The 7 Best Accounting Books to Read in 2024

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If you’re looking for a crash course in accounting, look no further than these 7 best accounting books. These books will teach you everything from the basics of double-entry bookkeeping to more complex concepts like financial statement analysis.

So whether you’re a small business owner who wants to better understand your finances, or you’re a student looking for a comprehensive guide to accounting, these books are sure to help.

1. Best accounting book overall: Accounting All-in-One For Dummies

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, yet easy-to-follow guide to accounting principles, look no further than Accounting All-in-One For Dummies by Kenneth W. Boyd.

This book covers everything from setting up your accounting system to preparing income statements and balance sheets, and other financial statements. The clear and concise language makes the sometimes daunting subject of accounting approachable for even the most novice user.

Each chapter offers practical tips and real-world examples, making it easy to apply the concepts in your own business. Whether you’re a small business owner or a college student studying accounting, this book is the perfect resource for improving your financial literacy and understanding of key accounting principles.

I highly recommend adding Accounting All-in-One For Dummies to your bookshelf.

2. Best accounting book for beginners: The Accounting Game: Learn the Basics

The Accounting Game offers a clear and straightforward introduction to the world of financial accounting. The book effectively breaks down key concepts like:

• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• International financial reporting standards (IFRS)
• cash flow statement
• income statement
• balance sheet
• financial ratios and more

Mullis includes practical examples and exercises to reinforce these principles. This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to demystify the often confusing world of business finance. Overall, The Accounting Game provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to understand basic accounting principles. Highly recommended. 

Mullis effectively simplifies complex topics in an approachable manner, making this book a helpful tool for both students and professionals alike. Readers will come away with a strong grasp of fundamental accounting principles and how they apply in real-world situations. With clear explanations and practical exercises, The Accounting Game is a valuable addition to any finance library.

3. Best accounting book for entrepreneurs and small business owners: Accounting QuickStart Guide

Accounting QuickStart Guide by Josh Bauerle offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of bookkeeping and financial record keeping. From setting up accounts, to properly recording transactions, to analyzing financial statements, Bauerle breaks down complex accounting concepts into easy-to-understand language and provides helpful examples along the way.

This book is a great resource for anyone new to the field of accounting, as well as small business owners looking for an accessible guide to managing their own financial records. With clear instructions and practical tips, Accounting QuickStart Guide is a valuable addition to any finance professional’s bookshelf.

4. Warren Buffett Accounting Book: Reading Financial Statements for Value Investing

Stig Brodersen’s Warren Buffett Accounting Book: Reading Financial Statements for Value Investing offers an in-depth examination of the legendary investor’s philosophy and analytical approach to evaluating companies.

The book begins with an overview of financial statements and accounting principles before delving into Buffett’s specific methods for determining a company’s value and identifying red flags. Brodersen also highlights the importance of patience and independence in value investing, emphasizing the value of thinking outside conventional wisdom.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced investors looking to incorporate Buffett’s methods into their investment strategy. It is well-researched and clear in its explanations, making it a must-read for anyone interested in value investing.

5. Accounting Made Simple: Accounting Explained in 100 Pages

Accounting Made Simple by Mike Piper is a well-written introduction to the principles of accounting. The book breaks down complex topics and presents them in an easily understandable way, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced accountants alike.

Piper’s writing style is clear and engaging, and he offers helpful examples to illustrate his points. At only 100 pages, this book does not go into great depth on any specific topic, but it serves as a solid foundation for further learning. Accounting Made Simple is a worthwhile read for anyone looking for accounting tips to streamline their business.

6. Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Statements: Overview for Board, Management, and Staff

“Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Statements: Overview for Board, Management, and Staff” by Thomas R Ittelson is a valuable resource for nonprofit executives and board members.

The author breaks down complex financial concepts in an easy-to-understand manner and provides numerous examples to illustrate his points. In addition, Ittelson includes information on legal regulations and financial reporting requirements that all nonprofit leaders need to be aware of.

“Nonprofit Accounting & Financial Statements” is a useful guide for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of nonprofit finance. Recommended for nonprofit professionals or those interested in joining the sector.

7. Accounting Handbook

“Accounting Handbook” by Jae K. Shim is a valuable resource for anyone looking to brush up on their accounting skills and terminology. Filled with helpful charts and clear explanations, this book covers everything from basic principles to advanced concepts. It’s especially useful for professionals in the field, such as accountants, bookkeepers, and managers, as well as business students.

However, it’s important to note that some prior knowledge of accounting is necessary in order to fully benefit from the material in this book.

“Accounting Handbook” is a comprehensive and accessible resource for anyone seeking to improve their understanding of the subject. It is suited for anyone working in the field of accounting.

Consider using accounting and bookkeeping software to easily track finances

Running a successful business requires keeping impeccable financial records, but this can be time-consuming and tedious without the right tools. This is where accounting and bookkeeping software comes in.

By inputting all expenses and revenue, these programs can easily track income and expenditures, provide real-time data on financial health, and even generate reports for tax purposes.

Many of these programs feature integrations with popular payment platforms like PayPal or Stripe, allowing for seamless transaction tracking. Utilizing accounting and bookkeeping software can take the guesswork out of managing finances and save valuable time in the process.

Plus, with cloud storage options available, important financial data can easily be accessed from anywhere at any time. Bottom line: to keep your business running smoothly, consider investing in accounting and bookkeeping software.

We wrote an article on the best budgeting software out there. Many of which double up as accounting software as well. Check it out to see which software suits your business the best.

The best accounting books: Wrap up

These are the seven best books on accounting that every aspiring accountant should read. These books cover all the essential topics in accounting, from financial accounting to auditing. If you want to start a career in accounting or deepen your understanding of accounting principles, these books are a great place to start.

Related: The 10 Best Books for Starting a Business