Self-Paced Accounting Courses & Certificates Online 2025

Self-paced accounting courses offer a flexible and affordable way to build skills and boost your career on your own schedule. Whether you're new to the field or working toward CPA eligibility, many accredited self-paced online colleges offer programs in accounting, as well as online platforms like Coursera. These courses allow you to learn at your own pace while gaining real-world financial knowledge.

Keep reading to explore some top options and see what to expect with these courses. Find the right program to support your professional goals � all while earning a self-paced accounting certificate online.

What Is a Self-Paced Accounting Course?

A self-paced accounting course is an online program that lets you learn on your own schedule, without fixed class times or deadlines. These flexible courses are ideal for busy professionals, career changers, or anyone looking to build financial skills at their own pace.

Many self-paced accounting courses also offer certificates upon completion, helping you boost your resume or prepare for further credentials. These programs are often included among the best online accounting certificate programs and may align with self-paced CPA courses.

What Will I Learn in a Self-Paced Online Accounting Course?

In a self-paced online accounting course, you'll gain essential skills in financial reporting, bookkeeping, budgeting, and tax fundamentals. Many courses also cover accounting software, such as QuickBooks or Excel, and introduce key concepts like debits, credits, and financial statements.

Some programs dive deeper into managerial or corporate accounting, depending on the course level. Whether you're new to accounting or enhancing your skills, these flexible courses help build a solid foundation and often prepare you for industry certifications.

Self-Paced Online Accounting Courses With Certificates

Here are ten self-paced online accounting courses that offer certificates, ideal for flexible learning and career development at your own pace.

1. Oxford Home Study Centre's Accounting Concepts and Standards

Oxford Home Study Centre's Accounting Concepts and Standards course is a free, self-paced program covering Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) principles, business entity and consistency concepts, and financial terminology. Learners complete 20 hours of study and gain knowledge of accounting fundamentals � with flexible online access and the option to purchase a certificate after completion.

Cost: Free

2. Coursera's Accounting 1

Coursera's Accounting 1 is a self-paced beginner course spanning seven modules, which takes approximately 21 hours to complete. You'll master the mechanics of financial accounting: balance sheet, income and cash flow statements, double-entry bookkeeping, and fundamental analysis of profitability, liquidity, and solvency. It includes 27 graded assignments and a shareable certificate.

Cost: Free with Coursera Plus ($59 per month, free trial available)

3. edX's MITx Financial Accounting Certificate

MITx's Financial Accounting course on edX is a self-paced, rigorous introduction focused on financial statement preparation and analysis. Through modules covering accruals, assets, liabilities, and equity, students learn to construct and interpret balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows, as well as perform financial ratio analysis. A verified certificate is available upon completing assessments and the final exam.

Cost: $549

4. Mt. San Antonio College's Accounting Certificate

Mt. San Antonio College's online accounting certificate comprises eight courses, blending principles of financial and managerial accounting with QuickBooks and Excel training. Delivered 100% online by experienced faculty, this program equips learners for entry-level roles such as accounting clerk, payroll specialist, and financial analyst.

Cost: $1,334

5. Ashworth College's Accounting Certificate

Ashworth College's self-paced undergraduate accounting certificate includes four core courses: Introduction to Accounting, Principles 1 and 2, and Accounting Spreadsheet Fundamentals. It is one of the easiest accounting courses that offers flexible enrollment at any time. You have up to one year to complete the program and earn a certificate that stacks toward an associate degree. While enrolled, you can also use career tools, such as resume coaching.

Cost: $1,549

6. Financial Accounting Certificate from Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School offers an eight-week, self-paced program in financial accounting. Students invest six to eight hours weekly to master financial statements, US GAAP/IFRS standards, and financial forecasting. The course includes real-world case studies, placing the student in the role of a small business owner, an equity research analyst, and a top nonprofit executive.

Cost: $1,850

7. Southern New Hampshire University's Undergraduate and Graduate Online Accounting Certificates

Southern New Hampshire University offers two self-paced online accounting certificate programs � undergraduate and graduate � each stackable toward further credentials. The 18-credit undergraduate certificate covers fundamentals such as financial and managerial accounting, as well as taxation, while the graduate certificate supports CPA exam pathways or advanced study. Courses run continuously with six annual start dates.

Cost: $5,940 to $11,466

8. Accounting Certificate at UCLA Extension

The UCLA Extension accounting certificate offers eight fully online courses, including intermediate accounting (A, B, C), federal income taxation, financial auditing, internal auditing, accounting systems, and ethics. It prepares students for the CPA exam with accounting skills taught by industry experts and includes career advising, networking events, and UCLA alumni benefits, all delivered through self-paced Canvas modules.

Cost: $6,840

9. Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting from UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell's online undergraduate certificate in accounting includes six AACSB-accredited courses. They cover intermediate accounting, cost accounting, accounting systems, auditing, and federal taxation. Designed for holders of bachelor's degrees in other fields, this program fulfills CPA prerequisites and can be stacked into the Master of Science (MS) in accounting. Students complete courses at their own pace via Blackboard.

Cost: $6,930

10. Accounting Certificate from the University of Virginia

The University of Virginia's online accounting certificate delivers 30 graduate credits across 10 accounting classes in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, commercial law, data analytics, ethics, and fraud examination. Structured with flexible pacing and Canvas-based delivery, this program prepares new and experienced professionals to meet CPA exam requirements while accessing UVA's career support and expert faculty.

Cost: $15,720

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Accounting Certificates

Here are answers to common questions about earning self-paced online accounting certificates.

What Is the Best Certificate for Accounting?

The best certificate for accounting depends on your background, goals, and experience. For the fastest way to become an accountant, courses like Oxford Home Study Centre's Accounting Concepts and Coursera's Accounting 1 provide quick, foundational knowledge in under 25 hours. However, more comprehensive options, such as UMass Lowell or UVA, prepare you for CPA eligibility � though they require more time and investment. You should choose based on how quickly you want to enter the field and your long-term career goals.

Is It Better To Get a CPA or CMA Certification?

Choosing between a CPA and CMA certification depends on your career goals. CPAs focus on auditing, tax, and public accounting, while CMAs specialize in management accounting and strategic finance. CPAs are often required for public firms, while CMAs thrive in corporate roles. Both offer strong job prospects and professional credibility.

Can You Become an Accountant With Just a Certificate?

Yes, you can become an accountant with just a certificate, but your career options may be limited. Certificate programs prepare you for entry-level roles like a bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or payroll assistant. For higher-level positions or CPA eligibility, a bachelor's degree in accounting or related experience is typically required.

How Much Is an Online Certificate in Accounting?

Online accounting certificate costs range widely. Free options, such as the Oxford Home Study Centre, offer foundational courses at no cost. Mid-range platforms, such as Coursera and MITx, may offer free courses, with others that cost up to $549. Comprehensive academic certificates from Mt. SAC, Ashworth, and UCLA range from $1,334 to $6,840. Graduate-level programs like UVA may exceed $15,000.

Enroll in Self-Paced Courses

Explore the self-paced accounting programs featured on Learn.org. Contact a school that fits your goals to take the next step today.