Sorry, this page is no longer available

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

More Introduction to Financial Accounting

Brian J Bushee

The course builds on my Introduction to Financial Accounting course, which you should complete first. In this course, you will learn how to read, understand, and analyze most of the information provided by companies in their financial statements. These skills will help you make more informed decisions using financial information.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 14

Coursera Plus Annual

Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 5: Introduction and Working Capital Assets

Now that we have a solid grasp of the foundations from the Introduction to Financial Accounting course, we are going to work our way around the Balance Sheet to discuss various types of Assets, Liabilities, and Stockholders' Equity (along with their associated Revenues and Expenses) in more detail. We kick off with Accounts Receivable and the problem that some customers that buy goods on credit will not actually pay us. We will look at the computation, disclosure, and analysis of such "Bad Debts". We will also briefly discuss other Accounts Receivable issues such as Factoring and Securitization. Then, we will move on to Inventory. We will discuss how Inventory accounting differs between retail and manufacturing firms. We will see how companies figure out the cost of the inventory they sold, which requires assumptions about cost flows. This discussion will lead us into covering one of the most infamous accounting topics: LIFO.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores accounting principles, which are standard in business and economics

Taught by instructors recognized for their accounting expertise

Develops deep understanding of Balance Sheet, a core concept in accounting

Equips students to analyze company financial statements, a valuable skill in various fields

Covers working capital assets, such as accounts receivable, a crucial aspect in accounting

Provides a comprehensive overview of long-lived assets and marketable securities, important topics in accounting

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Deeper dive into financial accounting

According to learners, this course, following up on an introduction, provides a solid foundation and deeper understanding of key financial accounting topics beyond the basics. Many highlight the instructor's clarity and expertise, finding the lectures easy to follow and understand complex concepts. The assignments are often cited as challenging yet highly valuable for reinforcing learning and applying concepts practically. While the course is seen as highly beneficial for building analytical skills, students emphasize that completing the prerequisite introduction course is essential for success. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a largely positive learning experience, particularly strong in delivering clear explanations and practical application.

Relevant for real-world analysis and careers.

"Learned skills directly applicable to reading and analyzing company financial reports."

"Very relevant for anyone working in finance or needing to understand business financials."

"Provides practical tools for making informed decisions based on financial data."

"The final week on financial statement analysis ties everything together effectively."

Provides depth on specific accounting topics.

"This course took my understanding of financial statements to the next level after the intro."

"Covered key balance sheet items like LIFO and deferred taxes in great detail."

"Gives you a more nuanced look at specific accounting standards and their implications."

"Felt much more comfortable analyzing financials after covering these topics."

Homework reinforces concepts, aids understanding.

"The homework problems were challenging but really helped solidify my understanding of the material."

"Assignments are key to understanding the concepts covered in the lectures."

"I found the homework assignments to be very practical and helpful in applying what was taught."

"Doing the homework is essential; it's where the learning really happens."

Instructor provides clear, easy-to-follow explanations.

"The professor is very clear and explains complex concepts very well."

"The lectures are easy to follow and the instructor breaks down difficult topics effectively."

"The instructor does a great job of explaining things in a simple and understandable way, making complex ideas accessible."

"His explanations were precise and easy to understand, building logically upon previous concepts."

Content is complex, requires significant effort.

"Some topics, like deferred taxes and leases, are quite challenging and require careful study."

"This course is definitely more difficult than the first one, be prepared for a steep learning curve."

"Needed to re-watch lectures and spend a lot of time on the homework to grasp everything."

"Requires dedication and focus due to the complexity of the advanced topics covered."

Building on the introductory course is crucial.

"You absolutely need to have completed the first course before attempting this one, it builds directly on it."

"This course is truly a 'More Introduction', assuming you know the basics from the previous course."

"Strongly recommend completing the 'Introduction to Financial Accounting' course first."

"Cannot stress enough the importance of taking the first course as a prerequisite."

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 More Introduction to Financial Accounting with these activities:

Read Introduction to Financial Accounting

Show steps

Refresh your knowledge of basic accounting concepts to help you understand the material covered in this course.

View Financial Accounting on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire a copy of the book.
Read Chapter 1: The Role of Accounting in Business.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises.
Summarize the key concepts in your own words.

Course Notes and Resources Compilation

Show steps

Organize and consolidate course materials for effective review and retention.

Show steps

Gather your notes, handouts, and other course materials.
Organize the materials into a logical structure.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Watch Financial Accounting Videos

Show steps

Supplement your learning by watching videos that explain financial accounting concepts.

