Free Online Basic Accounting Courses

1. Basic Accounting

Whether you are a total beginner who doesn’t know the difference between profit and cash flow or need a refresher, this course carefully explains accounting fundamentals in a simple, easy-to-grasp way.

2. Financial Accounting Basics

Again, a very good foundational course that unpacks important financial statements and shows you how they can help guide business decisions.

3. Basic Accounting Concepts

Can you define ‘accrual’? Can you prepare a balance sheet? Do you know what external auditors do? This comprehensive course demystifies many of the essential principles of basic accounting.

No, not at all! While knowledge of basic accounting principles is obviously important if you want to become a CA (chartered accountant), it has other very important applications. If you run your own business, knowing how financial statements work is critical to making a profit. You could even start a business providing accounting services and advice for other small businesses, and help them grow. Perhaps you work for a charity or raise funds for your children’s school - wherever money is involved, a knowledge of basic accounting practices is always useful.

Computer programs make it much easier for accountants to keep track of financial statements. Here are some practical courses to get you started:

1. Sage One Bookkeeping and Accounting

Enrol in this course to learn how to enter invoices, record payments, issue credit notes, pay suppliers, do banking reconciliation and generate reports.

2. Introduction to QuickBooks Online

This popular program is geared for small and medium businesses that need to automate routine tasks like managing cashflow and tracking expenses.

3. Getting Started with QuickBooks Desktop 2023

Once you’ve completed the introductory course, sign up to learn how to analyse invoices, review bills and receipts, and set up company files and customer groups.