 |
Getting Educated For Free
1. Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping Courses
- Kutztown University - Accounting 101 Course
- University of Alaska - Principles of Financial Accounting
- Accounting Coach - Introduction to Accounting Basics
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Introduction to Managerial Accounting
- University of California, Irvine - Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning
2. Intermediate Accounting and Bookkeeping Courses
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Corporate Financial Accounting
- Ebookee - Schaum's Outline of Intermediate Accounting II, Second Edition
- University of Texas at Antonio - Financial and Accounting Management Courses
- Net MBA - Accounting Courses
- Simple Studies - Accounting Lessons
3. Advanced Accounting and Bookkeeping Courses
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Taxes and Business Strategy
- Utah State University - Managerial Economics
- Carnegie Mellon - Microeconomics Course
- Skills 4 Success - IAB Level 2 & 3 Bookkeeping Course
- IRS - FAQ for Tax Preparers
Making the Most of Your Accounting Knowledge
A degree is required for some accounting jobs, but not all of them. Employers frequently hire accounting or bookkeeping clerks who only have a high school diploma and a minimal amount of accounting know-how. This is where your free accounting education will come in handy.
Once you have at least two years work experience, you can make your resume more attractive by seeking out the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, which is awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.
If you can pass a graduate level accounting exam and have at least two years experience in management accounting you can also obtain the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation from the Institute of Management Accountants.
These voluntary certifications are perhaps the best way to prove that you are capable and gain a competitive edge over degreed applicants.
Salary Potential
Individuals in the accounting field typically earn between $49,580 and $85,080 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov. Salaries almost always depend on the individual's job title, employer and level of experience.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeping or Accounting Clerk | $30,560 |
| Accounting Manager | $55,560 |
| Accountant, Tax Preparer | $57,020 |
