How To Become an Accountant For Free

You can utilize free courses, professional certifications, and scholarships to lower the cost of your education and even become an accountant for free.

Higher education accounting programs like bachelor's and master's degrees often come with high tuition rates, leading to out-of-pocket costs and student debt. With certificates, courses, and different funding opportunities, you can lower or completely avoid the cost of your accounting education.

Tips For Becoming an Accountant With Little to No Cost

You can utilize the following tips to start your accounting career path with little to no cost. Many organizations and schools have free resources and funding for accounting students.

1. Take Free Online Accounting Courses

Free online accounting courses are an accessible way to learn about important accounting principles without paying high tuition costs and other college expenses.

Alison's Fundamentals of Accounting Course

Alison's Fundamentals of Accounting Course offers a comprehensive introduction to accounting, making it a great way for beginners to learn about the field for free. It covers accounting basics like financial statements, balance sheets, and general ledgers.

OHSC's Understanding Debits and Credits Course

The Understanding Debits and Credits Course is one of OHSC's free accounting courses. It focuses on debits and credits and why they're crucial for recording financial transactions. The course can help you understand how debits and credits work, including how to identify relevant data and read annual reports.

Udemy's Excel for Accountants Course

You can also further your accounting career without the large expense of college tuition with Udemy's Excel for Accountants Course which can teach you essential Excel skills for professional accountants. It covers techniques such as using Excel formulas, creating financial models, and data analysis. This accounting course, which can enhance your efficiency and analytical skills, is a great resource while becoming an accountant.

2. Pursue Online Accounting Certificates

Online accounting certificates are another way to become an accountant without major expenses. Professional certificates can add to your credentials and increase your job opportunities.

SFCC's Accounting Specialist Certificate

Prepare for entry-level accounting roles by pursuing the Accounting Specialist Certificate at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). The certificate provides a solid base for an accounting career by covering topics like accounting software, tax laws, payroll accounting, management accounting, and financial accounting. The program teaches learners essential accounting fundamentals and skills like:

• bookkeeping
• managing accounts payable and receivable
• how to prepare and analyze financial statements

RCC's Accounting & Finance Specialist Certificate

The Accounting and Finance Specialist Certificate from Richmond Community College (RCC) provides aspiring accountants with a solid foundation in both accounting and finance. The certificate program covers key topics such as managerial accounting, taxation, payroll, accounting software, and financial management principles. This low-cost certificate is an effective way to begin an accounting career and prepare for entry-level roles.

Harper College's Accounting Assistant Certificate

Harper College offers an Accounting Assistant Certificate covering accounting basics including payroll accounting, budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial software. The certificate prepares students for entry-level assistant jobs and other support roles by focusing on the key accounting concepts and practical skills essential for becoming an accountant.

3. Apply for Accounting Scholarships

Applying for accounting scholarships can significantly reduce the costs of becoming an accountant. They can help you pay for some, or potentially all, of your education-related expenses.

AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

The AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students provides $10,000 to undergraduate and graduate minority students planning to take the CPA exam. The scholarship award can help cover tuition, course materials, and other college fees. This American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) scholarship aims to increase diversity in the accounting field by providing support for minority students who are pursuing accounting careers and CPA licensure.

AICPA Scholarship for Future CPAs

The American Institute of CPAs awards accounting majors $5,000 in funding through the AICPA Scholarship for Future CPAs program. The scholarship is awarded based on merits and career goals. It aims to support students who want to become certified public accountants (CPAs). You can apply for the funding if you are a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program planning to pursue a CPA license.

Striving for Greatness Accounting & Finance Scholarship

The Striving for Greatness Accounting & Finance Scholarship provides financial assistance to help prospective accountants pay for college expenses. Each year, the scholarship awards $2,500 to an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in either of the two fields. Recipients are chosen based on their academic performance, community involvement, and commitment to pursuing a career in accounting or finance.

4. Seek Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Many companies offer tuition reimbursement as one of their employee benefits. These programs can help lower your education expenses, sometimes covering a large portion of your tuition costs. If you are currently employed or planning to work while pursuing your accounting degree, it can be a good idea to check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

5. Enroll in Community College Programs

To save money and lower the cost of becoming an accountant, consider enrolling at a community college to take accounting classes. They are generally much more affordable and can reduce your overall education expenses. You can earn an associate degree in accounting or begin your education by taking introductory accounting courses. Most community college courses can be transferred to a bachelor's degree program at a four-year school.

6. Fill out the FAFSA

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you can access various kinds of financial aid that can help you with accounting program expenses. The information you provide on the FAFSA determines your eligibility for aid programs such as grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs. If you meet certain criteria, you may qualify for enough financial assistance to cover the full cost of your accredited accounting program.

7. Use Free Accounting Software

Software like QuickBooks is an important component in the accounting process. Free accounting software helps develop your skills and enhance your resume without paying for expensive software subscriptions. Practicing and gaining proficiency in industry software is crucial for excelling in accounting roles. Free software can provide the tools to practice bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial analysis, making it a useful resource for aspiring accountants.

8. Look for Internship Opportunities

Aside from the other funding options, you can also look into accounting internships that provide financial support through stipends or scholarships. Internship opportunities offer valuable hands-on experience and can introduce you to numerous areas of accounting including tax preparation, auditing, financial reporting, corporate finance, and bookkeeping.

Regardless of your prior education or degree level, accounting internships are an effective way to offset costs while gaining experience and connecting with professionals in the industry.