Bookkeeping is the backbone of any business, big or small, to get their money under wraps and know bills are getting paid and buyers are paying them.
And guess what? It’s a skill that’s always in high demand, with pay of $241+ per hour on average.
So becoming a bookkeeper may be your next money move to get a recession-proof career that pays well!
But here’s the deal- with a sea of bookkeeping courses, how do you pick the perfect one to learn bookkeeping basics?
In this blog post, I’ll shine a spotlight on the best online bookkeeping courses that can help bookkeeping students make moolah and excel in their bookkeeping journey.
How to Start a Profitable Bookkeeping Business in 90 Days or Less!
15,000+ Students. 10+ Years of Results.
Quick Picks
- Best Course W/ FREE Lessons – Bookkeeper Launch
- Best Free Course – OpenLearn University
- Best Membership For Freelancing Courses – SkillShare
7 Best Online Bookkeeping Courses
These courses give you the skills and knowledge to keep those books organized, manage financial records like a pro, and boost your overall efficiency.
Here are the best courses you should take to launch your high-paying bookkeeping business:
1. Bookkeeper Launch
Course Cost: $2,499
Bookkeeper Launch is the top-rated online course and is one of the most in-depth courses I reviewed.
The program is designed specifically for beginners and was created by Ben Robinson, a certified public accountant.
You’ll go from learning the basics to diving into more advanced topics, like financial statements, but he shows you how to market your business and land clients immediately.
At the end of the course, there’s a certification exam waiting for you. It’s like a fancy badge that shows you’ve mastered bookkeeping skills– pretty impressive, right?
Bookkeeper Launch also offers 3 FREE lessons to help you decide if the course is right for you. Read more about Bookkeeper Launch in my Bookkeeper Launch Review!
Pros
- FREE lessons to start!
- Taught by Ben Robinson, a CPA with 20 years of experience
- Has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation
- Has Lifetime access and future updates
- Offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Payment plans are available
Cons
- Takes time to take the course- can take up to 6 months to get through the content
- Course cost
How to Start a Profitable Bookkeeping Business in 90 Days or Less!
15,000+ Students. 10+ Years of Results.
2. Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Handle Your Finances (Skillshare)
Course Cost: Free Month Membership; $32 per month
If you’re interested in improving your bookkeeping skills, SkillShare has many online bookkeeping classes.
Many of these courses are taught by seasoned professional bookkeepers with years of real-world experience, so you know you’re getting top-notch instruction.
One of the online bookkeeping classes I highly recommend starting with is “Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Handle Your Finances.”
The course is led by Emily Simcox, a training team lead at Bench, a leading online bookkeeping service company.
And guess what? You can try out a whole month of Skillshare for free, which means you can take the entire Bookkeeping for Freelancers course and other exciting classes.
The best part about this course is its simplicity and practicality.
Whether a freelancer or a small business owner, you’ll learn basic bookkeeping skills like how to track your expenses and revenue and read financial statements.
The class covers cash basis accounting versus accrual accounting and helps you determine which suits your business best.
Plus, Simcox wraps it all up by guiding you through key concepts of categorizing transactions and organizing crucial documents.
Pros
- Free month trial
- SkillShare membership includes thousands of courses- for bookkeepers and other freelance jobs
- Inexpensive cost
- Shorter course than the expensive courses
- Simplicity and practicality of the course
- Teaches cash basis accounting versus accrual accounting
Cons
- Need SkillShare membership to take the course
- Class videos can only be downloaded via the app
- Shortest course- may not be as in-depth as you need
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3. Accounting Coach
Course Cost: $0
Accounting Coach offers a comprehensive platform for individuals who want to learn the basics of bookkeeping and accounting.
There are over 30 modules that have been subdivided into manageable sections.
The course curriculum covers many accounting principles, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic financial statements, financial reports, and more.
Accounting Coach also provides interactive practice sets to test your knowledge as you progress through the course.
You can upgrade your plan for $49 for access to 27 training videos that cover basic bookkeeping skills. To get all 10 Certificates of Completion, you must upgrade to the $99 Pro Plus Membership.
