Online Accounting Courses: Improve Your Resume

If you have a knack for numbers and organization, then accounting could be the career for you. By enrolling in accounting courses, you can get started on your career path as soon as right now!

Along with ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, accountants can help to transform businesses for the better. This is because accountants are increasingly expanding their roles as business advisors and strategic partners. 

Here, we will share what you need to know about accounting. We’ll also provide some online accounting courses to consider that can boost your resume.

What is Accounting?

Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, and analyzing financial transactions. Financial statements reflect an organization’s financial transactions in any given period of time. 

Accounting is a primary function within businesses. Either a bookkeeper or an accountant can perform the necessary duties to upkeep financial records. But, when it comes to more advanced duties, accountants must take over. 

In America, accountants have to become certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This designation is necessary to sign off on tax returns. 

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What Does an Accountant Do?

Depending on where an accountant works and the size of the firm, their daily activities will vary. However, accountants are generally tasked with the following:

• Making sure that financial documents are accurately reflected 
• Preparing tax returns (CPAs)
• Recommending best plans of action for the business’ success 
• Serving as advisors to help minimize costs and maximize revenues 
• Performing risk analysis and creating forecasts 

While it is helpful to be good with numbers, it’s not the only requirement to work as an accountant. Accountants should also possess analytical skills, technical skills, strong communication abilities, and a keen understanding of business. 

With more technology fulfilling back-office tasks, accountants are moving into front-office duties. In many organizations, they play a key role in decision-making processes. The evolving nature of the business makes it exciting for those who work as accountants. 

Benefits of Online Accounting Courses 

The benefits of enrolling in online accounting courses are akin to the benefits of earning a college education online. 

By taking accounting courses online, you can not only stand out as a better candidate for positions in the workforce, but you also gain the upsides of learning online. Through online courses, you can have a  flexible schedule, enhance your computer skills, learn with people from around the world, and potentially gain access to greater support as communication can take place at any time between peers and professors. 

Online Accounting Courses 

Accounting courses online can either teach the basics, provide a certificate, or be an entry-way into the field.

Here’s a look at some online accounting courses that are worthwhile to consider:

UCLA Extension 

UCLA Extension has a certificate in accounting that is aimed towards professionals who are already working, but looking to further excel in their careers. It can also be useful for those looking to change careers or recent graduates who want to fulfill coursework to take their CPA exam or apply for a master’s in business administration.  

Those who enroll can expect to learn about federal income taxation, financial accounting, standards and principles, and information that will appear on the CPA, CMA, CFA, and CIA tests. According to those who have taken the online course, 90% of survey respondents believe that the course helped them perform more strongly in their career. Additionally, 63% benefitted from an increased salary after they began the program. 

Udemy

Udemy offers various online accounting courses for any level of expertise, from beginner to advanced accounting. Those who are interested can browse the course offerings and filter by price (free options available), language, level, topic, difficulty, and more. 

Coursera 

Much like Udemy, Coursera is an online learning platform. As such, there are a variety of accounting courses to choose from. Some of the course titles include: Introduction to Finance and Accounting, Excel Skills for Business, and Financial Accounting Fundamentals. If you click on the link, you’ll find over 540 results for online accounting courses. edX

edX is another online learning website that boasts courses from various universities. Students have access to course offerings from schools like Maryland and Columbia, for example. Courses span: Business Foundations, Financial Accounting, and Reporting Investments, Pensions, and Financial Statement Analysis.  

How to Become an Accountant 

If you’re not yet in the profession but looking to enter the field, then take a look at the following steps for how to become an accountant. 

Earn a degree   

To gain deep knowledge about accounting, it all starts with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related subject, like business administration, finance, or economics. In order to get a job or certification, a degree is necessary. 

Get an internship

While you’re earning a degree, it’s always a good idea to get an internship to learn on the job. This is also a great way to network with professionals in the field and potentially secure a position upon graduation. 

Find a job

Once you graduate with a degree, it’s time to look for an entry-level position. Once you start working, you can choose to take an online accounting course to sit for the CPA exam. 

Get certified

Lastly, if you want to get certified to increase your competitive advantage and boost your credibility, there are a few options to choose from, including: Certified Public Accountants, Certified Management Accountants, Certified Internal Auditors, and Certified Information Systems Auditors. 

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Wrapping Up 

Online accounting courses exist through many universities and online learning platforms. For anyone looking to change their careers, forge ahead in the industry, or prepare for certification exams, then online classes are a cost-effective and flexible option.