Studying Accounting Online: Your Complete Guide to Staying organized, focused, and confident

In today’s digital-first world, online accounting education has never been more accessible — or more relevant.

Whether you’re pursuing a Certificate IV, a Diploma, or just brushing up on your bookkeeping skills, studying online offers the flexibility to learn on your own terms. You can study from home, avoid long commutes, and even balance your studies with work or family commitments.

But let’s be honest — online learning isn’t always easy.

Scroll through Reddit threads, student forums, or Facebook study groups, and you'll see a common theme: students feeling overwhelmed, distracted, unmotivated, or falling behind. Without a classroom or face-to-face accountability, staying focused can feel like an uphill battle.

The good news? With the right strategies, online accounting doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding and efficient ways to gain valuable qualifications.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, proven ways to stay organized, focused, and confident as you master accounting online.

1. Setting Clear Goals

Before you open your textbook or log into your course portal, ask yourself:

“What exactly am I trying to achieve?”

Having clear, specific goals can drastically improve your motivation and help you track your progress. Vague intentions like “I want to learn accounting” are hard to measure. Instead, try:

• “I want to master the basics of double-entry bookkeeping in two weeks.”
• “I aim to finish Module 3 by the end of this month.”
• “I want to feel confident preparing a BAS by the end of the course.”

Break down large goals into weekly targets. Use SMART goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

2. Creating a Structured Study Schedule

A study schedule isn’t just about blocking out time — it’s about balancing focus and flexibility.

Without a structured plan, it’s easy to let days slip by, especially when studying from home. The best schedules are realistic, not rigid.

How to build an effective study plan:

• Block out study time like an appointment — and stick to it.
• Add regular breaks (Pomodoro method: 25 minutes study, 5 minutes break).
• Leave space for review and revision — not just reading new content.
• Prioritise challenging topics earlier in the day when you’re most alert.
• Use Google Calendar or apps like Notion or Trello to stay on track.

Batch similar tasks. For example, do all your bookkeeping exercises on Monday, and theory-based learning on Tuesday.

3. Utilizing Online Resources

The internet offers a wealth of free and paid online resources that can make studying accounting much easier, especially when tackling challenging topics.

YouTube channels like Accounting Stuff are great for beginners, while Edspira provides more in-depth explanations for advanced learners. The ATO website is another invaluable tool, offering practical guidance on topics like GST, PAYG, superannuation, and BAS obligations — all essential for students studying accounting in Australia.

For structured learning, platforms like Coursera, AccountingCoach.com, and Xero Central provide free lessons, tutorials, and hands-on practice.

Tip:

If you’re stuck on something like “accrual accounting” or “bank reconciliations,” watching a short 5–10 minute explainer video before opening your textbook can make all the difference in understanding the material more clearly.

4. Joining Study Groups

Online learning can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to be.

Joining a study group or accountability circle can boost motivation, improve understanding, and make studying more enjoyable.

Benefits of peer support:

• You can ask questions in real time.
• Explaining a concept to someone else reinforces your own knowledge.
• You’ll feel more connected and less alone.

Where to find study groups:

• Your course provider’s student portal or LMS
• Facebook groups for accounting students in Australia
• Subreddits like r/Accounting or r/AustralianTeachers
• Local TAFE or private college communities

If no group exists — start your own! A simple weekly Zoom or WhatsApp group can make a big difference.

5. Staying Organized

Accounting is detail-oriented — and so should your study habits be.

Disorganized study materials, scattered notes, or missed deadlines can derail your progress.

Ways to stay organized:

• Use digital note-taking tools like OneNote or Evernote.
• Create folders by topic: e.g., “Payroll”, “BAS Prep”, “Debits & Credits”.
• Back up your files regularly via Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Keep a progress tracker with completed modules and upcoming tasks.
• Use tags or color coding to quickly find key concepts.

Create an “Accounting Formula Sheet” where you keep key formulas, journal entry formats, and tax rates for easy reference.

6. Practicing Self-Care

Burnout is real — and it hits hard when you're juggling study with work, family, or personal life.

You can’t absorb financial reporting standards if you’re running on 3 hours of sleep and stress.

How to manage your mental and physical health:

• Get enough sleep — it impacts memory and cognitive function.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
• Use short movement breaks to refresh your brain.
• Try meditation apps like Headspace or Smiling Mind.
• Celebrate small wins. Completing a tough module is worth recognising!

Schedule your self-care the same way you schedule your study time. A 15-minute walk or cup of tea break can reset your whole mindset.

Bonus Study Techniques That Actually Work

These are backed by science and help retain what you learn:

• Spaced Repetition: Review material over increasing intervals (great with flashcards).
• Active Recall: Close the book and try to write or explain concepts from memory.
• Interleaved Practice: Mix up topics during revision instead of cramming one area.
• Teaching: Explain a topic to a friend (or even your pet!) to reinforce understanding.

Common Topics That Trip Students Up — and How to Tackle Them

1. Debits and Credits
   Use visuals. Watch short videos that show journal entries in action.
2. GST and BAS Calculations
   Practice real-life examples and review ATO guidelines.
3. Payroll Compliance
   Learn key dates, rates, and modern awards using Fair Work resources.
4. Bank Reconciliation
   Get hands-on with software (Xero demos are great) or spreadsheet templates.

You’ve Got This: Embrace the Online Learning Journey

Studying online accounting may feel overwhelming at times, but it’s absolutely doable with the right structure and mindset.

You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be progress-focused.

Set your goals, build your study rhythm, stay connected, and don’t forget to look after yourself. With every completed module and every concept mastered, you’re getting closer to a rewarding, stable career

Looking for a flexible online course?

At DEVS College, we offer nationally recognised Certificate IV and Diploma courses in Accounting & Bookkeeping — designed with busy students in mind. Our flexible, self-paced learning and dedicated trainer support will help you thrive.

[Explore Courses]
[Book a Free Consultation]