As any thriving business owner knows, bookkeeping is crucial to success. In today’s digital era, a crucial question for aspiring bookkeepers is, ‘Is online bookkeeping legit? But old-school ledgers and financial statements just don’t cut it anymore. The game has shifted online, so mastering digital bookkeeping skills is a must these days.
Problem is, the internet hosts a bazillion online bookkeeping courses – all claiming they’re the “best” and most superior. With so many options to pick from, it gets mega confusing trying to figure out which one is really right for you and your goals.
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But don’t stress! In this guide, we’ll help unravel the mystery.
We’ll discuss the main reasons for taking an online bookkeeping course, whether QuickBooks really is as impossible to master as it seems, and if it’s possible to build a legitimate business through online study.
We’ll also take a close look at the top 5 online bookkeeping courses for 2024, breaking down all their unique features, prices, and content so you can make an informed decision.
Our mission? To ensure you find the perfect course to level up your digital bookkeeping game and take your business to the next level.
Ready to dive in and transform those books? Let’s get into it.
Why Take an Online Bookkeeping Course?
Taking an online bookkeeping course is a great way to brush up on bookkeeping skills that all kinds of industries need–and in today’s digital world, the flexibility of online learning works for everyone – busy professionals, stay-at-home parents, career changers, you name it.
Think of it as investing in yourself by mastering practical knowledge you can apply right away. You’ll learn to expertly manage finances and could start your own bookkeeping business and even your own personal budget. It’s about getting money-savvy!
The networking can pay off too. These courses can lead to partnerships or job opportunities, while some even provide official certifications and memberships to make your resume shine.
Bottom line, buckling up for an online bookkeeping course can open new career doors, boost your financial skills, and is generally a super rewarding experience. You’d be surprised how dedicating just a few hours a week to learning could take your career goals to the next level!
Can You Run a Legit Online Bookkeeping Business?
Absolutely! The growth of digital and remote work means operating a successful online bookkeeping business is 1000% achievable, whether you fly solo or lead a team.
Here’s why it makes sense:
- 📈 High Demand: Every business needs accurate record keeping, amplifying your potential clientele beyond geographical limits.
- 💻 Tech-Savvy Approach: Secure data platforms and cloud-based software make remote financial management smooth and efficient.
- ✨ Flexibility: An online venture allows you to craft your ideal schedule and work-life balance.
- 💰 Cost-Effective: No rental space or commute costs, while digital visibility can reduce advertising expenses.
- 📈 Scalability: Your online presence and client list can grow your business exponentially, from the United States to beyond!
But running a legit online bookkeeping biz requires relevant qualifications, hands-on experience, and next-level money managing know-how. Understanding legal and tax factors is crucial, too, all while maintaining rock-solid cyber security and confidentiality is a must!
A quality bookkeeping course builds that vital foundation of skills and knowledge for online business success. If you’re careful to select one tailored to your needs and aspirations, you’ll be prepped to crush the digital bookkeeping experience for your potential clients and watch your online venture thrive!
Is Online Bookkeeping Legit?
Since e-learning first emerged, some have questioned whether online courses can provide credible bookkeeping training. But over time, digital courses have proven super valuable for gaining flexible professional knowledge.
Today, respected institutions worldwide offer certified online bookkeeping courses designed by industry experts to deliver comprehensive, trustworthy training.
However, not all courses are created equal. It’s important to choose one aligned with your specific needs and goals.
What Do Online Bookkeepers Do?
So, what exactly does an online bookkeeper get up to day-to-day? There’s a whole lot more to it than just scribbling in ledgers!
Online bookkeepers handle all the financial data for a business and make it make sense. This includes recording transactions, income, expenses, payroll—you name it. They organize everything into reports that give the real scoop on how the business is doing.
But it gets even better. Online bookkeepers don’t just record what happened; they then use that data to provide strategic advice to help the business thrive. Spotting financial trends, suggesting budgets, finding ways to increase profits—online bookkeepers inform smart choices!
With cloud-based systems, online bookkeepers can handle the money matters for companies anywhere in the world. And everything is digital—no more paper cuts from ledgers!
