Managerial accounting courses can help you learn budgeting, cost analysis, performance evaluation, and financial reporting. You can build skills in variance analysis, decision-making based on financial data, and strategic planning. Many courses introduce tools like Excel for financial modeling, QuickBooks for managing accounts, and software for data visualization, which support the application of these skills in real business contexts.

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Operating Cost, Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Management, Budget Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Data, Financial Analysis, Decision Making, Resource Allocation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Accounting Systems, Supply Chain, Accounting, Operating Cost, Financial Accounting, Cost Management, Cost Estimation, Analysis, Decision Making
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Vendor Management, Inventory and Warehousing, Accounting Software, Customer Data Management, Financial Analysis, Billing & Invoicing, Sales Management, Financial Reporting, Expense Management, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Bookkeeping, Cash Flows, Accounts Receivable
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: International Financial Reporting Standards, Business Valuation, Consolidation, Technical Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Financial Accounting, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Income Statement, Accounting, Balance Sheet
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Bookkeeping, Accruals, Accounting, Accounting Records, General Accounting, Regulatory Compliance, Revenue Recognition, Journals
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Balance Sheet, Financial Statements, Management Accounting, Performance Measurement, Income Statement, Financial Statement Analysis, Cost Accounting, Capacity Management, Financial Reporting, Asset Management, Organizational Strategy, Performance Analysis, Financial Accounting, Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Operational Analysis, Business Metrics, Accounting, Budget Management, Small Business Accounting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Return On Investment, Accrual Accounting, Financial Accounting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Finance, Inventory Accounting, Financial Analysis, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Portfolio Management, Capital Expenditure, Equities, Cash Flows, Corporate Finance, Forecasting, Cash Flow Forecasting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Skills you'll gain: Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Income Statement, Operating Cost, Cost Management, Inventory Accounting, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Gross Profit, Strategic Decision-Making, Accounting, Product Planning, Resource Allocation, Product Assortment, Depreciation, Financial Accounting, Production Process, Financial Statements, Price Negotiation, Capacity Management, Decision Making
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Management Accounting, Performance Measurement, Cost Accounting, Variance Analysis, Budgeting, Accounting, Capital Budgeting, Financial Accounting, Organizational Strategy, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Financial Analysis, Return On Investment, Cash Flows, Decision Making
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Accrual Accounting, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, Accounting, Financial Analysis, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flows, General Ledger, Bookkeeping, Revenue Recognition, Business Metrics, Return On Investment, Depreciation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Cash Flows, Income Statement, Financial Analysis, Financial Accounting, Equities, Revenue Recognition, Working Capital, Balance Sheet, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Accounting, Financial Statements, Financial Reporting, Financial Acumen, Corporate Finance, Corporate Accounting, Case Studies, Revenue Management, Accrual Accounting, Finance, Operational Efficiency
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Statistical Inference, Business Analytics, Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Market Dynamics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Financial Systems, Bank Regulations, Financial Policy, Banking, International Finance, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Economics, Statistical Analysis, Business Economics, Peer Review, Analytics
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Managerial accounting is a branch of accounting focused on providing financial information and analysis to managers within organizations. Unlike financial accounting, which is aimed at external stakeholders, managerial accounting helps managers make informed decisions regarding budgeting, forecasting, and performance evaluation. This discipline is crucial because it enables businesses to strategize effectively, control costs, and enhance operational efficiency. By understanding managerial accounting, you can contribute to your organization's financial health and strategic direction.‎
A variety of job opportunities exist in the field of managerial accounting. Common roles include managerial accountant, cost accountant, financial analyst, and budget analyst. These positions often require individuals to analyze financial data, prepare reports, and assist in decision-making processes. Additionally, managerial accountants may work in diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, providing a broad range of career paths for those interested in this field.‎
To succeed in managerial accounting, you need a blend of technical and soft skills. Key technical skills include proficiency in accounting principles, financial analysis, and budgeting techniques. Familiarity with accounting software and data analysis tools is also beneficial. On the soft skills side, effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are essential, as you will often need to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders and collaborate with various departments.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in managerial accounting. Notable options include Managerial Accounting Fundamentals, which covers the basics of managerial accounting, and Managerial Accounting: Tools for Facilitating and Guiding Business Decisions, which focuses on applying accounting tools to real-world business scenarios. These courses provide valuable insights and practical skills that can enhance your understanding of managerial accounting.‎
Yes. You can start learning managerial accounting on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in managerial accounting, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning managerial accounting involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover the fundamentals and gradually progress to more advanced topics. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, consider applying what you learn in real-world scenarios, such as budgeting for a personal project or analyzing financial statements for a business case.‎
Typical topics covered in managerial accounting courses include cost behavior analysis, budgeting, variance analysis, performance measurement, and decision-making processes. Courses may also explore financial statement analysis and the use of accounting information in strategic planning. By understanding these topics, you will be equipped to make informed decisions that impact your organization's financial performance.‎
For training and upskilling employees in managerial accounting, courses like Managerial Accounting: Cost Behaviors, Systems, and Analysis are particularly effective. These courses focus on practical applications of managerial accounting concepts, making them suitable for professionals looking to enhance their skills. Additionally, specialized programs in accounting data analytics can provide valuable insights into how data can inform managerial decisions.‎