18 best online accounting courses for 2025: From beginner basics to advanced skills

Accounting can feel overwhelming, but technology can help you quickly learn the basics. The slew of online accounting courses available can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to manage your business finances.

They cover a variety of accounting topics and allow you to get a grasp on the basics of digging into complex topics. Whether you’re a beginner who wants an easy way to learn the basics, a small business owner trying to get a handle on your books, or someone aiming for more advanced accounting skills, there's an online course that’s perfect for you.

Jump to:

• Top Online Accounting Courses for Beginners to Advanced Learners
• Benefits of an accounting certificate
• Is accounting a good class to take online?
• Is it better to get a CPA or CMA?
• Cost of becoming an accountant
• Online vs. In-Person Accounting Classes
• Streamline your accounting and save time

Top Online Accounting Courses for Beginners to Advanced Learners

Let’s explore the benefits of online accounting courses and introduce you to some of the most popular options available, ranging from beginner-friendly classes all the way up to advanced courses designed for professionals aiming to earn certifications or specialize in finance.

Here are the top 18 online accounting courses available:

• 1. QuickBooks Training
• 2. Intuit Bookkeeping Certification
• 3. Corporate Finance Institute: Accounting Fundamentals
• 4. ACCA: Introduction to Bookkeeping
• 5. Penn Foster: Bookkeeping Training Program
• 6. NACPB: Accounting Fundamentals
• 7. AccountingCoach Pro
• 8. Udemy: Financial Accounting Courses
• 9. Purdue University: Business Accounting Basics
• 10. Wharton: Introduction to Financial Accounting
• 11. Wharton: Fundamentals of Finance
• 12. Southern New Hampshire University: Online Accounting Certificate
• 13. Wall Street Prep: Accounting Crash Course
• 14. University of Virginia: Managerial Accounting Fundamentals
• 15. Babson College: Financial Accounting Made Fun
• 16. Wharton: Accounting Analytics
• 17. University of Illinois: Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization
• 18. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Financial Accounting

1. QuickBooks Training

QuickBooks Training is built for small business owners and professionals who want practical skills without a steep learning curve. Trusted by Intuit for over 25 years, it’s helped more than 1 million students manage their books confidently.

You can choose between a 2-day live course or a 12-hour self-paced program, both covering QuickBooks Online and Desktop. Training includes essentials like:

• Recording transactions 
• Generating reports
• Payroll
• Customizing QuickBooks for your business

Students also get lifetime access to 100+ live and on-demand classes, plus live 1-on-1 help for real-time support.

Possibly the biggest benefit is that the program includes prep for QuickBooks certification exams. You can earn credentials like:

• QuickBooks Online Certification
• QuickBooks Desktop Certification
• QuickBooks Bookkeeping Certification

These certifications are nationally recognized, and the training includes 3 free exam vouchers (a $390 value), helping you prove your skills to clients, employers, or as part of building your accounting career.

Best for: SMB owners or professionals wanting practical QuickBooks skills and certifications.

Price: Starts at $599.95

Estimated time commitment: 10–12 hours for self-paced learning, or 2 full days for live instruction

2. Intuit Bookkeeping Certification

The Intuit Bookkeeping Certification is a great starting point if you’re new to bookkeeping and want a program that’s free, flexible, and career-focused. 

The program is broken into five modules plus a final exam, covering topics like:

• Bookkeeping basics and the accounting cycle
• Tracking sales, inventory, and expenses
• Managing liabilities and equity
• Reconciling accounts and reviewing financial statements

Once you pass the exam, you’ll earn an official Intuit Bookkeeping badge, which can boost your resume and even qualify you for certain Intuit roles. You’ll also get real-world practice through case studies and support resources like webinars and study guides.

While not accredited or CPA-track, it’s a flexible, practical option if you want to break into bookkeeping, start a side gig, or strengthen your skills at no cost.

Best for: Beginners looking to qualify for entry-level bookkeeping roles or boost their career with an Intuit-recognized badge

Price: Free

Estimated time commitment: 30 hours (self-paced)

3. Corporate Finance Institute: Accounting Fundamentals

The Corporate Finance Institute’s Accounting Fundamentals course is great for those with little or no accounting experience. It’s fully online, self-paced, and designed to give small business owners or new learners a better understanding of accounting before moving on to more complex topics.

The course covers things like key accounting terms, recording financial transactions, and how to create and use financial statements. It’s a good starting point for those wanting a basic understanding of accounting. However, it focuses on the fundamentals and may not be sufficient for in-depth accounting knowledge.

One big benefit of CFI is that you can stack this course into larger certification programs. When you complete Accounting Fundamentals, you can apply it toward professional designations like:

• Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) for careers in investment banking, FP&A, or corporate finance.
• Commercial Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA®) for credit and risk-focused roles.
• Financial Planning & Wealth Management Professional (FPWMP®) for financial planners and advisors.