It’s challenging but rewarding work that plays a huge role in business success, and armed with intimate financial details; online bookkeepers have the power to steer the ship to growth and profit.
How To Choose The Right Bookkeeping Course
Selecting the best course for your beginnings in online bookkeeping can feel like a maze! Navigate it stress-free by considering these key factors:
- 🎯 Identify your needs and goals: Are you a newbie seeking the basics or an established bookkeeper looking to enhance your skills? Know your objective first.
- 🧠 Be aware of your learning style: Some thrive in self-paced courses, while others need structured modules. Seek interactive options if you learn best with guidance.
- 💰 Consider budget and time: Be realistic about the resources you can invest. High-end courses come at a cost, and free classes are likely to lack depth. Pick a flexible course if you’re busy.
- 📚 Look for comprehensive coursework: A good course covers more than just debits and credits. It should teach financial statements, transactions, taxes, and more.
- 🎒 Check for real-world application: The best courses offer case studies, scenarios, and internships to apply your new skills.
- 🏆 Credibility matters: Opt for courses by skilled bookkeepers, specialists, or institutions with a proven track record. Legit qualifications are a bonus!
Customizing your education is key for bookkeeping success, so it’s important that you choose the course that ticks most, if not all, of your must-have boxes before you decide if it’s a good fit.
An Introduction To Our Top 5 Legit Bookkeeping Courses Online
Still feeling lost on your journey to the perfect bookkeeping course? Don’t stress, we’ve got you!
We’ve done our due diligence and combed through the massive online course landscape to make your search easier. We’ll dish on our top 5 handpicked bookkeeping courses–total rockstars when it comes to effective, seamless learning.
Let’s get into it!
#5 – Skillshare
Known for its massive catalog covering everything from photography to business, Skillshare’s become a go-to for online learning. Of course, a comprehensive section on bookkeeping basics is included, too!
The platform is renowned for high-quality video lessons and beginner-friendly features that let you learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced pro, Skillshare likely has a course tailored for you.
The interactive design really sets Skillshare apart. You can collaborate and discuss concepts with peers and experts, bringing the material to life. This community approach reinforces learning.
On the flip side, Skillshare lacks formal accreditation. And without one-on-one guidance, self-learners could find complex topics tricky.
Overall, Skillshare’s bookkeeping courses benefit a wide range of learners – from total beginners looking for a clear introduction to seasoned professionals keen to expand their skills or learn new software on their own schedule.
The Lowdown On Skillshare
Here’s the quick rundown on our #5 pick, Skillshare, and what it provides:
👍🏻 Pros:
- 🎥 High-quality video lessons
- 👥 Interactive community learning
- 📖 Massive course catalog
- 👶 Beginner-friendly platform
👎🏻 Cons:
- ❌ No accreditation
- 🗣️ Limited individual guidance
⭐ Best Suited For:
Beginners seeking a clear introduction to bookkeeping fundamentals. Seasoned professionals looking to expand skills or learn new software. Anyone who prefers an interactive, collaborative learning environment.
#4 – AccountingCoach
AccountingCoach sets itself apart with user-friendly resources and free materials, making it an attractive choice for bookkeeping beginners. Even its free platform offers comprehensive content, showcasing its commitment to accessible learning.
You can expect a full set of bookkeeping materials like manuals, workbooks, and flashcards from AccountingCoach. Quizzes and tutorials bring the concepts to life through visual learning, while upgrading to the Pro version unlocks extra resources and achievement certificates.
A major plus is the budget-friendly pricing. With free access to robust materials, cost is no longer a barrier. Navigation is streamlined for beginners too. And the self-paced courses allow you to learn on your schedule, revisiting topics as needed.
On the flip side, interactivity is limited without one-on-one discussions or mentor guidance, and if you’re an established virtual bookkeeper seeking advanced knowledge, you’ll probably find the free resources too introductory without it.
Overall, AccountingCoach is a great fit for total beginners aiming to grasp the basics without breaking the bank. It also suits self-directed learners comfortable with solo studying, and anyone needing a quick bookkeeping refresher can benefit from its free training, too.
