Top Cities for Accounting Classes & Training

Students interested in learning Accounting at a dedicated training facility will find that almost all of their options are in major metropolitan areas. Since these are also where many of the highest-paying jobs are located, it makes sense that students looking for a career change may want to consider the kinds of cities that offer the most robust training options for aspiring accountants or financial analysts.

What is Accounting?

Accounting is the backbone of financial management within businesses, encompassing a range of essential tasks to record, analyze, and interpret financial data. The primary goal of accounting is to provide accurate and timely information about an organization's financial health and performance. This information is critical for stakeholders such as investors, creditors, regulators, and internal management to make informed decisions.

Several types of accounting exist, including financial, management, and tax accounting, each serving distinct purposes. Whether in large corporations or small startups, accounting skills are indispensable for ensuring financial stability and making informed business decisions. Learning accounting skills is highly rewarding, offering opportunities for professional growth, financial stability, and the satisfaction of playing a crucial role in businesses' financial health and success. 

Read more about what accounting is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Accounting Skills?

With accounting skills, you can pursue various career paths, such as financial analyst, budget analyst, controller, forensic accountant, and tax accountant, providing critical insights and ensuring financial compliance within organizations. Additionally, these skills are valuable for personal financial management, entrepreneurial ventures, and managing investment portfolios, enabling informed decision-making and financial optimization in both professional and personal contexts.​

New York City

New York City, renowned as a global financial hub, is a great place for individuals with accounting skills to advance their careers. The city is home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and major financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup. This concentration of financial powerhouses offers those skilled in accounting a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the financial world, dealing with complex transactions, high-profile clients, and significant financial operations. Additionally, New York City's diverse economy spans various industries, including real estate, media, technology, and healthcare, and a wealth of professional associations and networking events, such as those hosted by the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and various industry conferences. 

Check out Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person accounting classes in New York City. Notably, Noble offers a Finacial Accounting Bootcamp at its Midtown Manhattan campus. This facility features a modern learning facility with high-speed internet, responsive IT support, and computers with the software you need to learn accounting skills. Classes include hands-on training, expert instructors and a free retake within one year of course completion. 

Los Angeles, CA 

Los Angeles, a major economic powerhouse on the West Coast, is an excellent place for individuals with accounting skills to build a successful career. The city's diverse economy is driven by key industries such as entertainment, technology, real estate, and international trade. Home to Hollywood and numerous entertainment companies like Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal, Los Angeles offers accountants unique opportunities to work within the financial aspects of film, television, and music production. Additionally, the burgeoning tech scene in Silicon Valley, with companies like Apple and Google, demands financial expertise to manage startup finances, investments, and mergers and acquisitions. This variety of industries ensures that those skilled in accounting in Los Angeles can find fulfilling roles that match their interests and skill sets. 

I f you’re ready to kickstart your learning experience, in-person accounting classes are available in Los Angeles. UCLA Extensions offers a variety of accounting classes, including Principles of Financial Accounting. Los Angeles City College also offers a Bookkeeping/Accounting Analysis and Concepts class. 

Chicago, IL

Chicago, known as the financial hub of the Midwest, offers a thriving environment for individuals with accounting skills. The city is home to major financial institutions, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, providing those skilled in accounting with opportunities to work in financial services and regulatory compliance. Chicago's diverse economy includes manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, and technology sectors, all of which require skilled accountants for financial management, auditing, and strategic planning. This diversity allows accounting professionals to explore various industries and find roles that align with their career goals and interests.

Noble’s Classes Near Me tool can help you find in-person accounting classes in Chicago. First, you can check out the American Management Association, which offers a Fundamental of Finance and Accounting course and a Fundamental of Cost Accounting training. The Discovery Center also offers comprehensive training in Quickbooks, an integral software for accounting professionals. 

Houston, TX

Houston, a major economic hub in Texas, offers many opportunities for individuals with accounting skills. Known as the world's energy capital, Houston is home to leading oil and gas companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell, which require extensive financial expertise for operations, compliance, and strategic planning. Beyond energy, Houston's economy is also driven by sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and international trade, providing diverse opportunities for accountants. Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, is a key employer of skilled accounting professionals to manage their complex financial transactions.

