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 at Urbana-Champaign
Financial Management Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Global Challenges in Business Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduate Certificate in Taxation
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership & Management
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Skills you'll gain: Process Design, Global Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Statistical Analysis, Organizational Change, Process Mapping, Customer Retention, Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, Innovation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Performance Measurement, Training and Development, Virtual Teams, Databases, International Finance, Research, Team Management, Economic Development, Cultural Diversity
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of London
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Process Design, Global Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Statistical Analysis, Organizational Change, Process Mapping, Customer Retention, Integrated Marketing Communications, Advertising, Innovation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Performance Measurement, Training and Development, Virtual Teams, Databases, International Finance, Research, Team Management, Economic Development, Cultural Diversity
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Entrepreneurship and Strategic Innovation Graduate Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Extract, Transform, Load, Business Strategy, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Generative AI, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Corporate Tax
Credit offered
Graduate Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Finanzas Corporativas
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Capital Markets, Accrual Accounting, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Derivatives, Digital Transformation, Risk Management, Business Valuation, Balance Sheet, Financial Market, Financial Reporting, Investments, Accounting, Corporate Strategy, Value Propositions, Securities (Finance), Corporate Finance, Technology Strategies
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Gestión de Inversiones
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Capital Markets, Portfolio Management, Accrual Accounting, Financial Analysis, Investments, Income Statement, Risk Management, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Financial Market, Accounting, Business Ethics, Finance, Financial Modeling, Financial Data, Financial Trading, Behavioral Economics, Asset Management
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Indian School of Business
Certificate in Investment Management
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Portfolio Management, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Financial Trading, Balance Sheet, Investments, Financial Market, Equities, Investment Management, Business Valuation, Return On Investment, Performance Analysis, Financial Modeling, Accounting, Finance, Technical Analysis, Market Dynamics, Performance Measurement
University Certificate · 6 - 12 Months
IIT Roorkee
Executive MBA
Skills you'll gain: New Product Development, Mergers & Acquisitions, FinTech, Capital Budgeting, Supply Chain, Integrated Marketing Communications, Business Marketing, Sales Process, Innovation, Succession Planning, Management Accounting, Supply Chain Management, Statistical Process Controls, Product Management, Marketing Management, Revenue Management, Sampling (Statistics), Production Schedule, Project Portfolio Management, Financial Statement Analysis
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years