You’ll also earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits along the way, which helps if you’re working toward your CPA or need hours for continuing education.

Best for: Beginners who want a strong foundation in accounting and professionals preparing for CFI certifications.

Price: Free for previews and limited access. $347.90–$592.90 per year for full access and certification options.

Estimated time commitment: ~5 hours (self-paced) 

4. ACCA: Introduction to Bookkeeping

If you’re brand new to accounting or want to break into finance, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Introduction to Bookkeeping on edX is a great place to start. This self-paced online course covers the basics of bookkeeping, including double-entry bookkeeping, payroll, reconciliations, ledger accounts, and the trial balance.

This course is especially helpful if you’re looking to:

• Kickstart a career in business, finance, or accounting
• Get a head start on ACCA’s Recording Financial Transactions (FA1) exam
• Build confidence before taking more advanced accounting courses
• Strengthen your financial know-how as a business owner or student

While the course itself doesn’t issue an edX certificate, completing it can prepare you to sit for the official ACCA exam and move one step closer to an internationally recognized credential.

Best for: Beginners with no prior experience

Price: Free to enroll (official ACCA exam costs extra for certification)

Estimated time commitment: 5–8 hours per week over 5 weeks

5. Penn Foster: Bookkeeping Training Program

Penn Foster’s Bookkeeping Training Program is a solid option if you’re looking for a structured but flexible way to prepare for a bookkeeping career. This online, accredited program is designed to set you up for entry-level finance jobs, such as bookkeeper or accounting clerk, while giving you hands-on training with tools you’ll actually use on the job.

The program includes 8 courses, 14 exams, and 3 projects, covering core accounting topics like assets, liabilities, payroll, revenue, expenses, and owner’s equity. You’ll also get a full year of QuickBooks Online Plus included in your tuition, plus training in Excel, so you’ll graduate with practical software skills you can put on a resume.

Because the program is self-paced, you can fast-track and finish in as little as 6 months if you dedicate more time each week, or spread it out over a year if you need more flexibility. Penn Foster’s online format also means you can start anytime, with no fixed exam dates.

Best for: Beginners who want a flexible, career-focused bookkeeping program

Price: $839 (pay in full) or $59/month

Estimated time commitment: 6–12 months (self-paced)

6. NACPB: Accounting Fundamentals

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) offers an Accounting Fundamentals course that goes beyond the basics of bookkeeping and prepares you for professional certification.

The course is set up as a 13-week program, but since it’s online and self-paced, you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule. You’ll learn how to:

• Record transactions
• Use journals and accounting ledgers
• Prepare financial statements 
• Handle payroll
• Manage accounts receivable and payable

When you finish, you’ll earn 26 CPE credits and have the option to sit for the Bookkeeping Certification Exam through NACPB. You can also bundle it with NACPB’s Payroll Fundamentals and QuickBooks Online Fundamentals courses if you want a more complete skill set for running or supporting a business.

Best for: Aspiring bookkeepers and professionals who want practical training with a path to certification

Price: $319.20 for members; $399 for non-members

Estimated time commitment: 13 weeks (self-paced, with 6 months of access)

7. AccountingCoach Pro

If you’d rather have an entire library of accounting resources at your fingertips instead of enrolling in one-off courses, AccountingCoach PRO is one of the best long-term options out there. Created by Harold Averkamp, CPA, MBA, this platform blends traditional accounting instruction with interactive learning tools designed to keep you engaged.

The free version of AccountingCoach covers the basics of accounting, but upgrading to PRO unlocks the full experience. That includes 

• Video training on bookkeeping and financial statements, 
• Step-by-step visual tutorials 
• Quizzes with coaching explanations 
• Flashcards 
• Cheat sheets 
• Practice sets 
• Interactive crossword puzzles

What makes PRO especially useful is the chance to earn Certificates of Achievement as you complete different areas of study. And if you’re serious about bookkeeping as a career, you can go a step further and work toward the Bookkeeping Certificate of Excellence, a credential that proves you’ve mastered the essentials and sets you apart on a resume or LinkedIn profile.

Best for: Beginners and intermediates wanting structured coursework and multiple accounting certificates.

Price: $99 per year or $179 lifetime access

Estimated time commitment: Self-paced; depends on your goals and whether you pursue certificates

8. Udemy: Financial Accounting Courses

Udemy is an online platform where you can pick and choose from thousands of accounting and finance courses that fit your exact needs. Whether you just want a crash course in the basics before starting a new job, or you’re ready to dive into detailed training with practice problems and case studies, you’ll find it here.

