You want to learn accounting online. What's the best course to get you started?

1 Why learn accounting online?

Learning accounting online has many benefits over traditional classroom learning. You can learn at your own pace, from anywhere, and at any time. You can also access a variety of resources, such as videos, quizzes, exercises, and forums, that can enhance your learning experience. Online courses are also cheaper than attending a college or university, and you can often get a certificate or a credential that can boost your resume. Online courses are ideal for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of accounting, as well as for intermediate or advanced learners who want to refresh or update their skills.

3 How to enroll in an online course?

Once you have found the online course that suits your needs and goals, you can enroll by first checking the requirements and prerequisites. Ensure that you meet them before proceeding with registration and payment. Afterward, you will receive a confirmation email and access to the course materials. You can then start the course and follow the instructions and schedule provided. This includes watching videos, reading texts, doing exercises, taking quizzes and tests, participating in forums, and interacting with the instructor and other students. Finally, you must complete the course within the deadline and pass the final exam or project to earn the certificate or credential.

4 How to make the most of your online course?

Learning accounting online can be challenging, yet rewarding. To make the most of your online course, you should plan and organize your time by setting a realistic and consistent study schedule with specific and measurable goals. Additionally, avoid distractions and interruptions while studying, and take breaks when needed. Reviewing concepts and formulas regularly with examples and problems is important. Utilize the resources and tools that the course provides such as flashcards, cheat sheets, calculators, and simulations. Seeking feedback and help from the instructor and other students when in doubt or having difficulty is also beneficial. Finally, apply what you learn to real-life situations like personal or business finances or case studies and stories. Furthermore, look for opportunities to expand your knowledge such as reading books, articles, blogs or podcasts on accounting or taking additional courses or certifications.

5 What are some of the best online courses for accounting?

For those looking to learn accounting, there are a variety of online courses available. For instance, edX's Accounting Fundamentals course, offered by the University of British Columbia, covers accounting concepts, financial statements, transactions, and controls over a 6-week period at a cost of $150. The University of Pennsylvania's Introduction to Financial Accounting course on Coursera is another option. It teaches how to read, analyze, and interpret financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements in 4 weeks for $49. Lastly, Udemy's Bookkeeping Basics course offers instruction from a professional bookkeeper on how to record and report financial transactions like sales, purchases, payments, and receipts in just 3 hours for $19.99.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?