Browse courses on Accounting

Show steps

Find a series of financial accounting videos.
Watch the videos and take notes.
Summarize the key concepts in your own words.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification.
Review the videos or consult other resources to clarify your understanding.

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

Accounting Equation Practice

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of the fundamental accounting equation.

Browse courses on Accounting Equation

Show steps

Solve practice problems involving the accounting equation.
Identify the three components of the accounting equation.
Apply the accounting equation to real-world scenarios.

Financial Accounting: Theory and Practice by Jerry J. Weygandt

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of financial accounting concepts and practices

View Accounting Principles on Amazon

Show steps

Read the assigned chapters relevant to the course material.
Summarize the key concepts and principles discussed in the book.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification or support.

Join a Financial Accounting Study Group

Show steps

Collaborate with other students to discuss financial accounting concepts and solve problems.

Browse courses on Accounting

Show steps

Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Work together to solve problems.
Quiz each other on key concepts.
Share resources and study tips.

Solve Financial Accounting Problems

Show steps

Practice solving financial accounting problems, which will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course.

Browse courses on Accounting

Show steps

Find a set of financial accounting problems.
Solve the problems using the concepts you have learned.
Check your answers against the solutions.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Review the concepts you need to improve.

Accounting Study Group

Show steps

Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding of course concepts.

Show steps

Form a study group with other students in the course.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems, and quiz each other.
Provide feedback and support to your peers.

Create a Financial Accounting Glossary

Show steps

Create a glossary of financial accounting terms will help you remember the key concepts covered in this course.

Browse courses on Accounting

Show steps

Create a list of financial accounting terms.
Define each term in your own words.
Include examples to illustrate each term.
Organize the glossary alphabetically or by topic.
Review the glossary regularly to reinforce your learning.

Balance Sheet Project

Show steps

Practice constructing a Balance Sheet by using real-world financial data.

Browse courses on Balance Sheet

Show steps

Select a publicly traded company and gather its financial statements.
Identify the components of the Balance Sheet.
Classify the company's assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity into the appropriate categories.
Prepare a Balance Sheet for the company.

Financial Statement Analysis Report

Show steps

Develop your ability to analyze and interpret financial statements.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

Show steps

Select a publicly traded company and gather its financial statements.
Calculate relevant financial ratios and metrics.
Analyze the company's financial performance and position.
Write a report summarizing your findings and insights.

Career center

Learners who complete More Introduction to Financial Accounting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Auditor

An auditor examines and verifies the accuracy of financial records. This course can help you build a foundation in financial accounting, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as reading and understanding financial statements, analyzing financial data, and identifying and assessing financial risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Financial Analyst

A financial analyst researches and evaluates investments. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze and interpret financial data, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as financial statement analysis, valuation techniques, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Financial Manager

A financial manager oversees the financial operations of a company. This course can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage financial resources, make investment decisions, and develop financial plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Manager

Accountant

An accountant prepares and maintains financial records. This course can help you develop the skills needed to record and report financial transactions, prepare financial statements, and comply with accounting regulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Budget Analyst

A budget analyst prepares and analyzes budgets. This course can help you develop the skills needed to create and manage budgets, analyze financial data, and make recommendations for financial planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Tax Accountant

A tax accountant prepares and files tax returns. This course can help you develop the skills needed to understand tax laws, prepare tax returns, and advise clients on tax matters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Forensic Accountant

A forensic accountant investigates financial crimes. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, identify financial fraud, and testify in court.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Management Consultant

A management consultant provides advice to businesses on how to improve their operations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, make recommendations for improvements, and implement change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Investment Banker

An investment banker helps companies raise capital. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, value companies, and structure financial transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Commercial Banker

A commercial banker provides financial services to businesses. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, make lending decisions, and manage customer relationships.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Banker

Financial Planner

A financial planner provides financial advice to individuals and families. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, create financial plans, and recommend investment strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Insurance Underwriter

An insurance underwriter assesses and manages risk. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, evaluate risk, and determine insurance premiums.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Underwriter

Actuary

An actuary analyzes and manages financial risks. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, model risk, and develop insurance products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Economist

An economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, understand economic trends, and make economic forecasts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Statistician

A statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data. This course can help you develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, design statistical studies, and draw conclusions from data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features More Introduction to Financial Accounting:

Land Your Ideal Job: How to Leverage Online Learning

13 minute read

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 More Introduction to Financial Accounting.

Intermediate Accounting

Save

Provides a solid foundation in financial accounting principles and practices, with coverage of the entire accounting cycle, including the preparation of financial statements. It commonly used textbook in introductory financial accounting courses.

Intermediate Accounting

Loose Leaf

$$$$

Intermediate Accounting

Hardcover

$$$$