Top 8 Free Online Bookkeeping Courses With Certificates

If you want to pursue bookkeeper care, you can go for free online bookkeeping courses with certificates, where you can learn the accurate way to create and maintain business financial records.

Every business must perform the important task of bookkeeping to keep track of its finances and transactions. As a result, there is an increasing need for qualified bookkeepers in businesses. You can learn the basics of recording and reporting financial information for businesses from free online bookkeeping courses with certifications.

Similar to bookkeeping you may check childcare training courses with certificates that can help someone interested in pursuing a course in childcare training.

8 Best Free Online Bookkeeping Courses With Certificates

1. OpenLearn University

A wonderful resource for free online bookkeeping courses with certificates is OpenLearn University, which offers many free finance courses, like Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting. This course explains the principles of double-entry bookkeeping, as well as how it relates to the balance sheet and profit and loss statement. 

Other courses covered by this institute include managerial accounting, fundamental numerical abilities, and organization accounting. To deliver bookkeeping courses more effectively, this university offers a variety of interactives, videos, texts, and interactives. 

For the convenience of the learners, their online bookkeeping courses are divided into 3 levels and the course’s length ranges from 2 to 20 hours.

2. Alison

Alison offers a selection of free bookkeeping video training classes, such as courses on payroll basics, sales and purchasing, and accounting fundamentals. Although sharing your student record or learner achievement verification to show that you have completed courses and passed exams on the Alison platform is free, receiving a digital certificate is not free. 

You are exposed to ads when using the free version of Alison, but you can upgrade to the paid version for less than $100 to remove all ads.

3. Small Business Administration (SBA)

This is another platform for free online bookkeeping courses with certificates which offers a quick, free training session on accounting lasting 30 minutes. After completing the bookkeeping course you receive a free PDF course completion certificate from the SBA with your name on it. Income statement, cash flow statement, and fundamentals of bookkeeping are some of the topics covered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

4. Coursera

Coursera is offered by Intuit, and it is a free online bookkeeping course with certificates. The Coursera course provides an introductory overview of bookkeeping terminology and basic principles. With the Coursera Bookkeeping course, you’ll learn how to organize financial records for a small business. Coursera offers 16-hour, self-paced, on-demand courses. After completing the course, you will receive a complimentary certificate.

5. Oxford Home Study Center

This free online introductory course on the fundamentals of bookkeeping is open to enrollment for all. However, it is mainly for students looking for practical skills who are unemployed. Key bookkeeping ideas and methods are covered throughout the course through expert instruction in the Oxford Home Study Center. 

The duration of their course is 20 hours. It is a self-paced learning process, and you do not need entry to get free online bookkeeping courses with certificates at Oxford Home Study Center.

6. FreshBooks Partner Program

Popular accounting software for freelancers and small business owners is FreshBooks. If you’re looking for free online bookkeeping courses with certificates, FreshBooks could be an ideal option for you. The simplest way to become familiar with the product and qualify for FreshBooks Accounting Certification is through the partner program. Thanks to FreshBooks, you can grow your business and connect with more potential customers.

7. AccountingCoach

You can consider Accounting Coach, one of the best websites for free online bookkeeping courses with certifications to get quality bookkeeping courses. AccountingCoach offers courses that you can take at your own pace to help you master the fundamentals of bookkeeping and better understand the key ideas.

Additionally, AccountingCoach offers a search bar that can be used to locate certain topics. They also offer free courses in addition to paid options. The free option allows you to get access to written explanations for each topic, as well as a handy quiz to assess your understanding.  

You have the option to extend your subscription with a single payment of $49 or $99, which gives you permanent access to 27 training videos covering the basics of bookkeeping and financial statements. Additionally, visual tutorials are available to you.

8. edX Courses 

ACCA, one of the world’s most renowned accounting groups, has free bookkeeping courses available on edX. The free Introduction to Bookkeeping introductory course, which takes approximately 30 to 48 hours to complete, is one such course. You can improve your confidence in your understanding of the double-entry accounting principle by taking the Introduction to Bookkeeping course on edX. 

The curriculum covered a variety of topics, including trial balance, bookkeeping, and various business activities. You can advance to the free Intermediate Accounting course after completing the introductory level course on edX, which covers topics, such as cash book and control account reconciliation.

What Do Online Bookkeeping Courses Include?

