Best Bookkeeping and Accounting Courses Online [2025]
In 2025, the demand for skilled bookkeepers and accountants continues to grow across industries, making accounting and bookkeeping a smart career choice. Whether you're transitioning to this field, enhancing your skills, or running your own business, the rise of online education offers convenient, flexible options to learn at your own pace. Below are some of the best online bookkeeping and accounting courses to help you build expertise, fast-track your career, and achieve your professional goals.
▶ 1. Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics – Coursera]
Provider: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
If you’re just starting your journey into bookkeeping and accounting, Coursera’s "Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics" is an excellent choice. This course covers fundamental concepts like financial statements, the double-entry system, and basic bookkeeping techniques. Ideal for beginners, it’s part of a broader accounting specialization that provides deeper insights into business finance.
Key Highlights:
▣ Learn from top instructors at the University of Illinois
▣ Hands-on projects and quizzes for practical experience
▣ Perfect for beginners looking to understand core accounting concepts
Duration: 4 weeks (self-paced)
Certification: Yes, certificate upon completion
Cost: Free (with optional paid certificate)
▶ 2. Accounting Fundamentals – LinkedIn Learning
Provider: LinkedIn Learning
For those looking to get a practical overview of accounting principles, LinkedIn Learning’s "Accounting Fundamentals" is an ideal starter course. It covers key concepts like managing finances, reading financial statements, and understanding the role of accounting in business operations. Plus, it’s a great way to boost your professional profile on LinkedIn.
Key Highlights:
▣ Short, easy-to-digest lessons designed for beginners
▣ Practical focus on real-world business applications
▣ Access to LinkedIn Learning’s full library for ongoing professional development
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Certification: Yes, certificate upon completion
Cost: Subscription required (1-month free trial)
▶ 3. Bookkeeping for Small Business – Skillshare
Provider: Skillshare
Skillshare’s "Bookkeeping for Small Business" course is perfect for entrepreneurs or anyone managing a small business’s finances. You’ll learn how to track income, manage expenses, and understand taxes in the context of small business operations. It’s a hands-on course that includes practical tools like templates and spreadsheets.
Key Highlights:
▣ Focuses on small business accounting needs
▣ Practical templates and examples included
▣ Easy to follow, with actionable tips you can apply immediately
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Certification: No
Cost: Subscription required (1-month free trial)
▶ 4. QuickBooks Online Certification – Intuit QuickBooks
Provider: Intuit QuickBooks
QuickBooks remains one of the most widely used accounting software tools. Intuit’s QuickBooks Online Certification program teaches you how to use the software for tasks like managing financial transactions, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports. Perfect for both beginners and advanced learners, this course also helps you prepare for QuickBooks certification.
Key Highlights:
▣ Comprehensive training on QuickBooks features
▣ Ideal for anyone looking to become a QuickBooks pro
▣ Hands-on experience with the software
Duration: Varies (self-paced)
Certification: Yes, QuickBooks certification
Cost: Free (with optional paid certification exam)
▶ 5. Financial Accounting – edX
Provider: Harvard University
For those seeking an academic approach to accounting, Harvard’s "Financial Accounting" course on edX is an excellent choice. This course explores accounting theory and practices and teaches you how to interpret financial statements to make informed business decisions. Perfect for those who want a deeper understanding of the field.
Key Highlights:
▣ Taught by Harvard University faculty
▣ Strong focus on financial statements and business decision-making
▣ A robust introduction to financial accounting theory
Duration: 8 weeks (4-6 hours per week)
Certification: Yes, certificate upon completion
Cost: Free (certificate for a fee)
▶ 6. Accounting and Bookkeeping for Beginners – Udemy
Provider: Udemy
Udemy offers a beginner-friendly "Accounting and Bookkeeping for Beginners" course that walks you through the basics of financial accounting and bookkeeping. It’s perfect for those who need a solid foundation in managing financial records, learning everything from journal entries to preparing balance sheets.
Key Highlights:
▣ Covers both bookkeeping and accounting fundamentals
▣ Real-life examples and exercises to enhance understanding
▣ Lifetime access to course materials
Duration: 4.5 hours (self-paced)
Certification: Yes, certificate upon completion
Cost: $19.99 (often discounted)
▶ 7. Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPAs) – National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
Provider: NACPB
For those aiming for professional certification, the NACPB’s Certified Public Bookkeeper program provides both foundational training and certification. The course covers everything from journal entries to preparing tax returns, making it perfect for those wanting to work as professional bookkeepers.
Key Highlights:
▣ Focuses on preparing for certification as a Public Bookkeeper
▣ Covers a broad range of bookkeeping and accounting topics
▣ Includes exam preparation materials to ensure you’re exam-ready
Duration: Self-paced
Certification: Yes, CPAs certification upon successful exam completion
Cost: $349 (exam included)
Success Stories: How These Courses Can Transform Your Career
Rachel's Small Business Success
//Rachel, a small business owner, took the "Bookkeeping for Small Business" course on Skillshare. By learning how to efficiently manage her finances, she saved hundreds of dollars on accounting services and gained the confidence to track her own cash flow and tax obligations.
David’s QuickBooks Career Boost
//David took the QuickBooks Online Certification course after his freelance bookkeeping business grew. Thanks to his newfound QuickBooks expertise, he landed a role as a senior bookkeeper at a growing firm, increasing his earning potential and expanding his career opportunities.
Start Your Accounting Career Today
With the range of online bookkeeping and accounting courses available in 2025, you have the opportunity to upskill or pivot your career path from anywhere. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive academic course, hands-on software training, or certification to advance your career, the right course can make all the difference. Choose one that aligns with your goals and start building the expertise that will set you apart in the competitive world of accounting.
Ready to take the next step? Explore these courses and start your accounting journey today—your future self will thank you!