Here’s a question, “Did you know that to fully plan and control your company’s cash inflows and outflows, you don’t need to be a mathematical genius or a rising professional?”
Then what do you need? You just need this article.
Collecting data, recording occurrences, and arranging those documents in order to create better judgments is what bookkeeping is all about.
Doesn’t sound that horrific, does it?
You don’t need a commerce background to learn bookkeeping. Yes, you read that right. Anyone can learn bookkeeping and accounting from scratch with our list of top online bookkeeping certificate programs.
In this article we’re talking about both paid and unpaid online bookkeeping courses for beginners and intermediate learners. But before that, let’s understand how we can help our economy by enrolling in these courses.
From interactions with Tax consultants or Certified Public Accountants to establishing appropriate judgment calls for the organization and its personnel to independent pupils learning to share knowledge with their instructors, a thorough knowledge of accounting and its core ideas certainly benefits all aspects of the economy.
Best Online Bookkeeping Courses
- Bookkeeping Basics #1: Understand the Fundamentals [Udemy]
- Bookkeeping – Step by Step Mastery [Udemy]
- Bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online (Bookkeeping & accounting) [Udemy]
- Effective Bookkeeping and Payroll [Udemy]
- Bookkeeping Basics Explained (Bookkeeping & Accounting) [Udemy]
- Bookkeeping Basics [Coursera]
- Intermediate Bookkeeping [edX]
- Bookkeeping for Personal and Business Accounting [FutureLearn]
- Accounting Basics [Accounting Coach]
- Accounting Foundations: Bookkeeping [LinkedIn Learning
- Online Accounting & Bookkeeping Course [Shaw Academy]
- Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Handle Your Finances [Skillshare]
Learn Bookkeeping Online: 12 Top Bookkeeping Training Programs
1. Bookkeeping Basics #1: Understand the Fundamentals [Udemy]
We’re beginning our list of best online bookkeeping courses with “Bookkeeping Basics #1: Understand the Fundamentals” by Udemy.
This 4.5-hour course with more than 50 educational videos focuses on teaching you the fundamentals of how money is monitored and what that means for your program or company by using straightforward, easy-to-understand conversation, visual representations, and note sheets.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Special feature | NASBA CPE accredited course |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 4.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 16,1877 students |
| Instructor | Ron Trucks |
| Cons | This course is beginner-friendly; hence it is quite basic |
Learning Outcomes
In these online bookkeeping classes, you will learn:
- What is the significance of tracking finances?
- Why a business acquires different kinds of funds.
- Reading financial documents
- What are the common mistakes people make while bookkeeping?
Prerequisites
For this bookkeeping certificate online course, you require:
- A computer and a stable internet connection
- Zeal to learn relevant skills
- Stationary (pen and notebook) to note down everything
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best online bookkeeping courses and is perfect for:
- Owners of new small business communities
- Managers who already know the basic concepts of bookkeeping
- Students who are beginning the journey of bookkeeping
Reviews by Omeander.
I teach introductory accounting at the college level. This is a great presentation of the basic concepts. I am even thinking it would be a great intro to the rest of the accounting course.
2. Bookkeeping – Step by Step Mastery [Udemy]
The next course in our top online bookkeeping courses list is “Bookkeeping – Step by Step” from Udemy.
This course is actually intended to help students understand manual bookkeeping before progressing to digitalized bookkeeping.
The online bookkeeping classes will assist you in creating a better base in bookkeeping, even if you use software applications for the accounting process.
| Rating | 4.4 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 6 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 3,533 students |
| Instructor | Jafar Iqbal |
| Cons | The audio quality of recorded lectures isn’t top notch |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- How to make entries in account books
- How to reconcile bank account
- How to handle Nominal Ledger
Prerequisites
To take this one of the best online bookkeeping certificate programs, you require a strong desire to master new skills.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best online bookkeeping classes and is perfect for:
- Complete newbies who want to keep finance records
- New business owners who want to manage day-to-day tracks
- Students interested in learning about bookkeeping
Review Neha S.
