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Marc Badia

Financial Accounting is often called the language of business; it is the language that managers use to communicate the firm's financial and economic information to external parties such as shareholders and creditors. Nobody working in business can afford financial illiteracy. Whether you run your own business, work as a manager or are just starting your career, you want to understand financial information and be able to interact with accountants, controllers, and financial managers. You want to talk business!

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Financial Accounting is often called the language of business; it is the language that managers use to communicate the firm's financial and economic information to external parties such as shareholders and creditors. Nobody working in business can afford financial illiteracy. Whether you run your own business, work as a manager or are just starting your career, you want to understand financial information and be able to interact with accountants, controllers, and financial managers. You want to talk business!

This course will provide you with the accounting language's essentials. Upon completion, you should be able to read and interpret financial statements for business diagnosis and decision-making. More importantly, you will possess the conceptual base to keep learning more sophisticated accounting and finance on your own. Do not forget that, as with any other language, becoming proficient with accounting requires constant practice.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview & Week 1: Introduction to Accounting - The Balance Sheet
Welcome! Before you start today's videos, please have a look at the syllabus. In this first session, I'll give you an overview of what accounting is all about and why it's important to have a basic proficiency in this "language." In addition, I'll introduce one of the most important financial reports - the balance sheet - and a practical real-world case so you can put theory into practice. Objectives: To gain insight into the essence of accounting and become familiar with the balance sheet and its purpose.
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Week 2: The Income Statement
Now that you are familiar with the balance sheet, in week two we'll learn how to account for a variety of transactions. In addition, I'll introduce you to another key financial report: the income statement. Course objectives: To be able to recognize a broader range of transactions on the balance sheet and to become familiar with the income statement.
Week 3: The Cash Flow Statement
Now that you have a good grasp of the balance sheet and income statement, I'll help you master how to recognize the transactions we went over in week two. I'll also introduce a third financial report - the cash flow statement - and discuss liquidity. Course objectives: To understand the difference between liquidity and profitability, become familiar with T-accounts and gain insight into the purpose of the cash flow report.
Week 4: Accrual Accounting
By using accrual accounting we can measure performance when a financial transaction takes place, even if no cash has actually changed hands. In this final session, we'll discuss the difference between accrual and cash accounting and also read and interpret a real enterprise's financial statements. Course objectives: By the end of the session, you will be able to handle numerous transactions for the purposes of financial reporting, and understand the advantages of accrual accounting.

Good to know

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Teaches students what is frequently referred to as the \"language of business\": financial accounting
Course instructs individuals on how to read and interpret financial statements in order to make decisions
Suitable for people of all levels of experience in business, as it begins with the fundamentals of accounting
Provides learners with constant practice to become proficient in accounting (i.e. \"learning a new language\")
Appropriate for those interested in reading, understanding, and using financial information to make decisions about a business's finances

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Reviews summary

Well-received intro to accounting course

Learners say this course is a great way to learn the basics of accounting. It's helpful for beginners and provides a solid foundation for those looking to advance their knowledge in the field. Students praise the instructor for making the material engaging and easy to understand.
Provides a strong foundation for further accounting studies.
"This course provides a solid foundation for those looking to advance their knowledge in the field."
"I feel like I have a good understanding of the basics of accounting now."
"I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning about accounting."
Suitable for beginners with no prior accounting knowledge.
"This course is a great way to learn the basics of accounting."
"I had no prior accounting knowledge and I was able to follow along easily."
"The instructor does a great job of explaining the concepts in a way that is easy to understand."
Instructor is knowledgeable and makes the material engaging.
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and makes the material engaging."
"The instructor is great and makes the class fun and interesting."
"The instructor is very passionate about accounting and it shows in his teaching."