Some popular picks include:

• Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling and Valuation
• Accounting in 60 Minutes - A Brief Introduction
• Accounting & Bookkeeping Masterclass - Beginner to Advanced

You decide what to learn, how fast, and how much you want to spend. Plus, every course comes with lifetime access, so you can revisit the material anytime.

Best for: Anyone—beginners, career changers, or professionals brushing up on skills

Price: Varies; Some courses are free, while others start as low as $12.99

Estimated time commitment: Completely flexible—ranges from 1–30+ hours depending on the course

9. Purdue University: Business Accounting Basics

Purdue University’s Business Accounting Basics course teaches the fundamentals of financial accounting. Beyond learning about financial statements, this course provides materials for analyzing a company’s financial health.

It’s good for anyone who wants to understand the basics of accounting, including those with no prior accounting knowledge. For example, you’ll learn about break-even analysis, target profit analysis, and understanding operating leverage.

Since the program is delivered on edX, you can audit it for free or pay for a certificate to showcase your skills on your resume or LinkedIn. If you’re considering a longer career path in accounting, the knowledge you’ll build here sets the stage for pursuing more advanced credentials, such as a bachelor’s in accounting or certifications like CPA or CFA.

Best for: Beginners and aspiring professionals who want a solid foundation in financial accounting

Price: Free to audit; paid certificate upgrade available

Estimated time commitment: 3–5 hours per week over 5 weeks 

10. Wharton: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Wharton’s Introduction to Financial Accounting course covers various aspects of financial accounting, from financial statements to ratio analysis. The keys to this course include learning to read and understand financial statements, as well as calculating key financial metrics.

The course runs through Coursera and comes with a certificate of completion you can share on LinkedIn or your resume. If you want to keep going, it’s also part of Wharton’s Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization, which gives you a deeper dive into related areas. And if you’re planning to pursue bigger credentials like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), the skills you build here will give you a strong head start.

The course is a good starting point for those interested in learning the basics of financial accounting. However, if you're looking for a more in-depth program with hands-on exercises, you might want to consider other options.

Best for: Beginners to intermediates wanting a strong foundation in financial statements and ratios.

Price: Free to enroll; $49–$79/month for full Coursera access.

Estimated time commitment: 5–6 hours per week for 4 weeks

11. Wharton: Fundamentals of Finance

Wharton’s Fundamentals of Finance course is great for building a foundational understanding of business finance. This course provides a foundational understanding of corporate finance with concepts like the time value of money.

You don’t need any knowledge or experience to enroll, but you should be comfortable with high school math. This finance program consists of four modules that progressively cover the basics of finance, like valuation.

When you finish, you’ll earn a Coursera certificate to highlight on your resume or LinkedIn profile. If you want to keep going, this class also counts toward the Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization, which digs deeper into accounting and analysis, which is great if you’re considering a career in corporate finance or financial planning.

Best for: Beginners who need a foundation in finance before tackling accounting.

Price: Free to enroll; $49–$79/month for full Coursera access

Estimated time commitment: 2–3 hours per week over 4 weeks

12. Southern New Hampshire University: Online Accounting Certificate

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers two flexible online accounting certificates—an undergraduate option for those new to the field or looking to build foundational skills, and a graduate option for professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

The undergraduate program covers essentials like financial and managerial accounting, intermediate accounting, and taxation, and can stack into an associate or bachelor’s degree. The graduate program is ideal if you need coursework to meet the 150-credit CPA exam requirement or want a step toward an MS in Accounting.

Both tracks are fully online, taught by experienced faculty, and accredited by NECHE and ACBSP. With short 8–10 week terms and 24/7 support, you can move at your own pace while preparing for roles ranging from bookkeeper or accounting clerk to auditor, analyst, or CPA-track positions.

Best for: Beginners, up-skillers, or professionals preparing for the CPA exam.

Price: $6,156 (undergrad); $11,862 (graduate)

Estimated time commitment: Varies (6 courses, 18 credits, can be finished in less than a year depending on pace)

13. Wall Street Prep: Accounting Crash Course

If you want to learn accounting the way Wall Street professionals do, the Accounting Crash Course from Wall Street Prep is a great pick. It’s the same training used by investment banks, private equity firms, and top universities to get new hires up to speed fast. In under seven hours, it walks you through the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, showing what they mean and how they connect in real-world scenarios.

The lessons are broken down into short, step-by-step videos that make complex topics like working capital, depreciation, taxes, and goodwill easy to understand. You’ll also get practice exercises that help you apply what you’ve learned, like linking the three financial statements together.

Wall Street Prep is an official National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) sponsor, so you can also earn CPE credits if you’re working toward a professional license or just want to keep your skills sharp.

Best for: Beginner to intermediate learners preparing for a career in finance or investing.