I have understood it very well so far as the Tutor has gone through step by step in a simplified method .
3. Bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online (Bookkeeping & accounting) [Udemy]
The next addition to our list of online bookkeeping courses with certificates is Udemy’s “Bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online (Bookkeeping & accounting).
Students are encouraged to learn how to use QuickBooks Online for financial accounting in this training. Each lesson is approximately 3-5 minutes long and can be taken up at your leisure.
If mainstream bookkeeping formative assessments frustrate you, this course is for you because the instructor demonstrates everything in a straightforward, easy-to-understand, and fun-to-learn manner.
| Rating | 4.7 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 4.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 13,572 students |
| Instructor | Calvin Lee |
| Cons | This course doesn’t talk about different types of equity accounts |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- How to use QuickBooks Online to record expenses
- How to pay your employees using payroll
- How to do journal entries online
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for these online bookkeeping classes.
Who should take these online bookkeeping courses?
This is one of the best bookkeeping training programs, and is perfect for:
- Students who want to keep their own record books
- Bookkeepers interested in learning QuickBooks
- Owners of small businesses who want to learn bookkeeping online
Review Nahla B.
Very clean explanation of the QuickBooks process. I’ve been a bookkeeper for while and I jump to take care of kiddos….needed a quick refresher this course is very helpful!!!
4. Effective Bookkeeping and Payroll [Udemy]
The bookkeeping certificate online course provides aspirants with the necessary learning opportunity to complete basic bookkeeping and payroll processing activities effectively and timely.
The course serves as a springboard for candidates interested in pursuing a career in business finance, bookkeeping, or expense tracking.
The course includes a free eBook called “Bookkeeping & Accounting Basics.”
| Rating | 4.2 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 14.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 4,279 students |
| Instructor | Integrity Training |
| Cons | This course is very comprehensive with more theory & less practice. It is also not meant for quick learning. |
Learning Outcomes
In this basic bookkeeping course, you will learn:
- How to keep subsidiary ledgers and records
- How to setup an annual budget strategy
- About generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
- Sales tax calculations
Prerequisites
To make the most of these best online bookkeeping classes, some basic understanding of accounting will be appreciated.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best bookkeeping training programs and is suitable for:
-
- Owners of small and medium-sized businesses
- Accountants and bookkeepers
- Payroll management professionals
- Auditors of financial statements who want to study bookkeeping
Review Ashwani B.
A very indepth course for Bookkeeping covering all the major topics.Madam is knowledgeable & Experienced and her communications skills are excellent.Thanks Mam.
5. Bookkeeping Basics Explained (Bookkeeping & Accounting) [Udemy]
The next one in our best online bookkeeping courses list is “Bookkeeping Basics Explained (Bookkeeping & Accounting) from Udemy.
The essentials of preparing financial statements will be covered in this course. By completing this program, students will get a clear idea of how it works and the financial and statistical information, as the instructor will teach you every step to record account transfers and journal entries.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 4.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 12,934 students |
| Instructor | Calvin Lee |
| Cons | This is a very basic course. So many lessons convey the same information. |
Learning Outcomes
In this basic bookkeeping course, you will learn:
- How to start a business in bookkeeping
- How to prepare an income statement and balance sheet
- How to do Month-end or Year-end accruals
Prerequisites
To learn bookkeeping online with one of the best bookkeeping training programs, you require the desire to learn new things and stationary to write notes.
Who should take this course?
This bookkeeping certificate online course and is suitable for:
- Beginners who want to learn bookkeeping quickly
- Accounting students who seek more learning materials and knowledge
- Managers who want to scale their business
Review Zenobiah M.
It was a very informative lecture it brought me back to basics and I am looking forward to learning more in the future.
6. Bookkeeping Basics [Coursera]
From our list of online bookkeeping courses with certificates, this Coursera course introduces you to the position of a bookkeeper and teaches you what bookkeeping experts do on a daily basis.
