The 10 best accounting and finance books to read in 2024

This isn’t your typical “What are the best books for accountants to read?” post. 

Sure, I’ll be sharing the obvious reads. I’ll also be suggesting books (and online publications) that likely have never appeared on a listicle like this before. Some titles may surprise you. 

Check out these top-rated books that accounting and finance professionals are finding the most useful and entertaining. 

1. “Accounting Made Simple” by Mike Piper

For accounting beginners, “Accounting Made Simple” provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamentals of accounting.

Expect to learn the basics of financial statements, the accounting equation and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Author Mike Piper, CPA, breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language, making this book ideal for those new to accounting or looking to refresh their knowledge.

Buy “Accounting Made Simple.”

2. “The Accounting Game” by Darrell Mullis and Judith Orloff 

Using the world of a kid’s lemonade stand, “The Accounting Game” teaches the basics of financial language and records in an engaging and accessible way.

Expect to learn the fundamentals of accounting through a hands-on approach. You’ll understand financial terms and concepts by running a virtual lemonade stand, making this book perfect for visual and experiential learners.

“This book uses the world of a kid’s lemonade stand to teach the basics of financial language and records. You’ll run your own lemonade stand and make it grow…. As you run your stand, you’ll begin to understand and apply financial terms and concepts…” Goodreads.com

Buy “The Accounting Game: Basic Accounting Fresh from the Lemonade Stand.”

3. “Accounting for Dummies®” by John A. Tracy and Tage C. Tracy

The long-standing Dummies franchise is at it again.

Expect to learn the ABCs of accounting, how to read and understand financial statements, build budgets and forecasts, and model profitable business plans. This comprehensive guide is ideal for those looking to gain a solid foundation in accounting.

Buy “Accounting for Dummies.”

4. “The Joy of Accounting” by Peter Frampton and Mark Robilliard

This book introduces the Color Accounting BaSIS Framework™, a revolutionary method for understanding accounting.

Expect to learn how to become “accounting literate” through a new approach that simplifies financial concepts. The book is suitable for anyone from high school students to business professionals who want to communicate more effectively about money matters.

From the foreword: 

“Accounting is ubiquitous and so deeply embedded in our lives that we’ve lost sight of it. It’s become the water that fish will never discover. It’s everywhere in your life, enabling almost everything you do, from catching a bus to building or renting your house to supporting your preferred charity to shopping and saving.” “The Joy of Accounting”

Buy “The Joy of Accounting: A Game-Changing Approach That Makes Accounting Easy.”

5. J.K. Lasser tax guides by Barbara Weltman

The experts at J.K. Lasser provide a series of tax guides, including several written by Barbara Weltman.

Expect to learn comprehensive tax strategies for individuals and small businesses. Weltman’s guides offer detailed advice on maximizing deductions, understanding tax laws and improving your bottom line.

Buy J.K. Lasser tax guides.

6. “Warren Buffett Accounting Book”  by Stig Brodersen and Preston Pysh

This book is part of the Buffett Books series and focuses on value investing.

Expect to learn how to read and interpret key corporate financial documents to make informed investment decisions. Brodersen and Pysh provide insights into Warren Buffett’s investment strategies, making this book essential for aspiring value investors.

Buy “Warren Buffett Accounting Book: Reading Financial Statements for Value Investing.”

7. “Financial Statements” by Thomas R. Ittelson

Ittelson’s book is a practical guide to understanding and creating financial reports.

Expect to learn how to prepare and analyze income statements, cash flow statements and balance sheets—the core components of financial reporting. This book is ideal for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of financial documentation.

Buy “Financial Statements: A Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding and Creating Financial Reports.”

8. “Accounting Principles” by Jerry J. Weygandt, Paul D. Kimmel and Donald E. Kieso

This textbook presents fundamental accounting concepts in a clear and succinct manner.

Expect to learn the foundational principles of financial accounting, including detailed explanations and practical examples. This book is perfect for students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of accounting.

Buy “Accounting Principles.”

9. “The Smartest Guys in the Room” by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind

This classic book explores one of the most notorious corporate scandals of all time.

Expect to learn the intricate details of Enron’s rise and fall, providing insights into corporate fraud and ethical lapses. This book serves as a cautionary tale for anyone interested in corporate governance and ethics.

Buy “The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron.”

10. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham

Considered a classic in the field of investing, this book has been a guiding light for investors for decades.

Expect to learn the principles of value investing, including how to analyze stocks and bonds, the importance of a long-term investment strategy and the concept of “margin of safety.”

Graham emphasizes the psychological aspects of investing and teaches readers how to avoid common pitfalls associated with market speculation. This book is essential for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in investment strategies and financial analysis.

Buy “The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing.”

Online accounting and finance resources

Now, onto the digital reads.

Have another to add to our list of best accounting and finance books?

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