Pros
- Free course
- Has 30+ modules
- Includes cheat sheets, quizzes, and puzzles
Cons
- No videos on the free course- just lessons to read; you have to pay for the training videos
- No certificate or exam at the end; you have to pay to get certifications with a Pro Plus membership
- No one-on-one coaching or guidance from an instructor
4. Basic Bookkeeping Explained (Udemy)
Course Cost: $109.99 or $17 per month for Udemy membership
If you’re eager to launch a business as a bookkeeper, Udemy’s “Bookkeeping Basics Explained (Bookkeeping & Accounting)” course guides you through bookkeeping fundamentals.
Calvin K. Lee walks you through the essential details of main accounts and financial reports and provides step-by-step instructions, even if you’re starting from scratch.
In this course, you’ll also gain a solid understanding of accounting basics like tackling bank reconciliations and avoiding common business pitfalls.
You’ll also get a sneak peek into the world of accounting software, from initial setup to using QuickBooks Online for recording transactions.
They’ve mixed in videos, readings, and quizzes to keep things engaging. Plus, you’ll have access to downloadable resources to enhance your learning journey.
Pros
- Taught by a CPA with over 15 years of experience
- Certificate of Completion is available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Full lifetime access
Cons
- Designed for beginners who want to learn accounting and bookkeeping together
- Total content takes about 4-5 hours to get through
5. OpenLearn University
Course Cost: $0
If you’re eager to get started in the world of finance without breaking the bank, OpenLearn University is one of the online bookkeeping classes that is the place to be!
They’ve got an amazing selection of free finance courses, and one absolute gem you shouldn’t miss is their “Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting.”
You’ll unlock the secrets of double-entry bookkeeping and understand how it connects to the balance sheet and profit and loss statement.
From managerial accounting to accounting software to account handling for organizations and even essential numerical skills – everything you need to become a bookkeeping wizard is at your fingertips.
Pros
- Free course
- You can take it at your own pace
- Caters to different learning styles
Cons
- Must be motivated to take the course- self-paced
- Total content takes around 8 hours to complete
6. Intuit Bookkeeping Basics (Coursera)
Course Cost: Free 7-day trial; $59 per month
The “Bookkeeping Basics” course offered by Intuit Professional Development on Coursera seems like a great fit for those looking to build a strong foundation in bookkeeping.
The course structure seems well-designed, with an organized breakdown into four modules, and you get to learn from Intuit how to use their QuickBooks program.
The course could be an excellent stepping stone to building a strong understanding of bookkeeping concepts and practices.
You’ll get to explore accounting concepts and financial statements and master that double-entry accounting method to handle whatever clients throw at you.
Pros
- Course is self-paced
- Coursera is a monthly membership
- Includes practical exercises
- Free to audit
- A certificate of completion is available for a fee
Cons
- Designed for beginners
- You must pay to get the certificate of completion
7. edX Courses
Course Cost: $0; pay $50 – $300 for certificate courses
edX has this amazing lineup of accounting courses, and they’re not your run-of-the-mill ones – these are crafted by top-notch universities worldwide.
They dive deep into everything bookkeeping, from the basics of accounting principles to the nitty-gritty of financial statements and financial analysis. It’s like a one-stop shop for all things bookkeeping!
You can try them without spending a dime – yes, that’s right, they have this cool option called “audit for free.”
When you go for the free audit, you can peek into all the course materials, like videos and readings. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the treasure chest of knowledge!
But here’s the deal – with the free audit, you won’t be able to do the graded assignments or walk away with a shiny certificate.
You can choose the certification courses, but remember; it’s not free. The fee varies depending on the course but is between $50 and $300.
With the verified track, you get access to everything, including graded assignments, and can earn a certificate that proves your hard work and new skills.
Pros
- Take free courses with audits
- Course material is regularly updated
- Courses are taught by top universities from around the world
Cons
- The quality of material varies slightly from course to course as it’s updated regularly
- Pay to get courses with certifications
- Audit courses get no certifications or feedback on assignments
FAQs
How much money do bookkeepers make?
Some job sites show that the hourly rate for bookkeepers is around $17 – $25 per hour.
The salary of bookkeepers can vary widely depending on factors such as location, level of experience, industry, and the specific responsibilities of the role.
In the United States, the median annual wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks was around $45,860, according to financial data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Bookkeepers with more bookkeeping experience, additional certifications, or specialized skills may earn higher salaries for their bookkeeping services.
Also, bookkeepers in metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living might earn more than those in rural or lower-cost areas.