You will delve into the financial reporting concepts and terminology that will constitute the basis for the following three courses.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes (Financial aid available) |
| Duration | 16 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 22,461 students |
| Provider | Intuit Professional Development |
| Cons | The flash animator used in between is a distraction and cause of concern for many course takers. |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- What are the concepts of bookkeeping
- What is the role of a bookkeeper
- What are the responsibilities of bookkeepers
Prerequisites
To take this one of the best bookkeeping training programs, you require no previous bookkeeping experience.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best online bookkeeping certificate programs and is suitable for:
- People who are new to the bookkeeping world and wish to learn it rapidly
- Business managers who need to learn finances
- Accounts students interested in learning bookkeeping and accounting
Review DS.
It’s really like its name. You will learn about basic of bookkeeping. Recommended for people who never had experience in bookkeeping. The explanation is really good though
7. Intermediate Bookkeeping [edX]
edX’s Intermediate Bookkeeping takes online bookkeeping courses a step further by bringing basic financial statements and delving into some of the core concepts that form the basis of account preparatory work.
| Rating | 4.4 |
| Certification | No |
| Paid | Free |
| Duration | 6 weeks (5-8 hours per week) |
| Enrolled | 25,978 students |
| Instructor | Isobel Wroath, James Patrick, Fiona Murray |
| Cons | You don’t get a certificate of completion here. |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- All the basic principles of bookkeeping and accounting
- How record financial statements
- How to keep track of expenses
- GAAP Principles
- Preparing journal entries & trial balance
Prerequisites
To learn bookkeeping online with this basic bookkeeping course, you require just an open mind and willingness to learn.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best online bookkeeping classes and is perfect for:
- One who wants to clear the ACCA’s exam in Maintaining Financial Records (FA2)
- People who wish to learn how to make financial statements and key concepts about financial record keeping
- Individuals wanting to take a job as an accounting administrator or bookkeeper
8. Bookkeeping for Personal and Business Accounting [FutureLearn]
The next addition on our list of best online bookkeeping courses is “Bookkeeping for Personal and Business Accounting” from FutureLearn.
The course will help learners to understand the basics of bookkeeping in the easiest way possible for both personal finances & business.
| Course materials | Available |
| Ratings | 4.5 |
| Instructor | Devendra Kodwani |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 4 weeks (3 hours per week) |
| Enrolled | 81,249 |
| Cons | The course is designed for beginners; hence, many topics are covered at the elementary level. |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- How to manage your finances
- How to make balance reports and other concepts
- All necessary formulas and equations
Prerequisites
To learn bookkeeping online, you require:
- Access to a computer and a stable internet connection
- A few formatted sheets needed in the second half of the course will be provided for you to work on.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best online bookkeeping certificate programs and is perfect for:
- Students who want to expand their knowledge and understanding of finances
- Business owners or people who are self-employed
- An absolute beginner who knows nothing about bookkeeping
9. Accounting Basics [Accounting Coach]
The best online bookkeeping courses present you with “Accounting Basics,” which will walk you through some fundamental financial statements, theories, and vocabulary.
After completing these online bookkeeping classes, you’ll feel more at ease exploring AccountingCoach.com’s lectures, questionnaires, short assessments, instructional videos, and other tools.
| Course materials | Available |
| Level | Beginner friendly |
| Paid/Free | PRO Option available for upgrade & certification |
| Instructor | Harold Averkamp |
| Cons | The course is tailored to help you if you’re a complete beginner |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online, you will learn:
- Accounting basics
- How to create your income statement
- How to make a balance sheet
- Statement of Cash Flows
- Financial Ratios and much more
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to learn bookkeeping online with this course.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best bookkeeping training programs, is perfect for:
- Absolute beginners eager to learn the bookkeeping
- Finance learners who seek more knowledge
- Managers to record their financial tracks
10. Accounting Foundations: Bookkeeping [LinkedIn]
Jim and Kay Stice, accounting instructors, take you through the four important parts of the accountancy process: assessing activities, recording impacts, summarizing impacts, and preparing financial statements with this next course in our list of top online bookkeeping courses with certificates.
| Rating | 4.7 |
| Return or refund policy | 1-month free trial |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 1.40 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 146,819 students |
| Cons | The course is too short |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- How to keep track of financial transactions
- How to prepare investment statement and balance sheet
- All the essential components of bookkeeping
Prerequisites
To take these online bookkeeping classes, you require access to a computer and a reliable internet connection.
