Essential Guide to Accounting Online Courses for Career Advancement

Accounting is a stable, lucrative field that continues to see strong demand in diverse industries. As per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, keeping pace with the average for all occupations. With rapid digitization of financial records and focus on data-driven strategy in organizations, qualified accountants who can analyze numbers and communicate insights are highly valued. Fortunately, online courses make accounting skills accessible to motivated learners anywhere.

This guide covers everything you need to launch or advance an accounting career through top-ranked digital programs. Read on to:

• Learn prerequisite skills for accounting courses
• Understand types of accounting careers and specializations
• Compare features and offerings of leading course providers like Coursera and Udemy
• Get tips to excel in online accounting classes
• Discover career paths and certification options

Why Take Accounting Courses Online?

Online accounting programs offer major upsides whether you’re new to the field or preparing for a promotion:

Flexible learning: Study anytime, from anywhere at your own pace around work and life

Cost savings: According to Educationdata.org, average tuition and fees at for-profit universities with online accounting bachelor‘s programs is $22,428 per year, while specialized accounting certificate programs on Coursera range from free to $79 per month—Offering savings of over 50%

Top faculty: Learn from professors at prestigious universities you may not otherwise access. According to Class Central, over 55,000 people have enrolled in Introduction to Accounting course by MIT faculty to date.

Updated content: Curriculum incorporates latest accounting standards and best practices

Career focus: Many specialized courses and credentials available for various roles

Networking: Connect with fellow accounting learners in course forums

Combine digital coursework with on-the-job training or an internship for maximum career readiness.

Prerequisites to Succeed

While fundamentals are taught assuming no background, certain skills help hit the ground running:

• Math: Comfort with arithmetic, percentages, ratios—reinforce core math

• Reading: Comprehend analytical content and lengthy problems

• Writing: Document transactions, explain calculations clearly

• Computers: Navigate learning platforms, use spreadsheets. As per LinkedIn‘s 2022 emerging jobs report, spreadsheet and data analysis skills are in high demand from employers currently

• Self-discipline: Motivation for rigorous independent study

Resources to brush up skills: Khan Academy for math; free online writing tools; Excel tutorial videos.

Accounting Career Paths

Various accounting specialties exist across nearly every industry. As per data from Robert Half recruitment firm, starting salaries for accounting and finance professionals in 2023 are forecast to rise across roles:

Common career progression paths include:

Bookkeeping: Record day-to-day financial transactions

Staff Accountant: Prepare statements, complete general accounting tasks

Public Accountant: Audit financial documents or provide tax prep services

Management Accountant: Analyze financial data to guide business decisions

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Lead strategy for an organization‘s financial operations

Matching online learning options to career goals maximizes employability.

Types of Accounting Courses Online

Introductory and specialized accounting courses help develop knowledge needed for diverse accounting roles.

Core Topics

Bookkeeping: Document credits, debits, journal entries

Financial Accounting: Prepare external reports per GAAP standards

Management Accounting: Assess internal data to inform decisions

Business Tax: Understand tax codes and prepare documents

Auditing: Verify accuracy of financial statements

Government/Non-Profit Accounting: Follow specialized rules

Tools

Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Sage 50, Xero training

Excel: Create dynamic reports and analyses

Data Analytics: Statistical analysis, data visualization

With over 10 years analyzing data and developing business intelligence for organizations across industries, I highly recommend prospective accountants invest in data skills given how central data analysis is becoming in guiding strategic decisions.

Specialized Fields

Forensic Accounting: Detect financial fraud through investigation

International Accounting: Navigate regulations across borders

Choose beginning or advanced level based on existing ability.

Top Platforms for Accounting Online Courses

Leading course providers connect top university faculty with worldwide enrollment. Compare key platform features here.

Coursera

Overview: 3,100+ courses in 200 subjects from 250 universities, including Wharton and U. of Illinois

Cost: Free or $39+/month for graded assignments, ad-free access, shareable certificate

Example accounting programs

• Finance for Non-finance Managers (McGill University): Practical financial literacy
• Excel Skills for Business Specialization (Macquarie University): Reports, analysis, visualization
• Accelerated Intro to Financial Accounting (U. of Pennsylvania): Core principles

Also offers Google Data Analytics and IBM Data Science professional certificates.

Instructors: Taught by university professors who are leading researchers and practitioners

Formats: Video lectures, readings, quizzes, peer-reviewed assigments

Credentials: Course completion certificates from accredited schools, Specializations (series of programs), Professional Certificates and online degrees

App: Access courses on mobile app; available online, iOS and Android

edX

Overview: 3,000+ courses from 140 institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley

Cost: Free or $199+ for verified certificates, grad school application support

Sample accounting offerings

• Finance for Everyone: Global Financial Markets (IE Business School): Core finance knowledge
• Introduction to Fund Accounting and Nonprofit Accounting (Cornell): Public/nonprofit focus
• Analytics in Accounting (Columbia): Data analysis applications

Instructors: Experts including senior faculty, researchers and industry leaders

Formats: Video lectures, readings, discussions, group projects, exams, assignments

Credentials: Verified Certificates to showcase course completion

Cohorts: Some "Programs" feature cohorts and 1:1 mentorship

App: Android and iOS apps to learn on mobile

Udemy

Overview: 183,000+ courses taught by experts; highly hands-on

Cost: Free previews or $12 to $200+ full course access

Notable accounting titles

• Finance Analytics with Excel (365 Careers): Data analysis tools
• Quickbooks 2023 Master Class (Zaran Tech): QB certification prep
• Accounting Fundamentals: Understanding Financials (TMV Management): Entry-level prep

Instructors: Industry experts, practitioners, freelancers

Formats: Video lectures, live webinars, practice exercises, quizzes

Accessibility: Lifetime access to course materials

Business focus: Specialized courses like payroll accounting, small business QuickBooks use

App: Download courses for offline study from iOS or Android app

LinkedIn Learning

Overview: 18,000+ expert-led courses with customized recommendations

Cost: $19.99-$29.99/month for individuals after free month trial

Featured accounting programs

• Advanced Bookkeeping (Mbition Learning Systems): Mastery content
• Accounting Foundations (Lita Epstein): Fundamentals
• Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (Currie Consulting Services): Investigation process

See full list of 350+ accounting & finance courses here

Instructors: Industry leaders, bestselling authors

Formats: Video courses, practice quizzes, coding exercises

Recommendations: Personalized course suggestions based on goals

Mobile access: Download courses on iOS and Android apps

Certificates: Showcase skills learned with shareable certificates

Learning paths: Grouped courses around specialized skillsets

Udacity

Overview: Project-based learning in cutting-edge fields like AI and cloud computing

Cost: Free intro courses; $400/month full nanodegree programs

Relevant offerings

• AI for Business Leaders Nanodegree (IBM): AI strategy
• Data Analyst Nanodegree (IBM): Data skills training

Benefit from world-class instructors across these trusted platforms and more. Audit course overviews to find your best fit.

Choosing the Right Accounting Course

With myriad school and program options, narrow down your selection strategically:

• Define goals: Become a bookkeeper? Pass the CPA exam? Accounting roles require different preparation.

• Match course depth to needs: Introductory, intermediate, advanced level options exist. Build skills incrementally.

• Consider capabilities: Select self-paced or cohort-based. Prefer assignments and instructor support or independent study materials only?

• Compare features: Cost, study time, certifications, app accessibility, and hardware/software requirements vary.

• Verify credibility: Endorsed by known professional bodies like AICPA or IMA? Aligned to universal GAAP standards? Look for accountability.

• Read reviews: Check learner feedback and industry expert or publication endorsements.

Set yourself up for success by diligently vetting program particulars like syllabus, prerequisites, and outcomes.

Maximize Learning: Key Tips

Once enrolled, fully leverage your accounting courses employing these strategies:

Take Thorough Notes

Actively consolidate concepts through comprehensive written or typed notes of video lectures, slide presentations, readings, and discussions.

Complete All Assignments

Do required practical exercises plus optional extra problems to drill skills. Apply learning to real company cases.

Participate in Forums

Joining discussions expands perspective and networking while clarifying confusing topics.

Form Online Study Groups

A cohort boosts motivation, accountability, and mastery through teaching peers.

Leverage Instructor Office Hours

Seeking personalized guidance directly from academic staff maximizes growth.

Embrace Mistakes

In accounting, accuracy is critical but missteps ensure deeper comprehension.

With consistent engagement, complex accounting knowledge truly sinks in to boost retention and grades.

Opportunities After Accounting E-Learning

Online accounting coursework itself holds value, and can also springboard additional credentialing to advance your career.

Entry-Level Roles

Many learners directly transition into associate accountant, bookkeeping assistant, accounts receivable/payable coordinator, or tax preparer jobs post-course completion. Per Burning Glass job market analytics, nearly 233,000 accounting clerk and bookkeeping openings listed over the last 12 months prefer or require some college coursework but not necessarily a full degree. Gain essential hands-on experience!

Professional Certifications

Later pursue advanced designations like CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE and more through guided exam prep courses, also conveniently available online through reputed learning platforms.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Complete education, exam and ethics requirements for high-level reporting skills

Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Demonstrate financial planning, analysis, control expertise

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Validate advanced auditing mastery

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): Prove investigatory and anti-fraud capabilities

Highly regarded globally, these qualifications increase expertise in specialized areas from auditing to management accounting.

Continuing Education

Lifelong learning being the norm in accounting, many parlay initial online courses into enrollment in on-campus or digital degree programs like Bachelor’s in Accounting, MBA in Finance or Masters in Taxation.

Hone higher-level skills every year through supplemental single courses, annual seminars or certificate programs. Continually expand your toolkit to command top salaries.

Conclusion: Your Accounting Calling Awaits

Financial fluency remains integral to every organization. After reviewing the ins and outs of digital accounting education—from flexibly advancing knowledge to earning stackable qualifications towards a thriving career—hopefully you feel equipped to begin your online learning journey today.

The versatile, financially fruitful field of accounting invites learners from all backgrounds to leverage its strong growth. Employment of accountants and auditors overall is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, adding 136,000 new jobs across sectors. So whether you seek to stabilize personal finances, pivot professions or accelerate an existing accounting career path, discover the purpose and prosperity awaiting you!