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 Accounting: Principles of Financial Accounting with these activities:
Review Key Accounting Concepts
Review key accounting concepts to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your foundation.
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  • Read through your course notes or textbook.
  • Complete practice problems and exercises.
  • Attend office hours to ask questions and clarify concepts.
Review basic accounting principles
Revisit foundational accounting principles to strengthen your understanding and prepare for more advanced topics.
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  • Review your previous accounting notes or textbooks.
  • Complete practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
  • Attend a refresher course or workshop if available.
Introduction to Accounting
Complete online tutorials to reinforce your understanding of the fundamentals of accounting.
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  • Find free online tutorials on accounting basics.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes.
  • Complete the practice exercises and quizzes.
11 other activities
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Review basic algebra and statistics
Strengthen your foundation in algebra and statistics to enhance your understanding of financial accounting concepts.
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  • Review textbooks or online resources to refresh your understanding of basic algebra and statistics.
  • Complete practice problems to test your comprehension.
  • Consult with a tutor or instructor if necessary.
Glossary of Accounting Terms
Compile your own glossary of accounting terms to improve your understanding and retention of key concepts.
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  • Define the accounting terms you encounter in the course.
  • Create a digital or physical glossary.
  • Regularly review the glossary to reinforce your understanding.
Read the Economist's Guide to Financial Literacy
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of personal finance and economics.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter carefully and make notes of key concepts.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
  • Discuss the concepts with a friend or family member.
Financial Statement Discussion Group
Join a study group to discuss and analyze financial statements with peers.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with other students in the course.
  • Select a financial statement to analyze.
  • Prepare talking points for the discussion.
  • Meet with the study group to discuss the financial statement.
Watch video tutorials on Financial Accounting
Supplement your learning by watching video tutorials on specific topics.
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  • Find reputable video tutorials from sources such as Coursera, edX, or YouTube.
  • Choose tutorials that cover specific concepts you need to reinforce.
  • Take notes and ask questions as needed.
Complete practice problems from a Financial Accounting textbook
Reinforce the concepts covered in class by solving practice problems.
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  • Choose a textbook with practice problems that align with the concepts covered in class.
  • Set aside regular time for practice.
  • Check your answers against the solutions provided in the textbook.
Participate in a study group for Financial Accounting
Enhance your learning and understanding through collaboration with peers.
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  • Find a group of peers who are also taking the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss concepts, solve problems, and quiz each other.
  • Provide support and encouragement to one another.
Interpret Financial Statements
Practice reading and understanding financial statements to improve your ability to analyze and interpret financial information.
Show steps
  • Gather a set of financial statements from a publicly traded company.
  • Review the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
  • Identify the key financial ratios and calculate their values.
  • Analyze the ratios to gain insights into the company's financial performance and position.
Create a visual representation of financial data
Enhance your understanding and presentation skills by creating visual representations of financial data.
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  • Choose a dataset and identify key financial metrics.
  • Select a visualization tool such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
  • Create a visually appealing and informative representation of the data.
  • Present your findings to your class or a group of peers.
Develop a financial plan for a small business
Apply the concepts of financial accounting to a real-world scenario.
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  • Identify a small business and gather necessary information.
  • Analyze the business's financial statements.
  • Develop financial projections and recommendations.
  • Create a comprehensive financial plan.
Financial Modeling
Develop a financial model to forecast a company's financial performance and make informed decisions.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Choose a financial modeling software program (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets).
  • Gather historical financial data on the company.
  • Develop assumptions and projections for the future.
  • Build the financial model and forecast the company's financial performance.
  • Analyze the results and make recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Accounting: Principles of Financial Accounting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Accountant
An Accountant is responsible for preparing, analysing and interpreting financial statements and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. This course can help you develop the foundational skills needed to be a successful Accountant. It introduces the principles of financial accounting, including the interpretation of financial statements and accounting standards. This course provides a strong base for understanding financial information, which is essential for Accountants.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates investment opportunities and makes recommendations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Financial Analyst. It covers the fundamentals of financial accounting, financial analysis, and valuation. This course provides a solid understanding of the financial markets and how to analyze financial data.
Auditor
An Auditor is responsible for examining and evaluating the financial records of an organization. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Auditor. It covers the fundamentals of auditing, including the principles of internal control, risk assessment, and fraud detection. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the auditing process and how to identify financial irregularities.
Tax Accountant
A Tax Accountant is responsible for preparing and filing tax returns, advising clients on tax matters, and representing clients in tax audits. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Tax Accountant. It covers the fundamentals of taxation, including the preparation of individual and business tax returns. This course provides a strong base for understanding the tax laws and how to apply them to real-world situations.
Controller
A Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Controller. It covers the fundamentals of accounting, financial management, and financial analysis. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the financial operations of an organization.
Budget Analyst
A Budget Analyst is responsible for planning, developing, and executing budgets for an organization. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Budget Analyst. It covers the fundamentals of budgeting, financial planning, and cost analysis. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the budgeting process and how to develop and manage budgets.
Cost Accountant
A Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing and interpreting cost data to help an organization improve its efficiency and profitability. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Cost Accountant. It covers the fundamentals of cost accounting, including the principles of cost allocation, cost analysis, and variance analysis. This course provides a solid understanding of how to analyze cost data to improve decision-making.
Forensic Accountant
A Forensic Accountant is responsible for investigating financial fraud and other financial crimes. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Forensic Accountant. It covers the fundamentals of forensic accounting, including the principles of fraud investigation, financial analysis, and expert testimony. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the investigative process and how to identify and prevent financial fraud.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant provides advice to organizations on how to improve their performance. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Management Consultant. It covers the fundamentals of management consulting, including the principles of problem-solving, strategic planning, and organizational change. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the consulting process and how to help organizations achieve their goals.
Financial Planner
A Financial Planner provides advice to individuals and families on how to manage their finances. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Financial Planner. It covers the fundamentals of financial planning, including the principles of investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the financial planning process and how to help clients achieve their financial goals.
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker provides advice to corporations and governments on how to raise capital. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Investment Banker. It covers the fundamentals of investment banking, including the principles of mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and financial analysis. This course provides a solid understanding of the investment banking industry and how to advise clients on how to raise capital.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This course can may be useful for developing the skills needed to be a successful CFO. It covers the fundamentals of accounting, financial management, and financial analysis. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the financial operations of an organization and how to lead a finance team.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall management of an organization. This course can may be useful for developing the skills needed to be a successful CEO. It covers the fundamentals of management, leadership, and strategic planning. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to lead an organization and achieve its goals.
Economist
An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course can may be useful for developing the skills needed to be a successful Economist. It covers the fundamentals of economics, including the principles of supply and demand, market equilibrium, and economic growth. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the economy and how it works.
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. This course can may be useful for developing the skills needed to be a successful Statistician. It covers the fundamentals of statistics, including the principles of data collection, data analysis, and statistical inference. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding how to use data to make informed decisions.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Accounting: Principles of Financial Accounting.
Commonly-used college textbook for introductory financial accounting courses. It is comprehensive, providing a deep dive into basic accounting principles, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
This reference book provides the authoritative source of IFRSs, which are the global accounting standards used in over 140 countries. It is essential for accounting professionals and students who need to stay up-to-date on the latest international accounting standards.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of intermediate accounting topics, including financial statement analysis, present value concepts, and the time value of money. It can provide more depth and breadth than this course.
This classic book provides a framework for analyzing financial statements to assess the financial health of a company. It valuable resource for investors, analysts, and anyone who wants to understand how to read and interpret financial statements.

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