Price: $39 for lifetime access

Estimated time commitment: 7 hours (self-paced)

14. University of Virginia: Managerial Accounting Fundamentals

The University of Virginia’s Managerial Accounting of Fundamentals course is designed to teach you the basics of managerial accounting. Managerial accounting is a field of accounting focused on providing information to managers for internal decision-making.

The course is valuable for anyone who wants to understand how businesses use cost data for decision-making. For example, calculating and allocating overhead costs using costing methods, or distinguishing relevant from irrelevant costs for making informed decisions.

When you finish the course, you’ll get a Coursera certificate you can showcase on your resume or LinkedIn to highlight your new skills. If you’re thinking about growing your career in accounting or finance, this class also gives you a solid foundation to build on with more advanced programs, or even professional designations like the CMA (Certified Management Accountant). And if you’re a business owner, it’s a simple way to sharpen your decision-making skills without the time or cost of a full degree.

Best for: Intermediate learners or future managers who want to use cost data for internal decision-making.

Price: Free to enroll; $49–$79/month for full Coursera access

Estimated time commitment: 3–4 hours per week over 4 weeks

15. Babson College: Financial Accounting Made Fun

The Babson College Financial Accounting Made Fun course covers the language of accounting into simple, real-world lessons so you can finally feel confident using financial data. The focus is on helping entrepreneurs, managers, and business owners understand how accounting connects to the day-to-day decisions that drive growth.

It teaches a breakdown of the main financial statements, how to interpret them, and how to use key financial ratios to analyze your company’s performance. You’ll also learn about forecasting tools to help you plan for growth and communicate with investors or lenders.

You can audit the course for free via edX, or pay to earn a certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile or resume. And if you decide you want to keep building on what you’ve learned, this class also connects to Babson’s larger programs, like the XSeries in Business Principles or Professional Certificates in Financial Decision-Making. Those paths can be helpful if you’re thinking about pursuing advanced finance training or even preparing for designations like the CMA.

Best for: Intermediate learners and SMB owners seeking practical insights from financial statements.

Price: Free to audit; optional certificate for $249

Estimated time commitment: 4–6 hours per week over 4 weeks

16. Wharton: Accounting Analytics

Wharton's Accounting Analytics course goes beyond understanding accounting data to analyzing the accounting information they have. This works well for business owners looking to get insights into the financial performance of their businesses.

The course explores how financial data and other nonfinancial metrics can be used to understand and improve business performance. For example, using data for financial forecasting or using accounting data to gain insights into various business areas like consumer behavior and strategy.

If you want to go further, this class is part of Wharton’s Business Analytics Specialization, so you can keep building skills in areas like customer analytics and operations. When you finish, you’ll also earn a Coursera certificate you can showcase on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Best for: Intermediate learners looking to apply accounting data to decision-making.

Price: Free to enroll; $49–$79/month for full Coursera access

Estimated time commitment: 3–5 hours per week over 4 weeks

17. University of Illinois: Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization

The University of Illinois Fundamentals of Accounting Specialization is a four-course series that’s more comprehensive than others on our list. Taking roughly two months at 10 hours per week to complete, it covers both financial and managerial accounting. It’s well-suited for business owners, managers, or aspiring professionals who want to move beyond the basics and actually apply accounting concepts to real-world decisions.

Over the series, you’ll learn how to interpret and analyze financial statements, identify different types of decision-useful accounting information, and apply analytical tools like cost accounting, capacity management, and operational analysis.

This specialization is hosted on Coursera, which means you can learn at your own pace and earn a certificate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign when you complete it.

Best for: Advanced learners and career-focused professionals wanting comprehensive coverage of financial and managerial accounting.

Price: Free to enroll; $49–$79/month for full Coursera access

Estimated time commitment: 9–10 hours per week over 8 weeks

18. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Financial Accounting 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Financial Accounting course is one of the most intensive on our list, taking roughly 12 weeks to complete and requiring 10-14 hours per week. This course is a deep dive into the fundamentals of financial accounting, helping business owners understand financial statements and company performance.

This is a more advanced course that covers advanced accounting topics like accrual accounting and revenue recognition. You should have some experience with topics like algebra and statistics. 

This class is part of MIT’s MicroMasters® Program in Finance, so if you complete it, you can apply it toward that broader credential. The MicroMasters is recognized by employers and universities worldwide and can even count toward a master’s degree at select institutions. It also pairs well with professional certifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA.

Best for: Advanced learners, finance professionals, or aspiring analysts who want a deep dive into financial accounting and valuation

Price: Free to audit; $549 for a verified certificate

Estimated time commitment: 10–14 hours per week over 12 weeks

Benefits of an accounting certificate

An accounting certification can help you learn the topics necessary to manage your business finances. While you might not need one to run your business, it can provide a holistic approach to learning about accounting.

Here’s a quick look at how an accounting certificate can support different goals: