15 Free Online Accounting Courses for Self-Learners

(This is a guest article by Karen Schweitzer*)

Getting a quality education in accounting doesn’t have to mean spending several months in a classroom and several thousand on tuition. There are many free online courses that allow you to learn in your spare time and at your own pace. Here is a list of 15 free online accounting courses from top-notch colleges, universities, and educational institutions:

Financial Accounting – The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a variety of free courses for self-learners including this Financial Accounting course. The free online course features 19 lectures in PDF format as well as other study materials.

Introduction to Accounting – This course from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) features an introduction to accounting. Students taking this course can gain a basic understanding of accounting and learn how to keep accurate books and financial statements.

Influences on Accounting Regulation – The Open University offers a six-hour masters course that discusses the national practice of financial reporting in the UK. The course is broken up into two sections, the evolution of regulation and jurisdiction rules.

The Accounting Process – This NetMBA course provides an overview of the accounting cycle. The course covers everything from beginning transactions to closing books.

Managerial Economics – This Utah State University course discusses the essential principles of managerial economics. The course’s 17 weeks of lecture notes are presented in audio format.

Accounting for Advanced Accruals – SimpleStudies.com provides this online accounting course that explains accounts receivable and notes payable. Along with courses, this site also provides online exercises and an accounting dictionary.

Management Accounting and Control – This free MIT course provides an introduction to accounting information, performance, and control. The course is intended for those looking to become management consultants.

Principles of Financial Accounting – The University of Alaska offers this free accounting course to give students an understanding of accounting principles and terms. The course is presented through slide presentations, assignments, and practice exams.

Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning – This eight-module course in financial planning from the University of California-Irvine introduces students to the principles of accounting, investing, and taxation.

How to Prepare a Loan Package – This SBA course, which is the first in a series of online training courses for aspiring accountants and entrepreneurs, provides an in-depth look into creating and understanding a loan package. Upon completion of this self-paced course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion from the Small Business Administration.

Introduction to Strategic Management – Capilano University features this 15-week course to provide self-learners with an understanding of business analysis and business management. Course materials include presentations and assignments.

Introduction to Microeconomics – This Utah State University course focuses on the fundamentals of economics in the marketplace. Course offerings include fifteen assignments and four examinations.

Introduction to the Context of Accounting – This course from The Open University offers an overview of accounting and its origins. The four-hour advanced course provides learners with a clear idea of what accounting really means.

Taxes and Business Strategies – Students who take this free online accounting course from MIT will study tax planning and tax strategy for businesses. The course provides PDF lecture notes, assignments, and other downloadable course materials.

*About the author:Guest post from education writer Karen Schweitzer. Karen is the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online classes for OnlineClasses.org.