In-person accounting classes in Houston can be a great way to learn accounting skills. The American Management Association offers a Fundamental of Finance and Accounting course. Several local universities in Houston, including Rice University and the University of Houston, may offer additional in-person training opportunities. The local Houston CPA Society may also be able to provide resources on accounting continuing education opportunities. 

Washington, DC

Our nation’s capital is a prime location for individuals with accounting skills, especially those interested in public sector and government roles. The city is home to numerous federal agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which require extensive accounting expertise for financial oversight, compliance, and regulatory functions. Additionally, Washington, DC's vibrant economy includes sectors such as lobbying, consulting, non-profits, and international organizations, offering accountants diverse opportunities to work in unique and impactful environments.

Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me can help you identify in-person accounting classes in Washington, D.C. The American Management Association offers a few. Local universities, such as Georgetown University and George Washington University, also offer top-tier accounting programs and continuing education opportunities. The DC Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) and other professional organizations offer resources, events, and certification programs to help those with accounting skills stay informed and connected.

Atlanta, GA 

A major hub in the Southeast U.S., Atlanta offers significant opportunities for individuals with accounting skills. The city's diverse economy is driven by finance, healthcare, technology, and logistics industries, with major corporations like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and The Home Depot headquartered in the area. This corporate presence creates a high demand for skilled accountants to manage financial operations, compliance, and strategic planning. Additionally, Atlanta's growing tech scene and status as a transportation hub provide varied roles for accounting professionals in dynamic and evolving industries.

You can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me to find in-person accounting classes in Atlanta. The American Management Association offers a Fundamental of Finance and Accounting course. Emory University and Georgia State University offer rigorous accounting programs and continuing education opportunities. The Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) may also offer continuing education and professional development opportunities if you want to further develop your accounting skills. 

Boston, MA 

Boston is an excellent location for individuals with accounting skills. The city boasts major financial institutions like State Street Corporation and Fidelity Investments, which are headquartered there. Additionally, Boston's status as a leading educational center, with renowned universities such as Harvard and MIT, contributes to a highly skilled workforce and a demand for proficient accountants in academia, research, and related fields. Boston's diverse industries provide accounting professionals with numerous opportunities to apply their skills in various contexts.

In-person accounting classes in Boston are an excellent way to gain accounting skills. With Boston University and Northeastern University nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to learn accounting skills and set yourself up for a dynamic career. 

Seattle, WA 

A beloved city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers abundant opportunities for individuals with accounting skills. The city's economy is driven by key industries such as technology, aerospace, healthcare, and retail, with major corporations like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks headquartered there. This concentration of innovative and influential companies creates a high demand for skilled accountants to manage financial operations, compliance, and strategic planning. Additionally, Seattle's thriving startup scene provides opportunities for accounting professionals to work with emerging businesses in dynamic and fast-paced environments.

Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool can help you locate in-person accounting classes in Seattle. Several education institutions, including New Horizons, General Assembly, and Sonic Training, offer Excel training, an essential software to know if you want to grow your accounting skills. You can also check out the University of Washington and Seattle University for additional accounting classes they may offer.

Charlotte, NC

An up-and-coming city in the Southeast U.S., Charlotte offers significant opportunities for individuals with accounting skills. The city is home to the headquarters of Bank of America and the East Coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second-largest banking center in the country. This financial prowess creates a high demand for skilled accountants to manage financial reporting, compliance, and strategic financial planning. Charlotte's diverse economy also includes energy, healthcare, and technology sectors, providing varied roles for accounting professionals in established and emerging industries.

Check out Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person accounting classes in Charlotte. General Assembly offers an Excel Bootcamp, a critical software for accounting professionals that allows you to manage financial data, perform complex calculations, and generate detailed reports. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College may also provide continuing education opportunities in accounting. 

Learn Accounting Skills Online

For students who don’t live in a major metropolitan area, online learning offers a flexible and accessible way to learn accounting skills without the need to relocate. Live online courses provide high-quality instruction and real-time interactions with expert educators and fellow students. You can learn more about live online Accounting courses using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me Tool. 

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 statements, 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.