Can I teach myself bookkeeping?
Yes, you can teach yourself and become a bookkeeper without taking courses.
Many people successfully teach themselves bookkeeping and offer bookkeeping services once they get a handle on bookkeeping basics.
With self-motivation and a willingness to learn, you can teach yourself bookkeeping and acquire a valuable skillset that can benefit your personal finances or even open up career opportunities.
Here are some steps to guide you in teaching yourself bookkeeping:
Start with Online Resources: Many free online courses, tutorials, and articles cover bookkeeping essentials.
Look for reputable websites and platforms that offer step-by-step guides and explanations of financial transactions and the accounting cycle.
Use Bookkeeping Software: Familiarize yourself with popular accounting software like QuickBooks Online or Xero.
These tools often have user-friendly interfaces and tutorials to help you learn the ropes.
Read Books on Bookkeeping: Many books are written specifically for individuals who want to learn accounting fundamentals independently.
Practice with Mock Transactions: Create sample transactions for accounts receivable and accounts payable and practice recording them in a ledger or bookkeeping software.
This hands-on practice will reinforce your learning but remember it isn’t a course- you may not have access to an answer key and won’t know if you’re doing things right.
Take Advantage of Free Courses: Look for free courses offered by platforms like OpenLearn University. These courses often provide structured learning, and you can pay for certifications.
While you can teach yourself bookkeeping, taking a course or workshop may be beneficial to get a more in-depth understanding of bookkeeping principles and software.
Plus, being a certified bookkeeper can improve your job prospects as a professional.
Where’s the best place to learn bookkeeping?
The best place to learn bookkeeping depends on your preferred learning style, budget, and career goals.
If you want the most in-depth course that covers bookkeeping basics, how to use accounting software, and help you launch your business and find clients, I highly recommend Bookkeeper Launch.
They offer 3 free lessons to give you some background, and you can see if bookkeeping is what you want to do.
If you’re interested in learning for free and not sure you want to be a certified bookkeeper, you can take the free course with OpenLearn University to get started.
It teaches you the basics but not how to land clients or get your business started.
Can I take a free workshop to get started?
Absolutely, taking a free workshop is a great way to get started with learning bookkeeping.
Bookkeeper Launch’s three free lessons are a fantastic opportunity to dip your toes into the world of bookkeeping and see if a bookkeeping career is the right path for you.
Participating in these free lessons gives you a feel for the content and teaching style and some initial knowledge about bookkeeping fundamentals and business transactions.
It’s a low-risk way to explore whether bookkeeping aligns with your interests and goals before committing to a more extensive program or paid course.
How to Start a Profitable Bookkeeping Business in 90 Days or Less!
15,000+ Students. 10+ Years of Results.
Should I get a bookkeeping certificate?
Whether or not you should get a bookkeeping certification depends on your individual goals, bookkeeping career aspirations, and current skill set.
Advantages of Getting a Bookkeeping Certification:
Credibility: A bookkeeping certificate can enhance your credibility and demonstrate to potential employers or clients that you have received formal training in the field.
Employment Opportunities: Some employers may require or prefer candidates with formal education or certification in bookkeeping. Having a certificate could open doors to job opportunities.
Skill Validation: Earning a certificate validates your skills and knowledge in bookkeeping, which can be particularly useful if you’re self-taught or looking to transition into the field.
Networking: Enrolling in a certificate program may provide networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with instructors and fellow students who share similar interests.
Higher Pay: Certified bookkeepers can get paid more for their services, making more than average because the certificate backs up your better skills.
Final Thoughts
Bookkeeping is one of the best work-from-home jobs that you could do as a freelancer. But you need a good background and skills to launch your business successfully.
Investing in a good course can take your accounting career to new heights. With so many courses, finding the right one may seem daunting.
By taking the right course, you can better understand bookkeeping principles and financial transactions, reconcile accounts, and start managing your business transactions.
Whether you are a beginner or a small business owner who wants to upgrade your skills, these courses can help you get the knowledge you need to stay on top of your finances.
I recommend taking the free lessons by Bookkeeper Launch to get your bookkeeper business launched so that you can earn more money working from home this year!
How to Start a Profitable Bookkeeping Business in 90 Days or Less!
15,000+ Students. 10+ Years of Results.