The Lowdown On AccountingCoach
Here’s a quick rundown of our #4 pick, AccountingCoach, and what it provides:
👍🏻 Pros:
- 📚 Free comprehensive materials
- 💰 Budget-friendly pricing
- 👶 User-friendly for beginners
- 🏫 Self-paced courses
- 🎓 Extra resources (paid)
👎🏻 Cons:
- 🗣️ Minimal interactivity
- 📚 Limited advanced content
⭐ Best Suited For:
Total beginners seeking to learn the basics of bookkeeping on a budget. Self-directed learners who prefer solo studying over interactions. Anyone wanting a quick and free refresher.
#3 – LinkedIn Learning
With its roots in the professional networking platform, LinkedIn Learning offers high-quality bookkeeping courses that go beyond theory to boost your career.
You can expect in-depth video lessons, real-world examples, quizzes, and exercises. Industry veterans teach courses, and you can share completion certificates directly on your LinkedIn profile for a credibility boost. They do offer a free course here, too, which is great for those who are after some building blocks to get started.
A major advantage is LinkedIn’s focus on career growth. Their instructors have substantial field knowledge. You’ll find a full course for every level, and the ability to share certifications publicly will give your profile a professional edge.
On the flip side, a paid subscription is required for full access. And peer interaction is limited, lacking a true community component.
LinkedIn Learning best suits professionals seeking to enhance their credibility and career trajectory through recognized certifications. It’s great for both beginners and those with prior experience who want to learn from industry experts at their own pace.
The Lowdown On LinkedIn Learning
Here’s a quick summary of our #3 pick, LinkedIn Learning, and what it offers:
👍🏻 Pros:
- 🎥 In-depth video courses
- 🧑🏫 Industry expert instructors
- 📝 Shareable completion certificates
- 📈 Career-growth focused
- ✨ Courses for all levels
👎🏻 Cons:
- 💸 Paid subscription required
- 👥 Minimal peer interaction
⭐ Best Suited For:
Professionals looking to boost their career by sharing recognized certifications. Beginners and skilled bookkeepers seeking courses taught by veteran industry experts.
#2 – Udemy
Regarding online courses, Udemy is the mega mall with everything under one roof.
With thousands of classes and free training options available, you can score bookkeeping skills for your small businesses without blowing the budget.
Their courses serve up video lessons, quizzes, practical exercises—the works—to help the knowledge sink in, and you’ll find stuff for newbies and pros alike. The best part? Once you buy a course, it’s yours for life so that you can rewatch and refresh whenever.
Udemy wins big points for being easy on the wallet. Their prices already rock, and they’re always running sales to make courses even more crazy affordable. Since they’ve got so many lessons, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect one for your specific skill level and interests.
Now for the real talk: some courses are definitely better than others on Udemy.
Because anyone can post classes, quality varies a lot. And you won’t score any official college credits or certificates by taking a course.
If you want quality classes on the cheap with maximum flexibility, Udemy is tough to beat. Whether you’re a bookkeeping rookie looking to start your own business or a seasoned expert, Udemy likely has the perfect course to step up your money-managing game.
The Lowdown On Udemy
Here’s a quick summary of our #2 pick, Udemy, and what it offers:
👍🏻 Pros:
- 🎥 Video lessons for all levels
- ✏️ Quizzes and exercises
- 💸 Affordable pricing
- 🤑 Frequent discounts
- 📚 Massive course selection
- 🎓 Lifetime course access
👎🏻 Cons:
- 🎡 Quality varies
- ❌ No accreditation
⭐ Best Suited For:
Budget-conscious learners seeking quality classes with maximum flexibility. Beginners and experts alike who want affordable courses tailored to their bookkeeping level.
#1 – Booming Bookkeeping Business Course
If you want the royal treatment for learning bookkeeping, the Booming Bookkeeping Business Course takes the online education crown.
Founded by certified public accountant Bill Von Fumetti, this mix of video lessons, live coaching, and mentoring offers a comprehensive training program for anyone dreaming of owning their own successful bookkeeping business with no prior knowledge.
From video training covering everything bookkeeping, to live video/phone calls and coaching sessions that let you ask real-time questions–this course promises hands-on practice. You’ll also get personal mentorship to offer guidance and ongoing support along the way.
