In 2026, Germany is in great need of accountants, and the Weiterbildung system and state funding make it possible to obtain this profession even without a specialized diploma. What areas of study are available, how much does it cost, and who can expect full reimbursement? Learn more about retraining opportunities and career prospects for accountants in Germany

The accountancy profession in Germany remains one of the most stable and sought-after in the labor market. According to German job portals, at the beginning of 2026, thousands of positions were open for Finanzbuchhalter, Lohnbuchhalter, and Bilanzbuchhalter. At the same time, employers are increasingly willing to consider candidates without many years of experience, provided they have relevant training and an understanding of the German accounting system.

In the article by the link, we have described in which countries foreign students can legally study and work.

Dreaming of studying abroad, but don’t know where to start?

Visit World’s “Study Guide” is your reliable assistant: step-by-step instructions for applying for a student visa, a list of documents, life hacks and real advice from those who are already studying abroad.

Start your journey to study abroad with confidence – order your guide today!

Why is accounting a reliable profession in Germany?

Germany is a country of small and medium-sized businesses. Almost every company is obliged to keep accounting records in accordance with HGB (Handelsgesetzbuch) standards, and international corporations additionally apply IFRS. This creates a constant demand for professionals who can work with financial statements, taxes, payroll, and annual closing.

Additional demand factors:

- Staff shortage (a significant number of specialists are retiring)

- Complication of tax legislation

- Digitalization of accounting (DATEV, Lexware, SAP)

- Growth in the number of international companies

Therefore, accountant courses in Germany are not just an education, but a real tool for achieving a stable income.

What are the types of accountant courses in Germany?

In Germany, there are several areas of study in the field of accounting. They differ in terms of complexity, duration, and career prospects.

1. Finanzbuchhaltung (financial accounting)

Basic level. During the training, students learn:

- Maintaining primary documentation

- Working with incoming and outgoing accounts

- Calculation of VAT

- Preparation of Monatsabschluss (monthly report)

- Basics of working in DATEV or Lexware

Suitable for beginners and those who want to enter the labor market quickly.

2. Lohnbuchhaltung (payroll accounting)

Specialization in payroll accounting:

- payroll

- social contributions

- tax classes

- interaction with the Krankenkasse and Finanzamt

This specialization is in demand in companies of all sizes.

3. Bilanzbuchhaltung (balance sheet accounting)

A more advanced level. The program includes:

- Annual closing (Jahresabschluss)

- Preparation of the balance sheet

- Analysis of assets and liabilities

- Interaction with auditors

- Preparation of reports according to HGB standards

After additional qualifications, Bilanzbuchhalter can apply for higher salaries and management positions.

In the material by the link, we have provided a detailed guide for foreigners on employment in Germany in 2026.

Study formats

Accountant courses in Germany can be taken in:

1. Full-time

2. Online with live classes

3. In a hybrid format

Obtaining a higher education is not mandatory. The following programs are officially recognized in Germany:

1. Weiterbildung (advanced training)

2. Ausbildung (study with a combination of work)

3. Umschulung (retraining)

The duration of the programs varies from 6 months to two years. Important: if you plan to receive state funding, the course must be certified according to the AZAV standard.

Can I take an accountant course for free?

Yes, it is. In Germany, there is a state support program called Bildungsgutschein - an educational voucher from the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter. If approved, the state covers 100% of the tuition fee.

Who is eligible:

- Registered unemployed.

- People working for Minijob

- Professionals under threat of dismissal

- Migrants with legal status

Usually required:

- Reside in Germany for at least a year

- Speak German at a level not lower than B1

- Have higher or secondary specialized education

- Justify that the training will increase the chances of employment

How much do accountant courses in Germany cost?

If the training takes place without state funding, the cost depends on the program:

1. Short courses: from 2,000 to 4,000 €.

2. Weiterbildung (6-8 months): 10 000 - 18 000 €

3. Umschulung, Ausbildung (up to 3 years): more expensive, but often covered by the state

If you have a Bildungsgutschein, the training can be completely free for the participant.

What are the requirements for foreigners?

There are several key aspects for foreigners to consider.

German language

The minimum level is B1, but B2 is desirable for comfortable study and work. An accountant is required:

- Read official documents

- Conduct business correspondence

- Communicate with tax authorities

Understand German standards

Accounting experience in another country is an advantage, but without knowledge of the HGB and local regulations, it is difficult to find a job. That's why Weiterbildung helps you adapt your previous experience to the German context.

Software

Employers often require knowledge:

- DATEV

- Lexware

- MS Excel

- sometimes SAP

You can learn more about the DAAD scholarship in Germany and the available programs for students here.

Salary of an accountant in Germany

The level of income depends on the specialization and experience.

Average annual salaries (gross):

1. Finanzbuchhalter: 42 000 - 65 000 €.

2. Lohnbuchhalter: 40,000 - 60,000 €.

3. Bilanzbuchhalter: 55,000 - 90,000 €.

In big cities, salaries are higher, but the competition is also much stronger.

How to choose an accounting course in Germany?

Before enrolling in a course, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

1. AZAV-certification - confirms the quality of the program and makes it possible to receive state funding.

2. Course program - it is desirable that it contains practical projects for the portfolio.

3. Training to work in DATEV - it is difficult to find a job without this skill.

4. Employment support - helps to find a job faster with the support of experts.

5. Learning format - it is better to choose live classes instead of recorded lectures to be able to ask questions and improve language skills.

Both state educational centers and private academies are represented on the market. For example, DWW Akademie offers accounting courses in Germany in the format of a comprehensive program on Lohn-, Finanz- und Bilanzbuchhaltung. It includes practice in DATEV, Lexware and MS Office, and tuition can be paid through Bildungsgutschein.

Where to look for accountant courses in Germany

If you decide to take an accountant course in Germany, it is important to use official and trusted sources.

KURSNET (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)

This is the official catalog of Weiterbildung and Umschulung programs from the Federal Employment Agency. Here you can find AZAV-certified courses for Buchhaltung, Finanzbuchhaltung, Lohnbuchhaltung, Bilanzbuchhalter. The portal is especially important for those who plan to receive funding through the Bildungsgutschein.

Is accounting suitable as a first profession in Germany?

Yes, especially if you:

- Like structured work,

- Attentive to details,

- Ready to work with numbers,

- You want a stable office job.

Accounting remains in demand even in times of economic instability.

Bottom line

Accountant courses in Germany in 2026 are one of the most understandable and realistic ways to get a sought-after profession, especially for foreigners. With knowledge of the German language and the right program, you can start earning a steady income within a year.

Are you planning to study abroad or are you already studying and need legal support?

An education lawyer from Visit World will help you at every stage - from choosing a university and applying for a student visa to resolving educational disputes.

Get professional advice on documents, academic differences, student rights and legal stay abroad.

Protect your rights and study confidently - order a legal consultation right now.

We remind you! Do you dream of studying in the USA and don't know where to start? We have already told you how to enter universities in the USA in 2026: choosing an educational institution, average tuition and living costs, scholarships for foreigners, a list of required documents and features of F-1 and M-1 student visas.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline