Bookkeeping is the backbone of any business’s financial health. It involves maintaining accurate records of financial transactions, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and offering valuable insights into a company’s financial performance. As businesses grow and the need for accurate financial data increases, so does the demand for skilled bookkeepers.
The rise of online education has made it easier than ever to develop bookkeeping skills. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your expertise, online bookkeeping courses offer flexibility, accessibility, and a variety of learning options. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online bookkeeping courses, what you can expect to learn, and how to choose the right course for your career goals.
Why Take an Online Bookkeeping Course?
Bookkeeping is essential for businesses of all sizes, making it a valuable skill for anyone interested in finance, accounting, or business management. Here are some of the main reasons to pursue an online bookkeeping course:
Career Opportunities: Skilled bookkeepers are in demand in virtually every industry. Completing an online bookkeeping course can open doors to roles in accounting, finance, payroll, and business management.
Financial Independence: If you run your own business, understanding bookkeeping is crucial to managing your finances, tracking expenses, and staying tax-compliant.
Flexibility: Many online bookkeeping courses offer self-paced learning, allowing you to study while working or managing other responsibilities.
Foundation for Advanced Studies: Bookkeeping is a foundational skill for anyone interested in pursuing further qualifications in accounting, finance, or becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Cost-Effective: Compared to in-person classes or degree programs, online bookkeeping courses are often more affordable, making them a cost-effective way to gain valuable skills.
Key Skills You’ll Learn in a Bookkeeping Course
An online bookkeeping course can equip you with a range of skills that are essential to managing a company’s financial records. Here’s what you can expect to learn:
Basic Accounting Principles: Understanding the fundamentals of accounting, including the difference between assets, liabilities, and equity, and how to record these transactions.
Financial Statements: How to prepare key financial documents such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
Double-Entry Bookkeeping: Learning the system of double-entry bookkeeping, which is essential for accurate financial record-keeping.
Payroll Processing: Gaining knowledge in processing payroll and understanding tax obligations related to employee compensation.
Accounts Payable and Receivable: How to manage invoices, track outstanding debts, and handle collections.
Bank Reconciliation: Learning how to reconcile bank statements with internal records to ensure accuracy.
Software Proficiency: Most bookkeeping courses will introduce you to popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage, which are widely used in the industry.
Best Online Bookkeeping Courses
Several online platforms offer high-quality bookkeeping courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Below, we’ve listed some of the best courses available to help you start or advance your bookkeeping career.
1. Coursera – Intuit’s Bookkeeping Basics
Course Example: Bookkeeping Basics by Intuit (the makers of QuickBooks)
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free to audit, paid for certificate
Duration: 6 months (at your own pace)
Coursera’s Bookkeeping Basics is offered in collaboration with Intuit, one of the leading financial software companies behind QuickBooks. This course is ideal for beginners, covering the foundational principles of bookkeeping, including managing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The program also includes practical training on using QuickBooks for managing financial transactions, making it a highly relevant course for modern bookkeepers.
2. Udemy – Bookkeeping Basics #1: Understand the Fundamentals
Level: Beginner
Cost: $15–$50 (depending on promotions)
Duration: 4.5 hours of on-demand video
Udemy offers a wide range of bookkeeping courses, and Bookkeeping Basics #1: Understand the Fundamentals is one of the most popular options. This course is designed for absolute beginners and provides a solid understanding of how to record financial transactions and prepare basic financial statements. What sets Udemy apart is the lifetime access to course materials, which allows you to revisit the content whenever you need a refresher.
3. edX – Bookkeeping for Small Business
Course Example: Bookkeeping for Small Business by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free to audit, paid for a certificate
Duration: 8 weeks (5–6 hours per week)
edX, in collaboration with ACCA, offers this bookkeeping course tailored for small business owners or those working in small enterprises. The course covers essential bookkeeping skills, from managing cash flow to preparing financial reports. You’ll also learn how to set up accounting systems that ensure accurate financial record-keeping. It’s a great option for those looking to manage their own business finances or pursue a career in small business accounting.
4. LinkedIn Learning – QuickBooks Online Essential Training
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: Free with a LinkedIn Learning subscription (which often comes with a 1-month free trial)
Duration: 4–6 hours of on-demand video
If you’re specifically interested in mastering accounting software, LinkedIn Learning’s QuickBooks Online Essential Training is an excellent choice. The course is designed to help bookkeepers and small business owners learn how to use QuickBooks to manage their accounting needs. The course includes tutorials on tracking income and expenses, processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, and generating financial reports.
5. OpenLearn – Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
Duration: 8 hours
OpenLearn, a platform run by the Open University, offers a free Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting course. This is a short, accessible course designed to introduce beginners to the core principles of bookkeeping, including the role of financial records in a business and how to maintain them. The course is ideal for individuals seeking a quick introduction to bookkeeping without committing to a paid program.
6. Penn Foster Career School – Bookkeeping Certificate Program
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: $999 (monthly payment options available)
Duration: 8–12 months
For those looking for a more comprehensive education in bookkeeping, Penn Foster Career School offers a full bookkeeping certificate program. This course goes beyond basic bookkeeping to cover advanced topics such as accounting principles, payroll accounting, and financial reporting. Upon completion, you will earn a certificate that can help you in pursuing bookkeeping roles in small businesses or corporate settings.
Specialized Bookkeeping Courses
If you’re looking for a more specialized focus, some online courses cater to specific areas of bookkeeping or business needs.
1. The Accounting Coach – Bookkeeping & Accounting for Personal Finances
This free course focuses on applying bookkeeping principles to personal finances. It’s perfect for individuals looking to manage their own financial records and build a budget or financial plan.
2. NACPB (National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers) – Certified Bookkeeper Program
NACPB offers certification for bookkeepers, helping to boost your credentials and career opportunities. The program covers everything from payroll accounting to depreciation and financial reporting, preparing you to take the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) exam.
How to Choose the Best Bookkeeping Course for You
With so many options available, choosing the right bookkeeping course can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help guide your decision:
Consider Your Goals: Are you looking to manage your own business finances, start a career in bookkeeping, or earn certification? Your goals will determine whether you should choose a beginner course, an advanced program, or a specialized certification course.
Evaluate the Duration and Cost: Some courses are short and free, while others require months of study and a financial investment. Choose a course that fits your schedule, budget, and commitment level.
Check for Certification: If you’re pursuing bookkeeping as a career, look for courses that offer a recognized certificate upon completion, such as those from NACPB or Penn Foster.
Focus on Software Training: In today’s digital age, most bookkeeping work is done through accounting software. Ensure the course you choose includes training on widely-used programs like QuickBooks or Xero.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Before enrolling, take some time to read reviews from past students. This will give you insight into the course content, instructor quality, and overall experience.
Conclusion
Bookkeeping is a crucial skill that opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in finance, accounting, and business management. With the rise of online education, there are now more ways than ever to gain bookkeeping skills through flexible, accessible, and affordable courses. From beginner-level courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera to more advanced certificate programs like those offered by Penn Foster, you can find a course that fits your needs and helps you achieve your career or business goals.
Online bookkeeping courses not only teach you how to maintain accurate financial records but also provide the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re a small business owner, aspiring accountant, or financial enthusiast, the right bookkeeping course can set you on a path to success.