Accounting Classes & Bootcamps Near Me

Accounting is a field that has existed for nearly as long as currency has been used. The history of accounting can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Babylon. The Roman Empire, for example, kept detailed records of financial transactions. However, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that accounting became a formal profession. Today, the accounting process involves recording, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting an organization’s financial transactions and sharing these details with parties like tax collectors, regulators, or oversight agencies. Financial statements created by accountants provide a brief overview of all financial transactions that took place during a specific period and offer insight into how an organization is operating, as well as its cash flow and financial status.

Accounting plays a core role in almost every business, regardless of its size or industry focus. Accounting tasks may be handled by an Accountant or Bookkeeper within small organizations, whereas larger businesses may rely on an entire finance department to keep track of financial information. Because the field of accounting is so broad, there are several types that fall under its umbrella. Financial accounting entails creating interim and annual financial statements that detail any financial transactions during this time. Cost accounting is performed to help an organization make informed decisions regarding product pricing. Managerial accounting is similar to financial accounting in terms of the data it evaluates, but this information is stored and organized into monthly or quarterly reports and includes budgeting and forecasting. Tax accounting involves working with local, state, or federal rules, balancing compliance with reporting laws while also reducing an organization’s tax liability. Regardless of the industry or type of financial activity, the accounting process plays a crucial role in an organization’s financial health and ability to perform daily operations.

Industries That Use Accounting

Because accounting involves recording financial transactions within an organization, it is used across virtually all industries and sectors in the U.S. In academia, colleges and universities rely on bookkeepers and accountants to manage expenses and revenue, ensure departments are adequately funded, and verify that student financial aid packages will cover tuition. In the government sector, accountants maintain accurate records of revenue and expenditures and help balance budgets for various initiatives and programs. Hospitality venues such as hotels, motels, and restaurants often hire in-house accountants to perform daily audits and submit reports to management, ensuring expenses are paid and revenue covers operational costs. Healthcare providers turn to professionals with accounting backgrounds to manage communication with insurance companies and provide patients with financing options. Even retail businesses depend on accountants to perform nightly audits and reconcile yearlong revenue.

Accounting Jobs & Salaries

Accounting is an in-demand career path because nearly every organization, in any industry, relies on professionals with finance skills to balance budgets, make financial forecasts, perform audits, and file taxes. Pay rates are typically high for accountants due to the vital role they play in maintaining financial stability. The current average salary for accountants in the U.S. is $78,000 annually, though this can vary depending on location and specialization. Accountants in New York City earn around $83,000 per year, while those in San Francisco make approximately $91,000. On the lower end, accountants in Dayton, Ohio, earn about $65,000 annually.

Some of the highest-paying industries for accountants include insurance and finance, government, and enterprise or company management. Accountants working in pipeline transportation of crude oil or computer equipment manufacturing can earn a mean annual wage of over $123,000. Those employed by the Federal Executive Branch average about $107,000 per year. Depending on the industry, type of accounting, and experience level, salaries in the U.S. range from under $60,000 to over $120,000.

Numerous accounting roles are available for those with proper training, including passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams. Career opportunities span many sectors and include various specialties. Auditors safeguard assets and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. Managerial accountants analyze financial transactions and advise on production-related decisions. Forensic accountants investigate internal and external financial activity. Controllers manage financial reporting, procurement, and accounts receivable/payable. Information and technology accountants maintain the systems and software where financial data is stored and processed.

Are There Prerequisites to Learning Accounting?

If you’re interested in pursuing an accounting career, you may wonder what skills are needed before getting started. Studying basic technical accounting skills is a good first step. Since many accountants work with financial statements, understanding how to create, track, and report income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements is extremely beneficial. It’s also helpful to stay informed about emerging trends in accounting such as how blockchain and cloud computing are transforming the field. A background in related subjects like business, mathematics, computer science, finance, economics, or management can also provide a strong foundation for accounting study.

