, R Programming, Regression Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Understanding Financial Statements: Company Performance
Skills you'll gain: Income Statement, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Cash Flows, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Performance Analysis, Gross Profit, Operating Expense
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
769 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Analysis II: Accounting for Liabilities and Equity
Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Cash Flows, Technical Accounting, Balance Sheet, Equities, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Financial Statements, International Financial Reporting Standards, Accounting, Income Statement, Compensation Management, Income Tax
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
104 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting for Mergers and Acquisitions: Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Mergers & Acquisitions, Equities, Financial Accounting, Investments, Business Valuation, Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Reporting, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Consolidation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Accounting Analysis II: Measurement and Disclosure of Liabilities
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, International Financial Reporting Standards, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Accruals, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounts Payable, Technical Accounting, Lease Contracts
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
120 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Accounting and Auditing
Skills you'll gain: Robotic Process Automation, Business Process Automation, Automation, Workflow Management, Artificial Intelligence, Auditing, Accounting and Finance Software, Excel Macros, Process Analysis, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation, Operational Efficiency, Natural Language Processing, Unstructured Data
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IE Business School
Profitability in Financial Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Gross Profit, Return On Investment, Financial Analysis, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Metrics, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Financial Accounting, Performance Measurement
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IE Business School
Basics of Accounting for Liabilities
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Financial Accounting, Accounting, Equities, Accruals, Accounts Payable, Business Risk Management, Risk Analysis, Financial Analysis, Financial Reporting, Financial Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Understanding Financial Statements: Company Position
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Accounting, Accounting, Equities, Financial Reporting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cash Flows, Asset Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Business Data Management and Communication
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Revenue Recognition, Financial Statements, Data Presentation, Data Visualization, Accrual Accounting, Infographics, Cash Flows, Accounting Records, Financial Accounting, Data Collection, Tidyverse (R Package), Income Statement, Accounting, Data Processing, Business Valuation, Business Analytics, Data Quality, Asset Management, Analytics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.1K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Virginia
Entrepreneurship: Growing Your Business
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Financial Statement Analysis, Design Thinking, Annual Reports, Innovation, Process Design, Business Modeling, Business Process, Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, Courage, Leadership Development, Corporate Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement, Professional Development, Business Ethics, Organizational Leadership
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months