What is the Best Course to Learn Accounting?

When considering the best course to learn accounting, assessing your individual needs and goals is crucial. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone with some background in accounting, selecting the right course can make a significant difference in your learning journey. This guide will help you navigate the various factors to consider, such as your prior experience, budget, time commitment, and preferred learning style, so you can choose the most effective and suitable path to achieving your accounting education. From understanding your technical training needs to deciding between online and in-person classes, this article will provide insights to help you decide on the course that best fits your aspirations.

Are You Brand New to Accounting?

When deciding what type of course to enroll in to learn accounting skills, it's essential to consider your prior knowledge and experience. If you have a solid foundation in mathematics and accounting principles and are proficient with technical skills like spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel), you can skip introductory work and dive into more advanced topics. However, if you're new to accounting, starting with the basics is crucial to build a strong foundation.

For those with no prior experience, enrolling in an introductory class or exploring free training resources can be a wise first step. Doing so will allow you to gauge your interest and aptitude for accounting before committing to a more intensive program, like a bootcamp or certificate-granting program. Starting with these resources can help you determine if you genuinely enjoy accounting, avoiding the potential pitfall of enrolling in a demanding ten-week workshop only to realize early on that accounting isn't for you. 

How Much Are You Willing to Pay?

It's essential to factor in the cost of various learning options and how much you're willing to invest in your education. While gaining new career skills can significantly increase your earning potential and career trajectory, the upfront costs can be substantial. For those who don't have tens of thousands of dollars to spend on an accounting degree, immersive courses like bootcamps offer a more affordable alternative. These programs typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000 and provide the accounting skills necessary to prepare you for an entry-level role relatively quickly.

If your budget is more limited or you're not planning to pursue accounting as a full-time career, shorter introductory or advanced classes may be a better fit, depending on your experience level. These classes are generally low-cost, offering a cost-effective way to learn essential concepts at a slower pace. While these courses may not be comprehensive enough to set you up for a professional accounting career, they can provide a solid foundation for those looking to manage their own finances. For students who don't want to spend anything, free resources are available to introduce you to the basics. However, these resources will only cover the fundamentals and not provide the depth needed for more professional advancement.

How Quickly Do You Need to Learn New Skills?

An important question to ask yourself is how much time you have to dedicate to learning new skills. Introductory classes are typically shorter, ranging from a few hours to a few days, making them a quick way to familiarize yourself with basic accounting concepts. On the other hand, immersive learning programs, such as bootcamps, are more intensive and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, offering a comprehensive education designed to prepare you for a career in accounting. If you need the flexibility to learn at your own pace, on-demand classes allow you to control your schedule, but they may take longer to complete, especially if you're balancing other commitments. 

Do You Want to Pursue an Accounting Career?

It’s crucial to align your choice with your professional goals. Suppose you want to learn these skills to manage your finances more effectively. In that case, an introductory or on-demand course may be sufficient, providing the basic knowledge needed to handle everyday financial tasks. For those aiming to start or manage a small business, a more in-depth course, such as an immersive bootcamp, can equip you with the skills necessary to understand and manage business finances, including bookkeeping and financial analysis. If your goal is to pursue a long-term career in accounting, an immersive bootcamp or certificate program will be more appropriate, as these will provide the comprehensive technical and soft skills needed to succeed in the field. Another option is pursuing an accounting degree; however, this can be much more costly and time-consuming, with degree programs running for two to four years and costing tens of thousands of dollars. 

How Much Technical Training Do You Need?

Accounting requires strong technical and analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, a solid understanding of accounting principles, and attention to detail. For beginners with little to no background in accounting or financial software, starting with an introductory class that covers the basics of spreadsheet tools like Excel and accounting principles is crucial. Those pursuing more advanced roles involving complex financial analysis or managing accounting systems may need an immersive learning option offering in-depth training in specialized software and technical skills. Understanding the level of technical proficiency required for your goals will help you select a course that adequately prepares you for the demands of the field.

Do You Prefer In-Person or Online Training?

One of the most important factors is whether you’d like to learn online or in person. In-person training offers a structured environment with direct access to instructors and immediate feedback, which can be particularly beneficial for complex subjects like accounting. The classroom setting also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers, fostering a sense of community and accountability. However, in-person courses often require a fixed schedule and may involve commuting, which can be less convenient for those with busy lives or limited flexibility.

On the other hand, online training offers greater flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and fit your studies around other commitments. This option benefits those balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. Online courses can be as comprehensive as in-person classes, with many programs offering live sessions, recorded lectures, and interactive forums. However, the lack of face-to-face interaction can make it challenging to stay motivated and engaged, and you might miss out on the immediate support that in-person classes provide. Ultimately, the choice between in-person and online training should be based on your learning style, schedule, and need for flexibility.

Learn Accounting Skills with Noble Desktop

Students looking to master accounting skills can do so through the expert instruction provided by Noble Desktop. Noble provides a broad range of accounting courses covering accounting fundamentals for all types of learners. You can join Noble’s courses in person in Manhattan or virtually from the comfort of your home or office. These courses feature small class sizes led by expert instructors who guide students through the course material. In addition, Noble classes feature a free retake option that will allow you to retake a course within a year for no extra fees.

If you’re looking for an intensive, accelerated learning experience that will teach you essential accounting skills, consider Noble Desktop’s Financial Accounting Bootcamp. This bootcamp is a beginner-friendly, live online course that teaches fundamental financial accounting principles training. This comprehensive course covers financial statements, balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements. 

Also offered is the Intro to Financial Accounting course, which covers essential concepts needed for financial accounting, including how to record, classify, and summarize financial transactions. The course covers key concepts such as the accounting cycle, financial statements, and basic accounting principles, providing a solid foundation for understanding and managing financial information. Noble’s Financial Analyst Training Program also focuses on key concepts for financial analysis, including advanced Excel techniques, financial modeling, and corporate valuation.