Accounting Courses: Benefits, Top Universities, and Career Scope in 2025

An accountant plays a pivotal role in the financial management of an organization. It would be quite difficult for a company to thrive without a professional who can analyze profits and losses, manage funds, and ensure the optimal utilization of financial resources. For those with a knack for mathematical calculations, a career in accounting is an ideal path to pursue. Numerous accounting courses are offered around the world for aspiring professionals in the field of accountancy and financial management. These courses cover accounting concepts and principles, as well as management fundamentals. In this blog, you will learn about these courses in detail, including their types, top universities, and career prospects.

What Subjects are Covered in Accounting Courses?

Accountant courses tend to be extremely intense and rigorous. Students are asked to undertake a comprehensive list of subjects that contain heavy amounts of information and theoretical concepts. Along with that, students need to be well-versed in the core concepts of mathematics, statistics, and economics to understand their interconnected subjects in accountancy. Some of the important subjects that are covered in accounting courses are mentioned below:

• Mathematics
• Accounting Principles
• Economics
• Business Communication
• Ethics of Business
• Principles of Management
• Cost Accounting
• Corporate Accounting
• Tax
• Organisational Development
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Marketing
• Finance

Why Pursue Accounting Courses?

There are several key reasons why you should pursue an accounting course. Here, we have listed some of them.

• Accounting courses teach individuals how to make accounting functions more efficient and effective.

• Students can study subjects such as financial report analysis, investing, international finance, and banking.

• A variety of program formats are available, including both academic and professional courses.

• These courses often focus on the relationship between accounting and other business activities, offering a holistic understanding of the field.

• Accounting as a discipline covers a wide range of topics.

• Both long-term and short-term accounting courses are available.

• Students interested in a career in accounting should ideally start in high school by choosing the commerce stream (grades 11–12).

What are the Branches of Accounting?

When someone claims he or she works as an accountant in a business organization, it doesn’t indicate that’s all they do. At the professional educational level, students can choose from a variety of accounting fields and specializations. The following are some of the most important accounting branches:

• Financial Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• Managerial Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems
• Tax Accounting
• Forensic Accounting
• Fiduciary Accounting
• Fund Accounting
• Government Accounting

Difference between Accounting and Finance Course

Finance differs from accounting in that accounting focuses on the daily movement of cash within and outside an organization or institution, whereas finance is a broader term that encompasses asset and liability management, as well as future growth planning.

Finance may be the right choice for you if you’re interested in high-level management and strategic planning for a company. On the other hand, if you prefer analyzing an organization’s financial records in detail, accounting might be more suitable for you.

Parameters	Accounting	Finance
Objective	Check on the state of affairs and assess shareholder or creditor confidence	Profit and wealth maximization, reducing the cost of capital
Job growth rate (Bureau of Labor Statistics)	6%	8%
Top job profile	Cost estimator Enroll agent Forensic accountant Budget analyst Payroll accountant Bookkeeper	Financial planning Corporate finance Commercial banking Hedge funds Private equity Insurance Investment banking
Average salary (Per Month)	INR 2.5-7.5 Lakhs	INR 3-8 Lakhs
Education level	Bachelor’s degree, CPA (Certified Public Accountant)	Bachelor’s degree, CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

What are the Types of Accounting Courses in Offline Mode?

Depending on your preferred sub-field, course duration, and expectations, you can choose from a diverse range of accountant courses offered around the world. Some courses are full-time, while others offer the flexibility to be pursued alongside another course or profession. Moreover, working professionals can benefit from executive programs, where classes are typically held on weekends.

Bachelor’s Degree Courses in Accounting

An undergraduate degree in accounting is one of the most popular choices among students beginning their higher education in this field. The course covers core subjects such as accounting principles, bookkeeping, corporate accounting, and cost accounting in depth. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive overview of topics like marketing, human resources, corporate law, business management, and communication.

