Online Accounting and Finance Courses and Classes

Online accounting and finance courses teach students how keeping financial statements can provide information on the financial well-being of an organization. These courses cover a variety of business management topics as part of a degree program in majors, such as business administration, accounting or business management.

Summary of Online Accounting and Finance Courses

Distance learning courses in accounting and finance focus on how the stock market, bonds, the money market and other instruments make up the financial system of today's economy. They learn about the tools and concepts available to analyze the economy and how to make confident financial decisions based on their research. Courses such as managerial finance, investment fundamentals and real estate finance prepare students for careers as financial officers, investment and financial consultants, day traders, bankers, lending officers and business owners.
These courses provide students with knowledge on how proper financial recordkeeping allows a business to gauge its performance. They learn about the different components of a financial statement, including accounts receivables, cash, depreciation, liabilities, inventory and the balance sheet. Courses cover topics in accounting systems, auditing, accounting ethics and business policy. Careers in this field include public accountants, business managers, tax preparers and financial auditors.

Course Requirements

To take an online accounting and finance course, students need a computer with Internet access.
Some courses require students to use a PIN to access a secure educational portal to reach their virtual classroom, where they can receive assignments, submit homework and post on class message boards. Courses may also require students to regularly watch online videos and attend live web conferences.
Student interaction with an instructor is usually done through e-mail and other online media, although instructors may be reachable by telephone. Course schedules could have set times or be self-paced. Students must have good writing skills to express themselves adequately to instructors and online classmates. Distance learning courses require students to manage their time wisely and to meet the minimum amount of study hours per week.

List of Online Accounting and Finance Courses

Financial Accounting Course

Students in this course are introduced to the general principles governing an organization's financial accounting system. They learn how this system is used to produce an income statement and balance sheet. They are taught how to evaluate this information to gauge the financial status and performance of an organization.

Accounting Systems Course

Online accounting and finance course students are exposed to the best practices and computer technologies available to manage, utilize and design accounting information systems. They analyze processes, such as general ledgers, transaction process cycles and subsidiary ledgers, and gain experience preparing flowcharts. They learn about the internal controls used for fraud detection and information security.

Managerial Finance and Accounting Course

Students learn how to manage business funds to reach an organization's financial goals in this online accounting and finance course. They are taught financial analysis techniques and learn about external financing, capital structure issues and how to value a business or company. This course also instructs students on how organizations use calculations, reports and financial information to make management decisions affecting its products and services.

Auditing, and Ethical Standards in Accounting Course

This course teaches students how auditing plays an important role in the accounting process. They learn about the ethical implications of auditing, as well as its practical and theoretical roles. Courses may include internal control systems, sampling and compliance testing. Students also learn about the information technology used for these internal controls.

Real Estate Finance and Investment Basics Course

Students in this distance learning course learn to apply accounting and finance principles in helping developers, investors, lenders and brokers determine tax, future benefits and the cash flow of real estate assets. Students explore the risks and rewards of real estate projects and make recommendations on financing and investments.

Hotel Accounting and Finance Course

This online course teaches students how accounting and finance procedures make a hospitality operation profitable. Students review the various accounting procedures, terminology and concepts used to prepare financial statements and management reports.

Non-profit Organizations and Government Accounting Course

Students explore the basic finance and accounting procedures needed in not-for-profit and government organizations. This online course focuses on fund-related accounting, such as revenue and debt service funds, capital project funds, long-term debt and fixed-asset accounting. Students learn how to measure output and report on performance and to prepare financial statements for such organizations.