We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Finance for Non-Financial Managers

Finance is for “Non-financial Managers” who want to understand key financial principles and apply them in a real-world context. Over the course of the program window, you will work your way through a series of nine modules that move from understanding basic financial principles to applying financial analysis and ratios to drive decisions. In addition, each module is capped with an ending self-evaluation to ensure that you have absorbed the following key learning objectives:

+ Understand the language associated with finance

+ Know how and when to use financial terms and analysis techniques

+ Read and assess company performance using financial statements

+ Recognize the link between organizational strategy and financial objectives

+ Use "the numbers" to your best advantage to make more informed decisions

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until December 12

Annual Subscription Savings

Unlock programs from Google, Microsoft, and IBM and join 77% of learners who reported positive career outcomes.

Only $239!

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This module will introduce the professor and provide an overview of the course.

Financial Statement Basics

This module will provide an overview of Financial Statements.

Financial Statement Manipulation

This module will teach the "How-to"s for common sizing and other techniques for the manipulation of financial documents.

Financial Statement Analysis

This module will explain ratio analysis.

Valuation Ratios

This module will discuss effective tax rates, valuation ratios, and management of assets.

Time Value of Money

This module will teach the time value of money.

Investment Decision Techniques

This module will demonstrate a variety of investment decision techniques.

Cost of Capital and Risk Management

This module will teach cost of capital, including weighted average cost of capital, and risk management

Course Wrap-up

This module will review at a high level various components of the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines how to read and assess company performance using financial statements

Develops finance and business fluency, which are skills required for career growth in many industries

Covers time value of money, a critical concept for understanding valuation and investment decisions

Teaches investment decision techniques, such as NPV, MIRR,IRR, and Payback Period, which are widely used in the financial industry

Explores ratio analysis, a commonly used tool for financial analysis

Develops understanding of the language associated with finance, which is essential for effective communication in the business world

Save this course

Save Finance for Non-Financial Managers to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

Finance for non-financial professionals

Learners say that this four-week course is largely positive, especially for non-financial managers. According to students, the engaging assignments and well-explained concepts make up for poor video quality and lack of screen sharing while the instructor explains calculations. Students report that topics such as financial statements, investment analysis, and budget management are explained clearly. Overall, students recommend this course for those looking to strengthen their financial literacy.

Explains concepts well, making finance accessible to non-financial professionals.

"The instructor's ability to make finance relatable and accessible to individuals without a finance background."

"They explained financial statements, budgeting, and forecasting in a way that was both engaging and easy to grasp."

Easy to understand and well-structured, with engaging examples.

"The course content was well-structured and presented in a clear and concise manner."

"The lessons were accompanied by real-life examples and case studies, which helped me apply the knowledge to practical scenarios."

"The instructors did an excellent job of breaking down complex financial concepts into easily digestible modules."

Blurry videos, lack of screen sharing, and incorrect answers in quizzes.

"Many of the calculations in the quizzes are not accurate."

"I found no matter how many times I did the calculations that I was often a few decimal places off what the answers were and often picked the answer closest to my calculation."

"The video is very blurry, almost unacceptable to today's standards."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Finance for Non-Financial Managers with these activities:

Review core financial concepts

Show steps

Refresh your memory on key financial concepts to strengthen your foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Financial Management

Show steps

Read through basic financial principles
Review basic financial ratios and their interpretation

Review 'Financial Intelligence for Everyone' by Karen Berman and John Berman

Show steps

Gain insights from a comprehensive guide to financial literacy.

View Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting:... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and highlight key concepts
Summarize the main financial principles and strategies

Organize and review course materials

Show steps

Improve retention by consolidating and familiarizing yourself with course materials.

Show steps

Review lecture notes and textbooks
Organize and summarize key concepts

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Explore online tutorials on financial analysis

Show steps

Engage with guided tutorials to further refine your understanding of financial analysis techniques.

Browse courses on Financial Analysis

Show steps

Identify reputable online resources for financial analysis tutorials
Follow tutorials on topics such as ratio analysis, valuation, and financial modeling

Form a study group with classmates

Show steps

Engage in peer learning and exchange insights to strengthen your understanding.

