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6 Free Bookkeeping Courses with Certificates (2025 Edition)

November 8, 2024

6 Free Bookkeeping Courses with Certificates (2023 Edition)

There is a ton of information to know and understand when it comes to bookkeeping and accounting practices. You need to know everything from financial transactions, sales invoices, sales tax, and hundreds of other

concepts. Plus, having the essential numerical skills required to handle the challenges is critical.

But the good news is that there are many free online bookkeeping courses you can take. They cover areas such as basic accounting and general bookkeeping concepts. You’ll be able to focus on and learn exactly what you need to tackle all your financial needs.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the top 6 free bookkeeping courses with certificates.

Table of Contents

FreshBooks Partner Program

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

1. FreshBooks Partner Program

FreshBooks is an increasingly popular software used by many small businesses and freelancers. And there is a good reason for it. The need to learn accounting software such as FreshBooks has become a necessity for business owners.

Businesses have learned the benefit of switching from tedious spreadsheets to accounting software. It helps make their overall lives that much easier. If you’re a bookkeeper or accountant new to FreshBooks, joining the free partner program is the fastest way to learn the software. Plus, you get access to the FreshBooks accounting certification.

Learning to use FreshBooks enables you to reach more prospective clients and grow your firm.

When you join the program, you get access to several benefits. These include ongoing skills training, tools, resources, dedicated support, and personalised education. You can also be added to the partner directory where you and FreshBooks customers can be matched up.

2. OpenLearn University

A selection of free finance courses is available from OpenLearn University. These include an 8-hour course titled Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting. The principles of double-entry bookkeeping are explained in this course. It also breaks down how it relates to the balance sheet and the profit and loss statement.

Other topics covered by OpenLearn include:

Accounting for businesses
Managerial accounting
Critical numerical skills

For all types of learners, OpenLearn University offers interactive learning, such as a range of videos and examples. For an added level of convenience and ease, their accounting courses are divided into three distinct levels. Each lasts between 2 and 20 hours.

You can easily track your ongoing progress and take various tests to challenge your knowledge. Plus, you can obtain a statement of participation or a badge of accomplishment with an OpenLearn profile.

3. edX Courses

There are several free courses available on the edX platform. The courses come directly from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). One example is the 30-to-48-hour free introductory course entitled Introduction To Bookkeeping.

They provide a suggested timeline to help you along, but in the end, you can rearrange the due dates to better suit your schedule. Despite being self-paced the courses do have end dates.

You’ll increase your knowledge in double-entry accounting from the Introduction to Bookkeeping course. The ledger accounts, types of business transactions, and the trial balance are a few of the specific subjects covered in the syllabus.

The intermediate bookkeeping course covers topics like resolving control accounts and the cashbook. It can be taken after you finish the introductory level course.

4. Alison

Alison offers a selection of free bookkeeping and accounting video training courses. They include lessons on software, payroll, sales and purchases, and accounting fundamentals.

Sharing your learner record to show that you have finished the course and passed the exam is free. You can also receive a digital certificate that costs about $25. You are exposed to advertisements when using Alison’s free version. But you can upgrade to a paid version for less than $100 to remove all advertisements.

5. AccountingCoach

AccountingCoach is a self-paced platform. It provides courses to learn bookkeeping fundamentals and understand key concepts. The platform offers a useful search bar where you can find specific types of topics.

Even though there are two different paid options on AccountingCoach, there are also free lessons. You get access to text versions of topic breakdowns. You’ll also be able to do a handy quiz to test your knowledge.

One of the biggest benefits that come from upgrading to a paid subscription is lifetime access. You will receive almost 30 training videos that cover everything from financial statements to bookkeeping basics.

There are also several certifications you can earn from AccountingCoach. These include:

Balance sheet
Financial statements
Adjusting entries
Debits and credits
Financial ratios
Cash flow statement
Working capital and liquidity
Payroll accounting
Bank reconciliation
Income statement

6. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers users a wide range of learning programs. The programs are designed to help educate and empower small business owners in any industry. And the best part? It doesn’t matter if you have an existing small business you want to expand or are starting fresh.

The platform has everything you could possibly need to educate yourself in bookkeeping. This includes everything from financial options to entrepreneurial best practices. There’s a Learning Center with lots of valuable insights and information and even a platform for women looking to start a small business.

The SBA also provides some in-depth development programs that take learning to a whole new level. For example, the Boots to Business program offers education for transitioning service members. As well, the T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders program helps spur the growth of high-potential small businesses that are located in underserved cities.

They even offer a free 30-minute training course that acts as an introduction to everything accounting. When you complete it, you receive a PDF course completion certificate with your name for free.

Key Takeaways

There might not be a perfect choice when it comes to online courses for bookkeeping. Instead, it might depend on exactly what you’re looking for. With that said, FreshBooks is one of the best options for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The range of topics and the ease of use make it a solid choice.

If you want to learn new skills or even sharpen your current ones, any of the six bookkeeping courses outlined above will surely do the trick. Some offer a completely free course and others offer paid options. But no matter your choice, you will come out with a certification to prove you have what it takes.

FAQs on Bookkeeping Courses

What skills should a bookkeeper have?

A bookkeeper should have excellent numerical and mathematical skills. As well, they should possess high attention to detail, organisation, and time management.

Is bookkeeping a good job?

Being a bookkeeper can be a great job and they are in high demand. They provide immense value to businesses by ensuring financials are accurate.

What is a full charge bookkeeper?

Full charge bookkeepers take care of accounts for small and medium-sized businesses. They work the same as a regular bookkeeper. However, the “full charge” relates to the fact they are solely responsible for all accounting needs.