Who should take this course?
This basic bookkeeping course is perfect for:
- Extreme novices who want to learn bookkeeping
- Small business owners
- Managers who keep finance records
11. Online Accounting & Bookkeeping Course [Shaw Academy]
Since we’re almost at the end of our list of best online bookkeeping courses, we thought we would introduce you to a new learning platform that isn’t very famous but deserve all the hype for several reasons, one of which is its FREE courses.
“Online Accounting & Bookkeeping Course” is one such course by Shaw Academy.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes (but available for free on offer) |
| Duration | 16 weeks |
| Enrolled | 66,202 students |
| Level | All levels |
Learning Outcomes
With these best online bookkeeping classes, you will learn:
- How to confidently handle your finances
- What are the different kinds of budget planning
- How to prepare for an audit
Prerequisites
For this bookkeeping certificate online course, there are no prerequisites as such. You’ll learn everything from scratch.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best online bookkeeping courses and is perfect for:
- Entrepreneurs who are forming new small business groups
- Managers who are already familiar with the fundamentals of bookkeeping
- Students who are just starting out in the field of bookkeeping
12. Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Handle Your Finances (Skillshare)
So, the last course in our list of online bookkeeping courses is “Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Handle Your Finances” by Skillshare.
You’ll receive an array of resources to help you manage your finances and optimize your accounting, whether you’re a freelancer gearing up to bill your first service user or a business owner trying to arrange your business’s expenditures and spending.
With the help of these online bookkeeping classes, Students will be prepared to leverage informed decision, increase sales, and focus on what is important for their business.
| Rating | 4.4 |
| Certification | No |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 38 minutes on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 7,651 students |
| Cons | This is a very basic course short course. Doesn’t dig deep into the subject with examples. |
Learning Outcomes
In this bookkeeping certificate online course, you will learn:
- How to choose the best bookkeeping system for your company.
- Organize and manage your finances with ease.
- Organize yourself throughout the year.
Who should take this course?
This basic bookkeeping course is perfect for:
- Complete beginners who want to maintain track of their finances
- New company managers who want to run their operations on a day-to-day basis
- Freelancers that want to learn more about bookkeeping
Bookkeeping FAQs
Q 1. What are basic bookkeeping skills?
Ans. Bookkeepers must be proficient in a number of hard skills as well as soft talents. For e.g., Focusing on every little detail, being comfortable with verbal calculations, having a stable mind to deal with late payments, ensuring all books are balanced etc.
Q 2. Can I learn bookkeeping courses online?
Ans. Yes. In this article we’ve mentioned top 12 best online bookkeeping courses available on several different platforms across the globe. All these courses are available for beginners and intermediate students. These 12 courses are a combination of free and paid courses.
Q 3. Is there a certification for bookkeepers?
Ans. Yes. There are various certifications available for bookkeepers which they can get after completing a course or clearing an authorised exam. We’ve shared a list of some of the best online courses where you get a recognized certificate.
These courses are suitable for students, business owners, freelancers, finance managers, or basically anyone who wants to start learning bookkeeping and accounting online.
For young professionals, it is especially beneficial, however, not mandatory to get certified and land up a job more easily in bookkeeping.
Q 4. What can you do with a bookkeeping certificate?
Ans. Students will get the bookkeeping certificate after completing the course, which can be used on several platforms to showcase their skill set. In addition, this bookkeeping certificate will help learners get an advantage when applying for bookkeeping jobs.
So, these were the top 12 recommended online bookkeeping courses and some FAQs answered from our end. Choose a course as per your experience level and expected learning outcomes.