Familiarity with accounting software is an asset, though not always required as a prerequisite. In addition to knowing the Google suite, aspiring accountants should strengthen their Excel skills, as this industry-standard application is commonly used for financial tasks. Knowledge of AI and financial modeling platforms like Oracle BI or IBM Cognos can also be advantageous, as is experience with process automation. In addition to technical training, developing soft skills is also key. Clear communication, time management, critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are essential traits for success in accounting roles.

Is It Difficult to Learn Accounting?

Learning accounting can be a rewarding journey that leads to a high-paying career that blends organizational and math skills. However, some learners may be hesitant to begin accounting coursework due to concerns about difficulty. While accounting does require both technical proficiency, like Excel and financial software, and soft skills such as attention to detail, most students can gain competency through several years of focused study. Some of the more challenging aspects include organizing and maintaining accurate financial records, preparing tax documents, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability and reduce costs.

While many learners pursue a four-year accounting degree, others opt for shorter certificate programs that offer hands-on, career-focused training. The difficulty of learning accounting varies depending on prior experience, but many students find success by selecting a specialization such as bookkeeping, financial accounting, or forensic accounting, and tailoring their studies to areas where they need the most growth.

What Will You Learn in an Accounting Course?

If you’re ready to begin your accounting education, you might be wondering what to expect from a course. While content varies based on the program, instructor, and your goals, most accounting classes cover a core set of concepts and skills. Beginner courses often start with foundational principles and common terminology used in the field. From there, students learn to apply accounting methods to make informed financial decisions. Some courses include hands-on experience working with real or simulated financial data, helping students practice preparing key documents such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.

Many courses also cover accrual accounting, budgeting, and financial forecasting. In more advanced programs, students may study financial modeling, high-level Excel functions, or data visualization. Advanced courses may even incorporate elements of computer science and data analysis, depending on the curriculum’s focus. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to upskill, accounting courses can help you develop practical, job-ready abilities.

Best Accounting Classes & Schools

If you’re ready to begin your accounting training, many top providers across the country offer high-quality options. In New York City, NYIM Training’s Financial Modeling Bootcamp prepares students for Financial Analyst roles. This 18-hour intensive course covers advanced Excel functions, financial modeling tools, and valuation techniques. Participants learn to build models, perform sensitivity analysis, and project cash flow. Tuition is $995 and includes a free retake within one year. Intermediate Excel skills are required, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP, and IF statements.

Also in NYC, Noble Desktop’s Financial Analyst Training Program offers a broader 30-hour curriculum covering spreadsheet proficiency, corporate finance, and building three-statement valuation models. Tuition is $1,295 and includes one year of complimentary retakes. Prior knowledge of accounting or finance is recommended.

In the Los Angeles area, students can enroll in Santa Monica College’s Investment Bootcamp. This one-day, $58 workshop introduces mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and real estate investment strategies, along with tax planning and money management. Vaccination proof is required for in-person attendance. Los Angeles City College also offers a one-day course titled Bookkeeping/Accounting Analysis & Concepts, priced at $149. It covers essential accounting tasks such as preparing profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, and setting up a chart of accounts.

Live online learning is another flexible option. ONLC Training Centers’ QuickBooks Online QuickStart teaches students to navigate QuickBooks, manage invoices, and work with vendors and transactions. The full-day course costs $445 and requires basic accounting knowledge. The American Management Association also offers a one-day, $279 virtual course titled How to Speak Accounting, which focuses on interpreting financial statements and understanding accounting language and concepts.

Corporate and On-Site Accounting Training

In addition to public bootcamps and certificate programs, Noble Desktop also offers corporate finance and accounting training for teams. These programs can be delivered live online or onsite at your company’s location. Topics include financial modeling, financial analysis, FinTech, and Python for finance. Companies can choose from existing course options or request a customized curriculum tailored to employee needs and scheduling constraints.

Noble also provides bulk discounts on group class vouchers, allowing employees to complete training on a flexible schedule. For more information about customizing a corporate finance training plan, contact Noble to schedule a free consultation and explore available options.