Best Free Online Accounting Courses of 2024
Are you looking to dive into the world of accounting without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! There are several high-quality, free online accounting courses offered by reputable universities and institutions. Here’s a curated list of five top-notch courses that provide comprehensive learning experiences in accounting—all for free!
Top Free Online Accounting Courses
01Coursera
Coursera is a leading online learning platform that partners with top universities and institutions to provide a wide range of courses, including free accounting courses. Notable offerings include "Introduction to Financial Accounting" from the University of Pennsylvania and "Financial Accounting Fundamentals" from the University of Virginia. These courses cover essential topics such as financial statements, the accounting cycle, and managerial accounting principles.
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Provider: Coursera (University of Pennsylvania) Duration: 4 weeks, 4-6 hours per week Level: Beginner
Offered by the Wharton School, this course covers the basics of financial accounting. You’ll learn how to read and analyze financial statements, understand the accounting cycle, and appreciate the role of financial accounting in business decision-making. The University of Pennsylvania’s renowned faculty ensures that you get a solid foundation in accounting principles, making this an excellent starting point for beginners.
Financial Accounting Fundamentals
Provider: Coursera (University of Virginia) Duration: 5 weeks, 5-6 hours per week Level: Beginner
The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business offers a comprehensive introduction to financial accounting. This course emphasizes the importance of financial information in business decisions, teaching you how to prepare and interpret financial statements. You’ll gain practical knowledge that can be applied in various business contexts, making this course a great choice for aspiring accountants and business professionals alike.
To access these free courses, simply create an account on Coursera and enroll in the desired course. While some features, like certificates, may require payment, you can audit many courses for free. Engage with the video lectures, complete quizzes, and participate in discussions to enhance your understanding. By dedicating time to these resources, you can build a solid foundation in accounting principles without any financial investment.
02Financial Edge Training
Financial Edge Training offers a free Financial Accounting Review course designed to help learners grasp the fundamentals of key financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This self-paced course includes 34 minutes of video content and three practical exercises, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to refresh their accounting knowledge.
To make the most of these free courses, learners should dedicate focused time to watch the videos and complete the exercises. Engaging with the material actively will enhance understanding and retention， which can be beneficial for career advancement.
03AccountingCoach
AccountingCoach is a comprehensive online resource offering free accounting courses designed to help learners understand essential accounting principles and practices. Created by Harold Averkamp, an experienced accountant and educator, the platform covers a wide range of topics, including accounting basics, bookkeeping, financial statements, and cash flow management.
To access these free courses, simply visit the AccountingCoach website and register for a free account. Once registered, you can explore various learning materials, including video tutorials, quizzes, and flashcards. Engaging actively with the content will enhance your understanding and retention of key concepts, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their accounting skills.
04Oxford Family Learning Center
Oxford Family Learning Center offers a variety of free online accounting courses, including the CPA Course. The course is suitable for a variety of people, including entry-level employees who aspire to a management position in the accounting and finance field, finance and accounting students interested in the CPA course, and accounting professionals who want to advance their careers through certification. The wide target audience ensures that the course can meet the needs of individuals at all stages of their careers.
To apply for these free courses, simply visit the Oxford Family Learning Center website and create a free account. Once registered, you can enroll in the course of your choice for free. The courses are self-paced, allowing you to study at your convenience and access all necessary materials online. Upon completion, you can choose a paid certificate to showcase your achievements.
Whether you are interested in accounting courses or aspire to become a professional accountant, free accounting courses are worth a try. In addition to the above platforms that provide free courses, you can also use search engines or other methods to find free courses that are more suitable for you to help you open the door to accounting.