In some universities, the curriculum also includes opportunities for industry exposure and professional exam certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

Also Read: How to Pursue CA After Graduation

Master’s Degree Courses

For those aiming to gain specialized knowledge in the field of accounting and its related concepts, a master’s degree course is the ideal choice. Postgraduate accounting programs can be pursued through an MSc in Accounting or an MBA with a specialization in Accounting. These courses cover advanced topics such as risk management, activity-based management, capital investment decisions, pricing, revenue analysis, the balanced scorecard, and international accounting standards.

Working professionals also have the option to pursue a master’s degree while continuing their jobs; in such cases, the program is typically offered as an executive course.

Also Read: MBA in Japan: Top Universities & Eligibility

Ph.D. and Research Opportunities 

A select few postgraduates with the drive and motivation to conduct research in accounting concepts and processes choose to pursue a Ph.D. or M.Phil in their area of interest. Although the number of students opting for this path is relatively low, opportunities are certainly not lacking. Universities actively encourage students to engage in research, and many organizations offer research grants and fellowships to support interested candidates.

Short-term Accounting Courses (Diploma/Certificate)

An increasing number of students who have recently graduated in other fields but have an interest in accounting are opting for diploma or certificate courses. These are typically topic-based programs taken as bridge courses or for gaining specialized knowledge. Additionally, a diploma in accounting software, such as Tally, is gaining popularity, as companies increasingly seek individuals with advanced skills in managing accounting transactions.

Online Accounting Courses

Online accounting courses offer both free and paid resources to help you learn. They are suitable for all levels, beginners, intermediates, and professionals, and can assist you in learning accounting from the ground up. One of the key advantages of taking online accounting classes is the flexibility to learn at your own pace, with access to globally renowned faculty and curriculum.

Accounting Courses (Online) on Coursera

Some of the top-notch online accounting courses available on Coursera are tabulated below.

Courses	Duration
Introduction to Financial Accounting	1-4 Weeks
Introduction to Finance & Accounting	3-6 Months
Principles of Financial Accounting	1-4 Weeks
Intuit Academy Bookkeeping	3-6 Months
Cost Accounting	1-3 Months

Accounting Courses (Online) on Udemy

Some of the top-notch online accounting courses available on Udemy are tabulated below.

Courses	Duration
Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling, and Valuation	4.5 Hours
Accounting & Financing Statements Analysis: Complete Training	3.5 Hours
Accounting in 60 Minutes- A Brief Introduction	1.1 Hours
Accounting: From Beginner to Advanced	5.5 Hours
Accounting Basics	39.5 Hours

Syllabus of Accounting

The four key disciplines of finance, accounting, administration, and economics, commonly referred to as FAME, are included in accounting subjects. These disciplines are examined in depth in degree, diploma, and certificate programs, with a focus on specific components and unique regions. The following are the core accounting topics covered in any accounting course.

Business Law	Financial Accounting	Corporate Finance
Auditing	Financial Markets	Management Accounting
Microeconomics	Tax Accounting	Cost Accounting
Banking and Investment	Regulatory Accounting	Taxation

How to Pursue an Accounting Course?

To pursue an accounting course, candidates can choose between academic degrees and professional certifications depending on their career goals:

• For academic programs such as B.Com or M.Com with a specialization in Accounting, students are generally required to appear for university-level entrance exams or gain admission based on Class 12 merit (depending on the institution).
• Those interested in a professional accounting career can pursue certifications such as:
  
  • CA (ICAI – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)
  • CS (ICSI – Institute of Company Secretaries of India)
  • CMA (Cost and Management Accounting)
  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

These professional courses offer in-depth knowledge and industry-recognized credentials for specialized roles in finance and accounting.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Accounting Courses? 

Working with numbers, statistics, and financial data is integral to any role in the accounting profession. Whether you pursue a degree, diploma, or certification, a strong foundation in mathematics is essential.