Online bookkeeping courses cover several key topics. They include:

• Basic Principles: Basic principles like double entry accounting.
• Accounting Software: Training on popular software, such as QuickBooks, and Xero.
• Financial Statements: Creating and interpreting balance sheets and income statements.
• Record Keeping: Proper transaction recording and ledger/journal maintenance.
• Bank Reconciliation: Reconciliation of bank statements with your records.
• Payroll: Managing employee payroll, taxes, and related records.
• Taxation: Basics of Tax Compliance (Sales and Income Tax).
• Financial Analysis: Data analysis and decision-making techniques.
• Reporting: Preparing financial reports for stakeholders.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding relevant laws and regulations.
• Practical Exercises: Practical exercises to apply knowledge.
• Certification: Some courses offer certification or exam preparation, such as Certified Bookkeeper.

What are Basic Bookkeeping Skills?

Basic bookkeeping skills include a variety of competencies. They are: 

• Data Entry: The skill to accurately input financial transactions into records or accounting software.
• Mathematics: Proficiency in mathematical operations, important for calculations and ensuring balance between debits and credits.
• Organization: The ability to maintain organized records and classify documents.
• Attention to Detail: A precision-oriented approach to preventing errors with potentially far-reaching consequences.
• Communication: Effective communication with colleagues, accountants, and auditors is indispensable.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Excel for efficient data management and reporting.
• Solution: The practice of reconciling bank statements, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Financial Reporting: Ability to prepare comprehensive financial reports, including income statements and balance sheets.
• Understanding of Financial Concepts: Understanding of fundamental accounting principles, such as debits and credits, accrual accounting, and financial ratios.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines, especially in fast-paced work environments.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify discrepancies and effectively resolve financial issues.
• Ethical Standards: Maintain utmost confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines in financial reporting and record-keeping.
• Adaptability: Willingness to stay up to date with changing financial regulations and best practices.

How Can You Get and Verify Certifications from Free Online Bookkeeping Courses?

Obtaining and verifying certifications from free online bookkeeping courses with certificates usually involves several steps. First, you need to enroll in a reputed course offered by established platforms or institutions. Make sure the course covers essential bookkeeping topics and provides a certificate of completion.

To receive a certificate, you must complete course requirements, which often include watching lectures, taking quizzes, and submitting assignments. Once you meet these criteria, you can usually access and download the certificate directly from the free online bookkeeping courses with certificates platform. 

Verification is necessary for credibility. To verify your certificate, you can share it through professional networking sites like LinkedIn or provide a link on the course’s verification page. Employers or clients can check your credentials by visiting the course platform or contacting them directly. 

To ensure that your certifications retain their value in the job market, it is important to select courses from well-recognized providers.

Key Factors to Consider for Online Bookkeeping Courses 

When you are considering Free Online Bookkeeping Courses With Certificates, it is important to keep in mind several important factors. They include: 

• Accreditation: Make sure that the course is offered by a reputed institute and is recognized by the relevant accounting or bookkeeping authorities.
• Curriculum: Check the course syllabus to confirm that it covers essential topics, including accounting principles, financial statements, and relevant software like QuickBooks.
• Instructor Qualifications: Look for courses taught by experienced faculties with a strong background in accounting or bookkeeping.
• Flexibility: Consider your schedule and whether the course offers flexibility regarding time and deadlines for completion.
• Interactive Learning: Courses with interactive components like quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums are more engaging and effective.
• Software Training: If you’re looking to learn a specific bookkeeping software, make sure the course offers practical training with that software.
• Cost: Compare course fees to make sure they fit your budget. Some courses may offer financial aid options or payment plans.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Reading reviews and testimonials from previous students can provide information about the quality and effectiveness of the course.
• Support and Resources: Check if the course offers support services, such as access to instructors or additional learning materials.
• Certification: Determine if the course offers certification upon completion and whether that certification is recognized within the industry.
• Job Placement Assistance: Some courses may provide assistance or resources to help you find bookkeeping jobs after completing the course.
• Duration: Consider the length of the course, and whether it suits your learning goals and available time.

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Conclusion 

Free online bookkeeping courses with certifications provide a valuable opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their financial skills and career prospects. These courses provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in bookkeeping, often leading to certifications that can strengthen your resume. 

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply someone interested in financial literacy, these courses can be an important step toward success. Hence, consider enrolling in these free online bookkeeping courses with certificates to gain the necessary knowledge and recognition in the world of finance.