Incase we haven’t mentioned it already; a big perk is the high degree of expert interaction. The videos come packed with insider knowledge from Bill himself, providing you with all of the necessary skills to get started in online bookkeeping with little to no prior knowledge.
You also get flexibility to learn on your own schedule, so long as you’re prepared to invest time for the live events and mentor check-ins. This level of guidance and interaction comes at a price too—most of the good stuff requires paid access.
If you’re an ambitious learner craving expert insight and individualized guidance, the Booming Bookkeeping Business Course offers an unbeatable experience. If you’re still not sold, try out the free workshop on their homepage to give yourself a taste of what to expect.
The Lowdown On Booming Bookkeeping Business
Here’s a quick summary of our #1, and what the best course on our list has to offer:
👍🏻 Pros:
- 🎥 Expert video training
- 📲 Live coaching for real-time learning
- 🧑🏻🏫 Personal mentor for guidance
- 🛜 Online community for collaboration
- 🗣️ High degree of expert interaction
- 🙋🏻♀️ Flexible self-paced options
👎🏻 Cons:
- 💰 Paid subscription required for lifetime access
- ⌛ Time investment required for live events
⭐ Best Suited For:
Ambitious learners who want an immersive educational experience with expert guidance. Individuals willing to invest time interacting with professionals and peers will be a good fit for this course.
Online Bookkeeping Courses Comparison Table
Want the cliff notes on how these 5 online bookkeeping courses stack up? Check out this handy comparison chart we’ve put together for a quick lowdown.
We’ve lined up how each option scores on important factors like price, support offerings, content quality, certifications, and best fit so you can easily compare at a glance.
How Can I Start My Online Business?
By now, you should have figured out which course is best for you, so now it’s time to get planning! If you’re dreaming of launching your own online bookkeeping biz, you’ll need to be laser-focused on following these steps:
- 🎓 Get Trained: A top-notch online course will give you the skills and confidence needed to ace bookkeeping for clients. Our top recommendation is the Booming Bookkeeping course for its interactability and one-on-one support.
- 🏆 Get Certified: Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper adds credentials that make you stand out. Clients love official proof you know your stuff.
- 💡 Scope Your Niche: Focus on a niche like small retailers, online businesses, nonprofits, etc.
- 💻 Grab Gear: A laptop, bookkeeping software, cloud storage, and working space are must-haves. Don’t forget the ☕!
- 🗣️ Network and Market: Tell the world you’re open for business! Networking, content marketing, and social media help land clients.
- 💰 Set Your Rates: Research industry averages, but give yourself credit for your expertise. Offer packages and discounts too.
- 👥 Build Your Client Base: Patience pays off. Focus on delivering 5-star service from your very first client, and your list of potential clients will grow fast.
- 📈 Crunch Those Numbers: Put your Excel wiz skills to work. Be the finance guru your clients need to succeed!
Wrapping It All Up
As you navigate the path to becoming a proficient bookkeeper, don’t overlook the tremendous value of earning certifications or recognitions. These are solid proof of your expertise, strengthening your professional standing. They show a commitment to excellence and open up a wider range of job possibilities.
Certified bookkeepers are often in high demand and wanted by organizations and clients alike. Also, being part of a community that values industry standards fosters a sense of friendship, and a valuable support network is ideal!
Picking the right bookkeeping course is mega important for grasping those money managing principles, leveling up your skills, and boosting your credibility.
The ideal course matches your current abilities but also caters to how you learn best, your schedule, and your budget. It’s about finding your perfect fit!
Out of all the options we covered, the Booming Bookkeeping Business Course stands out by combining stellar video lessons with personal mentoring and live coaching. This interactive combo offers next-level bookkeeping enlightenment.
While it does require more time spent learning live, the expert insights and guidance can be well worth the investment for serious learners aiming to master bookkeeping and build a profitable business.
But at the end of the day, only you can decide which course best fits your lifestyle and learning style, so take time to weigh all the options and think about what will work for your unique needs and goals.
Whichever route you choose, consistency, effort, and hands-on practice are key to becoming a professional bookkeeper the right way.