Bookkeeping is a vital skill in the business world, helping companies maintain accurate financial records, track expenses, and ensure tax compliance. Whether you are a small business owner looking to manage your own books or someone interested in a career in accounting, online bookkeeping classes offer a convenient way to gain essential skills.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best options for online bookkeeping classes, the benefits of online learning, and tips for making the most of your studies. With the growing demand for bookkeeping professionals, investing in quality bookkeeping education can be a wise career move.
Why Take Online Bookkeeping Classes?
Before diving into specific class recommendations, it’s important to understand why online bookkeeping classes are a great option for many learners.
- Flexibility: One of the key advantages of online bookkeeping classes is the flexibility they offer. You can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, making it easy to balance your education with work or personal commitments.
- Affordability: Traditional in-person classes can be expensive, especially when you factor in commuting, textbooks, and other costs. Online courses tend to be more affordable, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Online classes often provide detailed coursework and resources, including video tutorials, practice exercises, and quizzes. Many courses are designed to cover everything from basic bookkeeping concepts to more advanced financial reporting.
- Immediate Access to Resources: Online classes allow you to access materials immediately, including software tutorials, study guides, and discussion boards. This can help accelerate your learning process and provide ongoing support.
- Networking Opportunities: Even though online learning takes place in a virtual environment, many platforms offer opportunities to connect with fellow students and instructors, providing networking opportunities that can help you in your career.
Best Options for Online Bookkeeping Classes
Now that we understand the benefits of online bookkeeping classes, let’s take a look at some of the best platforms and programs available.
1. Universal Accounting School
Universal Accounting School is a leading provider of online bookkeeping and accounting education. The school offers a comprehensive Bookkeeping Certification Program that can equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the field. This program includes everything from the basics of bookkeeping to more advanced topics like financial statement preparation, tax filing, and payroll.
What makes Universal Accounting School stand out is its focus on real-world application. The courses are designed to prepare you for immediate employment, with a curriculum that mirrors the challenges you will face in a bookkeeping role. With interactive learning and direct access to instructors, Universal Accounting School provides a personalized and thorough education in bookkeeping.
While this school is a great choice for beginners and those looking to advance their skills, it’s also ideal for entrepreneurs or individuals wanting to manage their own business finances.
2. Coursera – Bookkeeping Basics
Coursera offers a variety of online courses in partnership with top universities and institutions. The Bookkeeping Basics course on Coursera is an excellent introduction to the world of bookkeeping. It’s perfect for beginners who want to understand the fundamental principles, such as the accounting equation, debits, and credits, and the importance of financial statements.
Coursera’s platform allows students to engage with video lectures, quizzes, and peer discussions. Many courses on Coursera are free to audit, and you only need to pay if you want a certificate at the end. The ability to learn from university-level instructors and interact with a community of learners makes this an appealing option for many.
3. Udemy – Bookkeeping for Beginners
Udemy is a well-known platform that offers affordable, self-paced courses on a variety of topics, including bookkeeping. The Bookkeeping for Beginners course is a great option for those who are new to the field. It covers essential topics like double-entry bookkeeping, journal entries, and trial balances.
The course includes over 5 hours of on-demand video, downloadable resources, and quizzes to test your understanding. Udemy often has sales where you can purchase courses at a discounted price, making it a cost-effective option for learners.
One of the standout features of Udemy is its user-friendly platform, where you can easily track your progress and revisit lessons whenever necessary.
4. LinkedIn Learning – Accounting and Bookkeeping for Beginners
LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of bookkeeping and accounting courses aimed at helping professionals improve their skills. The Accounting and Bookkeeping for Beginners course focuses on providing foundational knowledge to help students understand bookkeeping practices. It covers topics such as financial statements, general ledger, and accounts payable/receivable.
A major advantage of LinkedIn Learning is the integration with LinkedIn profiles. After completing a course, you can showcase your certification directly on your LinkedIn profile, enhancing your resume and professional visibility.
5. Skillshare – Bookkeeping for Small Business
Skillshare offers online classes for creative and business skills, including bookkeeping. The Bookkeeping for Small Business course focuses on essential skills that every small business owner should know, such as tracking income and expenses, balancing the books, and preparing for tax season.
Skillshare operates on a subscription basis, giving you access to all of its courses for a monthly fee. This can be a great option if you want to explore various other business-related topics while taking a bookkeeping course.
Tips for Succeeding in Online Bookkeeping Classes
While online learning offers flexibility, it also requires discipline and commitment. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in your online bookkeeping classes:
1. Create a Study Schedule
Online classes offer flexibility, but it’s easy to fall behind without a clear schedule. Set aside specific time slots each week for studying, and stick to them as much as possible. Treat your online classes as you would an in-person class, making it a priority in your daily routine.
2. Stay Organized
Bookkeeping involves managing a lot of numbers and detailed information. Keep your study materials, notes, and assignments well-organized. Use digital tools like Google Docs or Evernote to stay on top of your coursework and create summaries or cheat sheets for quick reference.
3. Practice Regularly
Bookkeeping is a hands-on skill that requires practice. Regularly complete exercises, quizzes, and any other activities provided in your course. You can also find additional practice problems online or in textbooks to reinforce what you’ve learned.
4. Participate in Discussions and Ask Questions
Even in an online setting, interaction is key. Participate in discussion boards, ask questions in forums, and reach out to instructors or classmates when you’re stuck. Online communities can be valuable for learning, and many platforms offer mentorship opportunities.
5. Leverage Technology
There are numerous bookkeeping software tools that can complement your studies, such as QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks. Getting hands-on experience with these tools will help you understand how to apply bookkeeping concepts in real-life scenarios. Many online bookkeeping classes will provide access to these tools or offer tutorials on how to use them.
6. Stay Motivated
Staying motivated can be one of the biggest challenges of online learning. Set achievable goals and reward yourself when you hit milestones. Whether it’s completing a module or mastering a difficult concept, small wins can help keep your morale high.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to change careers, start your own business, or improve your financial literacy, online bookkeeping classes can help you gain the skills you need. There are many excellent courses available online, from platforms like Universal Accounting School, Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare, offering something for every budget and learning style.
The key to success in online bookkeeping education is consistency, practice, and a proactive approach to learning. With the right course and mindset, you can master the art of bookkeeping and open the door to a rewarding career in the financial sector.
