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Felipe Garrán

This course presents an introduction to financial statement analysis and its usage when assessing business performance. The first part of the course will focus on understanding the most important financial statements, namely, the balance sheet, the income statement, and the statement of cash flows. We will then focus on how we can understand the financial health and performance of the company by examining a number of important financial ratios that are derived from the financial statements of the company. Finally, we will be able to understand business performance across years comparing main results and indicators extracted from financial statements. Lectures on concepts will be supplemented with numerical examples and suggested readings.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Accounting: the language of business
In week1, we will cover an introduction to the balance sheet as business’ picture, focusing on accounting and its users and how a balance sheet is built. Next, we go on to understand the income and cash flow statements as business movies focusing on their principal accounts. Finally, we integrate the 4 statements using a restaurant as example.
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Income Statement Analysis
In week 2, we will cover: company’s financial condition and performance across time (horizontal analysis) and to a base amount (vertical analysis); margin – a profitability measure; EBIT and EBITDA (the income provided by the company’s business, the operating result); net income (the results for the company's shareholders); tax shield.
Balance Sheet Analysis
In week 3 we will better understand the balance sheet and important analyses we can perform with its data: liquidity ratios; receivables and inventories ratios; operational and financial liabilities; working capital; and cash cycle.
Cash Flow Analysis
In week 4 we will discuss cash flow analysis, covering: cash flow from operations; cash flow from investing; cash flow from financing.
Integrated Company Analysis
In week 5 we will put everything together and perform a step-by-step analysis.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides an understanding of financial statement analysis and its importance in evaluating business performance
Emphasizes understanding the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement
Leverages numerical examples and suggested readings to supplement lectures on financial analysis
Covers accounting concepts and their importance in understanding financial statements
Helps develop analytical thinking skills through the examination of financial ratios and indicators
Requires basic knowledge of accounting or willingness to learn the basics

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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 Financial Accounting with these activities:
Practice Financial Statement Analysis
Sharpen analytical skills by applying concepts to real-world financial statements.
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  • Gather practice problems or case studies.
  • Analyze financial statements to calculate ratios and identify trends.
  • Interpret results and draw conclusions.
Participate in Peer Study Group
Foster understanding through discussions, shared perspectives, and mutual support with peers.
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  • Join or form a study group.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material and assignments.
  • Share knowledge, ideas, and experiences.
Create Financial Analysis Report
Demonstrate proficiency in financial statement analysis by applying knowledge to a comprehensive project.
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  • Choose a company to analyze.
  • Gather financial data from multiple years.
  • Calculate and interpret key financial ratios.
  • Write a report summarizing findings and recommendations.
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Career center

Learners who complete Financial Accounting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts make informed decisions about whether to buy or sell a company's stock or issue buy and sell recommendations for stocks and other financial instruments to their clients. They evaluate risks and rewards and use financial ratios, models, and other analytical tools to make sound investment decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of a Financial Analyst's work. It also covers developing financial ratios to better understand the strength of a company.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations, governments, and other organizations. They help clients raise capital, manage risk, and make strategic decisions. They often work with clients to develop and execute mergers and acquisitions. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of an Investment Banker's work. It also covers developing financial ratios to better understand the strength of a company.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for overseeing a company's financial operations, including financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and financial reporting. They often work with other executives to make key decisions about the company's future. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is key for any CFO. It also covers developing financial ratios to better understand the strength of a company.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts develop and use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. They often work with data from financial statements to identify trading opportunities and manage risk. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is a key part of a Quantitative Analyst's work.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. They analyze financial statements, credit reports, and other information to determine the likelihood that a borrower will repay a loan. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of a Credit Analyst's work. It also covers developing financial ratios to better understand the strength of a company.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountants investigate financial information to help resolve disputes and uncover fraud. They analyze financial records, interview witnesses, and perform other investigative procedures to uncover fraudulent or suspicious activity. They often work with law enforcement and other professionals to help resolve crimes and disputes. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of a Forensic Accountant's work. The course also covers developing financial ratios to better understand the strength of a company, which can help when investigating fraud.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They often work with data from financial statements to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is a key part of a Data Analyst's work.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants help companies and individuals with tax planning and preparation. They analyze and interpret tax laws, prepare tax returns, review and compile financial records, advise on tax implications of business decisions, and represent their clients before tax authorities. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of a Tax Accountant's work. The course may also help you better understand the tax implications of business decisions.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants analyze and solve organizational problems, develop solutions, and implement changes to improve efficiency and productivity. They often work with clients to improve financial performance, develop strategies, and implement technology solutions. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is a key part of a Management Consultant's work.
Auditor
Auditors independently examine and evaluate financial information and ensure that it is fairly stated. They often identify and help correct inaccuracies in accounting policies and devise methods for improving recordkeeping. They also complete reports, verify the accuracy of an organization's financial information, and present their findings and recommendations to management. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of an Auditor's work.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify and solve business problems using data and analysis. They often work with clients to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make better decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is a key part of a Business Analyst's work.
Accounting Supervisor
An Accounting Supervisor's job is to supervise a group of accountants, leading, guiding, and generally managing them. They will typically have to develop training and development plans, prepare reports, manage accounts, monitor and maintain financial records, and handle assignments, as well as maintain a budget. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which is the bread and butter of an Accounting Supervisor's work. It also covers developing financial ratios to better understand the strength of a company, which can help when you're making important business decisions.
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a company. They often oversee departments such as human resources, manufacturing, engineering, and marketing. They work closely with the CEO to develop and implement the company's strategic plan. This course will help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which can be helpful for any COO.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They often work with clients to develop investment strategies, save for retirement, and protect their assets. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which can be helpful for a Financial Planner.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks for organizations. They often work with other departments to develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding how to read and use financial statements, which can be helpful for a Risk Manager.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Financial Accounting.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial statement analysis that is helpful as both a supplemental learning resource for this course and as a reference for professional development.
Provides a practical guide to financial statement analysis and valuation, with a focus on how to use financial statements to make investment decisions.
Is more advanced than the course's material, but provides a thorough treatment of financial statement analysis for those who want to pursue a career in finance.
Provides a broad overview of corporate finance, including a section on financial statement analysis that would be a useful supplement to this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial statement analysis, including a section on financial statement analysis that would be a useful supplement to this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial statement analysis, with a focus on how to use financial statements to make business decisions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of accounting principles, including a section on financial statement analysis that would be a useful supplement to this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial accounting, including a section on financial statement analysis that would be a useful supplement to this course.
Provides a guide to financial statement analysis for investors, focusing on how to use financial statements to make investment decisions.
Provides a basic overview of financial statement analysis for those who are new to the topic.

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