(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.
But, what about the certification? I think business firms will ask about the legal certificate.
I've been very impressed by MIT's free course offerings. I remember they were one of the first university's to do it and they have excellent content.
I tried several websites and one I liked is http://simplestudies.com. They have free tutorials and then practice questions to test your knowledge.
MIT's courses are great but I'm terrible with accounting. I usually just use Mint and leave the rest up to the bank people.
i like Financial Accounting bt some how i can’t menage proper time to learn but now you provide us online it is grate..i think Online education provide you the education in your time..It is good for education seeker. Online education benefits are Efficiency, Agency, Fully Integrated Medium, High Potential for Future Development u can get..online education is provide us learning with fun element..some off the web site provide free education aid it is the best for whom who want to learn..this is the very good post I like to read this…
On the internet training advantages are Performance, Organization, Completely Incorporated Moderate, High Prospective for Upcoming Progression u can get..online training is offer us discovering with fun factor..some off the website offer free training aid it is the best for whom who want to understand.
nothing better than getting online degrees for free, but you must make sure that the degree is accredited otherwise its better to get admission in accredited online colleges
Online Education is the best and cheaper option of studying and same things follows in Accountancy too. There are a number of websites which provide Online Accounting certification. Online accounting certification has same value as offline and it is really a good choice.
I also like to self learn and i use different ebook on the net for this purpose and knowledge is the most important thing and the certification is auxiliary.
Internet is a great help for people who want to widen their field of education through online education.
Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning is what I am targeting. Its important to equip yourself with the basics of investing to be able to create a good business and soon a sound passive income.
Going online and getting knowledge is always fun.Its scope is wider than the text books as you can read as much content as u like for free.
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Online classes and going to an actual class is basically the same, even for the expense. The only thing that you can save is TIME. Just imagine the time you will be saving from traveling to and from the school back to your house.
On the internet training advantages are Performance, Organization, Completely Incorporated Moderate, High Prospective for Upcoming Progression u can get..online training is offer us discovering with fun factor..some off the website offer free training aid it is the best for whom who want to understanding the internet provide free in education is..
This is the best online accounting program round-up I’ve seen yet. Thank you for the information and I’ll definitely be linking to you from my site!
Online Accounting Courses i think this is no bad for me because i save my time and money i like this blog i like it thanks for share it.
Wow! I had no idea that there was so many free on-line courses. I’m often asked by people where they can learn more about accountancy and I will be refering them to your website.
Even though you are studying in the most prestige school, self learning is still important. And online learning is a great help for people who find it hard to go to school or look for books in the library. Through online learning everything that you need is just there and online schools will provide e-books for the students.
How does this translate into CPA Exam requirements? Could students offer this as credit or experience?
I think these online courses are very helpful because a lot of people are given a chance to learn at their very convenient time. Great list!
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I am searching for accounting fundamentals and I am blessed landing on this page. I need a free online coaching and I didn’t expect that I can have more than what I have asked for. Thanks for opening some doors for me to learn.
Hi an online accounting course is definately on my list. I have just gone self employed. So I have gat to learn how to sort out my financiers. Just thinking about accounting scares me. So indeed to learn as much as possible
Thanks lee
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What’s the difference between learning in a school setting and learning online? Will you learn everything as though you were in a class? What about each course’s coverage? I’ve always imagined online courses to lack important lessons that you can only acquire and learn through a physical classroom, and you end up with incomplete knowledge about the subject.
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Hi just to let you know since I left a comment. I went and signed up to an accounting course in our local community centre. So for that kick up the arse thanks.
Thanks lee
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It is surprising to see there is such a wide range of courses available online. These courses can greatly help students residing in different regions to get enrolled in the subject they wish to study.
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Wow! I had no idea that there was so many free on-line courses. I’m often asked by people where they can learn more about accountancy and I will be referring them to your website.
Online classes is really a good option nowadays. Times spend going to school is limited and can be used for personal needs like having a job. Meaning students can enroll to an online course and then have a job to support his or her schooling.
What’s the difference between learning in a school setting and learning online? Will you learn everything as though you were in a class? What about each course’s coverage? I’ve always imagined online courses to lack important lessons that you can only acquire and learn through a physical classroom, and you end up with incomplete knowledge about the subject.