Show steps

Connect with classmates and form a study group
Meet regularly to discuss course concepts and work on assignments

Practice problem-solving with financial data

Show steps

Sharpen your financial analysis skills through repetitive exercises.

Browse courses on Financial Analysis

Show steps

Find online practice problems or purchase workbooks
Solve problems covering ratio analysis, valuation, and financial modeling
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement

Participate in online financial case competitions

Show steps

Challenge yourself and showcase your financial analysis skills in a competitive setting.

Browse courses on Financial Analysis

Show steps

Identify relevant online case competitions
Form a team or participate individually
Prepare for the competition by analyzing case materials and developing recommendations

Develop a financial model for a real-world company

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of financial modeling to a practical scenario and enhance your understanding.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

Show steps

Select a publicly traded company
Gather financial data and build a financial model
Analyze the model and make recommendations

Career center

Learners who complete Finance for Non-Financial Managers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's financial operations and providing strategic financial guidance. This course covers key financial principles and analysis techniques, helping CFOs make informed decisions and lead their organizations towards financial success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Financial Manager

Financial Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing an organization's financial operations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial principles and analysis techniques, helping Financial Managers make informed decisions and lead their organizations towards financial success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Manager

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial principles, analysis techniques, and valuation methods. By taking this course, Portfolio Managers can strengthen their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations and provide guidance to businesses. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial principles, analysis techniques, and valuation methods. By taking this course, Financial Analysts can strengthen their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to companies and governments, helping them raise capital and make strategic decisions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial principles, analysis techniques, and valuation methods. By taking this course, Investment Bankers can strengthen their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Corporate Finance Analyst

Corporate Finance Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data, advising on investment decisions, and developing financial plans. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial principles, analysis techniques, and valuation methods. By taking this course, Corporate Finance Analysts can strengthen their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Finance Analyst

Securities Analyst

Securities Analysts research and analyze companies to make investment recommendations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial principles, analysis techniques, and valuation methods. By taking this course, Securities Analysts can strengthen their analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Securities Analyst

Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses to determine their ability to repay loans. This course provides a strong foundation in financial statement analysis and ratio analysis, enabling Credit Analysts to make informed decisions and manage risk effectively. By completing this course, Credit Analysts can enhance their ability to evaluate financial performance and make sound lending decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Accountant

Accountants must have a strong foundation in financial principles and analysis. This course covers the basics of financial statements, ratio analysis, and other key financial concepts. As an Accountant, you will use these skills to prepare and analyze financial statements, helping businesses make informed decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts help organizations plan and manage their financial resources. This course provides a solid foundation in financial principles and analysis, including techniques for evaluating financial performance and making informed decisions. By completing this course, Budget Analysts can gain the skills needed to develop and manage effective budgets, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources within an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Loan Officer

Loan Officers assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses to determine their eligibility for loans. This course provides a strong foundation in financial statement analysis and ratio analysis, enabling Loan Officers to make informed decisions and manage risk effectively. By completing this course, Loan Officers can enhance their ability to evaluate financial performance and make sound lending decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Loan Officer

Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining an organization's financial records and ensuring that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of financial statement analysis and manipulation techniques. By taking this course, Auditors can enhance their ability to detect fraud and errors, improving the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on a wide range of business issues, including finance. This course provides a strong foundation in financial principles and analysis, enabling Consultants to better understand their clients' financial needs and provide tailored solutions. By completing this course, Consultants can enhance their ability to develop and implement effective financial strategies for their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that can affect an organization's financial performance. This course provides a strong foundation in financial principles and analysis, enabling Risk Managers to better understand the financial implications of various risks. By completing this course, Risk Managers can enhance their ability to develop and implement effective risk management strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their financial resources and plan for their financial future. This course provides a strong foundation in financial principles and analysis, enabling Financial Planners to better understand their clients' financial needs and provide tailored advice. By completing this course, Financial Planners can enhance their ability to develop and implement effective financial plans for their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Finance for Non-Financial Managers.