• To pursue a B.Com in Accounting, candidates must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board, preferably from the Commerce stream with Mathematics.
• For the Foundation course in Cost and Management Accounting (CMA), candidates must have completed Class 10. This course covers the basics of mathematics and statistics, preparing students for further levels in cost accounting.
• Most undergraduate and diploma courses in accounting require at least Mathematics or Business Mathematics at the senior secondary level as part of the eligibility criteria.

Top 10 Global Universities For Accounting Courses

There are many destinations one can choose from to study accounting courses. One major advantage of pursuing accounting studies abroad is that the course structure is designed in a student-friendly and comprehensive manner. It not only focuses on imparting essential accounting knowledge but also offers opportunities for the development of personal and professional interests. Below, we have listed the major accounting programs offered by leading universities across the globe.

University	QS World University Rankings 2025 (by Subject)	Annual Tuition Fees
Harvard University	1	USD 57,328
MIT	2	USD 90,000
Stanford University	3	USD 56,487
University of Oxford	4	GBP 35,260-59,260
University of Chicago	5	USD 87,354
University of Cambridge	6	GBP 51,450
University of California at Barkeley	7	USD 10,995-13,995
London School of Economics & Political Science	8	GBP 29,200
University of Pennsylvania	9	USD 87,970
University of Yale	10	USD 87,800

Job Opportunities and Salaries After Accounting Courses

After completing a degree, diploma, or certificate course in the field of accounting, one can explore employment opportunities in roles such as accountant, revenue agent, chief accountant, finance manager, tax specialist, and more. The average salary ranges from INR 2.5 lakhs to 10 lakhs per annum in India and INR 30 lakhs to 60 lakhs per annum in countries abroad. However, these figures may vary depending on several factors such as specialization, type of degree program, employer, location, and job position.

Job Post	Average Salary (Per Year)
Accountant (Entry/Mid)	INR 1.5-6 Lakhs
Senior Accountant	INR 2.5-10 Lakhs
Revenue Agent	INR 4-8 Lakhs
Finance Manager	INR 4-30 Lakhs
Financial Analyst	INR 4-6 Lakhs
Tax Policy Analyst	INR 5-8 Lakhs

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters are:

• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young
• KPMG
• Grant Thorton
• Quatrro
• Mindspace
• Outsourcing Services Pvt Ltd
• Maxim Liberty
• Top Source Global Solutions

FAQs

Q.1 Which accounting course is best after 12th?

Answer: After completing Class 12, especially from the Commerce stream, some of the best accounting courses include B.Com in Accounting, BBA in Finance and Accounting, and professional courses like CA (Chartered Accountancy), CMA (Cost and Management Accounting), and CS (Company Secretary). If you’re looking for short-term options, diploma and certificate courses in accounting software like Tally or QuickBooks can also be helpful for gaining practical skills.

Q.2 Can I study accounting if I’m not from a commerce background?

Answer: Yes, you can still study accounting even if you are not from a commerce background. Many diploma and certificate-level courses in accounting are open to students from all streams. However, for degree programs and professional courses like CA or CMA, having a basic understanding of mathematics and business concepts is beneficial and often preferred.

Q.3 What is the average salary after completing an accounting course?

Answer: The average salary after completing an accounting course in India usually ranges from INR 2.5 lakh to INR 6 lakh per year for entry-level roles. For those who pursue professional courses like CA, CPA, or CMA, the salary can be much higher, ranging from INR 7 lakh to INR 20 lakh or more per year, depending on experience, job role, and the organization you work with.

Additional Reads

Indian MBA vs Foreign MBA: Which is Better?	MBA in Netherlands: MBA in Netherlands Best Colleges, Fees, Requirements
CA IPCC: Complete Guide for Aspiring Chartered Accountants	BBA vs. BCom: Which Course is Better After 12th
Commerce Subjects in Class 11: With and Without Mathematics	How To Study In The UK After Completing CA?

A degree in accounting can put you in good standing for a career in management or the consulting industry. Let Leverage Edu experts guide you throughout the application process of your chosen course to help you land in a leading university abroad and kick-start a great career in accounting.