• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Basic Accounting

    Basic Accounting Courses Online

    Understand basic accounting principles for managing finances. Learn to prepare financial statements, manage accounts, and ensure compliance.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.
    Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Basic Accounting Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Meta

      Introduction to Social Media Marketing

      Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Target Audience, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Management, Marketing, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Goal Setting, Facebook, Customer Analysis, Marketing Strategies, Marketing Channel, Instagram, Digital Marketing

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      15K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Introduction to Spreadsheets and Models

      Skills you'll gain: Regression Analysis, Spreadsheet Software, Google Sheets, Financial Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Data Modeling, Forecasting, Risk Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Business Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software, Process Improvement and Optimization

      4.2
      Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.8K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      V

      Vanderbilt University

      AI Agents and Agentic AI in Python: Powered by Generative AI

      Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, OpenAI, Productivity, Python Programming, Agentic systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Software Development Tools, Application Development, Prototyping, Persona (User Experience), Business Logic, Automation

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      IBM Data Management

      Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Data Warehousing, SQL, Data Governance, Data Security, Data Migration, Database Design, Data Literacy, Descriptive Statistics, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Mining, Cloud Storage, Data Visualization Software, Data Store, IBM DB2, Data Management, Relational Databases, MySQL, Excel Formulas

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      17K reviews

      Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      IBM

      Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations

      Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Dashboard, IBM Cognos Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Data Mining, Apache Hadoop, Tree Maps, Excel Formulas, Data Wrangling, Apache Hive, Data Collection, Data Mart, Microsoft Excel, Data Warehousing, Data Quality, Data Cleansing, Data Import/Export

      Build toward a degree

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Fundamentals of Graphic Design

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Design Elements And Principles, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Design Software, Logo Design, Digital Design, Color Theory, Photo Editing, Adobe Creative Cloud, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      18K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Getting Started with Microsoft Excel

      Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Spreadsheet Software, Productivity Software, Microsoft 365

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      12K reviews

      Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Understanding Financial Statements: Company Position

      Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Accounting, Accounting, Financial Reporting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Asset Management

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.4K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      I

      Intuit

      Liabilities and Equity in Accounting

      Skills you'll gain: Payroll, Payroll Administration, Payroll Processing, Payroll Tax, Sales Tax, Balance Sheet, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Financial Accounting, General Accounting, Equities, Bookkeeping, General Ledger, Mortgage Loans, Loans, Tax Compliance

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      739 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      L

      LearnQuest

      Introduction to Visual Basic Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Visual Basic (Programming Language), Development Environment, Program Development, Microsoft Development Tools, .NET Framework, Data Storage, Computer Programming, Computational Logic, Cross Platform Development, Command-Line Interface, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      50 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      T

      The State University of New York

      Basic Information Literacy

      Skills you'll gain: Brainstorming, Planning, Information Management, Research, Critical Thinking, Investigation, Literacy, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Organizational Skills, Databases

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      143 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Computational Thinking, Development Environment

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      231K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Basic Accounting learners also search

    Accounting
    Financial Accounting
    Beginner Accounting
    Advanced Accounting
    Forensic Accounting
    Managerial Accounting
    Accounting And Bookkeeping
    Cost Accounting
    1…8910…293

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular basic accounting courses

    • Introduction to Social Media Marketing: Meta
    • Introduction to Spreadsheets and Models: University of Pennsylvania
    • AI Agents and Agentic AI in Python: Powered by Generative AI: Vanderbilt University
    • IBM Data Management: IBM
    • Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations: IBM
    • Fundamentals of Graphic Design: California Institute of the Arts
    • Getting Started with Microsoft Excel: Coursera Project Network
    • Understanding Financial Statements: Company Position: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Liabilities and Equity in Accounting: Intuit
    • Introduction to Visual Basic Programming: LearnQuest

    Frequently Asked Questions about Basic Accounting

    For those looking to develop a fundamental understanding of accounting, Coursera offers a range of free online courses. The Stanford Introduction to Statistics provides an overview of statistical analysis, while the Principles of Private Equity focuses on private market investing. Finally, Unlocking Market Power provides knowledge on how to identify and exploit key levers of market power.‎

    For those looking to build an understanding of basic accounting principles and practices, these courses provide an excellent starting point: Financial Accounting from Polimi, Financial Accounting from UVA Darden, Basics of Cost Accounting and Product Costing, Accounting Fundamentals Specialization, and Liabilities and Equity in Accounting. All courses are self-paced and offer flexible learning; and each helps to build a sound foundation in basic accounting principles.‎

    If you're looking for an advanced yet basic accounting course, Coursera has a wide range of options. From Accounting Information System and Asset Measurement and Disclosure to Accounts Payable and Receivable Management and Financial Management and Accounting Data Analytics you are sure to find something that fits your needs.‎

    Basic accounting is the everyday financial transactions that a business undertakes. The basic accounting functions of a business involve keeping track of the money that comes into and goes out of the business and its bank accounts. It’s one of the most crucial regular functions of any business, and it includes recording transactions and analyzing cash flow, revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities. As the business owner or employee who handles the basic accounting tasks, you’ll deal with bank statements and balance sheets, and you’ll report relevant transactions to tax authorities and government regulatory agencies. You may also prepare reports for stockholders or corporate boards.‎

    Basic accounting is vital to the success of businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Owners, investors, executives, and stockholders need to know how successful a business is, and understanding how well a company is performing financially makes business decisions clearer and easier. Tracking income and expenses provides you with insight into how much money your company has at any given moment. Proper accounting helps you to know how much to pay in taxes and whether your company is successful and profitable. Skills in basic accounting also prevent you from making mistakes that can cost the business money. Nonprofits need to be able to report accurate finances to key decision-makers, create and track funding streams, and ensure they maintain their nonprofit status. Government agencies need to be good stewards of taxpayers' money and be accountable for spending.‎

    With basic accounting skills, you can find career opportunities in bookkeeping, accounts payable, and auditing positions. Small businesses often hire employees who can balance all of the company’s finances. Larger corporations everywhere need professionals to keep track of various facets of the accounting process, so you can find jobs handling specific tasks, such as keeping up with the income that comes into a business or paying its bills. Look for opportunities to prepare taxes or handle tax compliance for one or more companies or organizations. There are also jobs that allow you to audit a company’s finances or solve financial mysteries as a forensic accountant.‎

    When you take online courses about basic accounting, you’ll have the chance to pick up the skills and knowledge needed to manage the financial transactions of a business or organization. Learn the foundational concepts and applications of business accounting with survey courses that show you the basics, and when you’re ready to dive deeper, unearth knowledge in more specialized topics like compliance with tax law, how information technology relates to accounting, or data analytics.‎

    Online Basic Accounting courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Basic Accounting skills. With a wide range of Basic Accounting classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Basic Accounting career skills.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Basic Accounting, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok