The Complete Introduction To Accounting and Finance from Udemy

Are You An Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner?

Does Accounting Seem Overwhelming?

Do Numbers And Financial Reports Confuse You?

Would You Like To Learn Accounting & Finance in a Fun & Easy Way?

If You Answered "Yes" To Any Of The Above, Look No Further. This Is The Course For You.

Updated with new content.

Enroll today and join the 100,000+ successful students I have taught as a Top Rated Udemy instructor.

Three reasons to TAKE THIS COURSE right now:

You get lifetime access to lectures, including all new lectures, assignments, quizzes and downloads I add
You can ask me questions and see me respond to every single one of them thoroughly. This is an interactive course.
You will are being taught by a professional with a proven track record of success.
Bonus reason: Udemy has a 30 day 100% no questions asked money back guarantee.

Recent review:

"Excellent course. I was looking for an introductory course to accounting and finance as I am an investor in early stage startups, and accounting/finance always seems to be an area which is confusing for founders. Chris Benjamin definitely has used his real world experience and education to create a course which teaches entrepreneurs and startups everything they should know from the start about accounting and finance. Kudos. " - JT Lexington, Maven Capital

What Do You & I Cover In This Course?

This course teaches entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses all things business accounting and entrepreneurial finance related, A to Z. Starting with an introduction to accounting concepts, we move into financial reports and how to create them, understand them and analyze them. Bookkeepers, Accountants, CFO's and Business Owners alike would all benefit from this course.

Next, we learn about budgeting and forecasting. Next we discuss growing your company, how to understand and analyze it using non conventional reports.

After growing your company, we talk about raising capital and what is involved and avenues you can take. One section is devoted to the initial public offering process and the timing, costs and best business practices involved.

Last, we discuss exit strategies and how to give your investors and yourself a payoff for your hard work.

This course is truly a start to finish of accounting and finance. At over 12 hours long, I wanted to make sure you will feel empowered and educated after taking the course.

I Will Help You Throughout The Course.

At any point during the course if you are confused or need clarification, send me a message. I'm here to help YOU the student, and I love interacting with you. I've been in accounting & finance over 20 years and can most likely answer your question.

I have also included a copy of my ebook "Fund Your Startup by Chris Benjamin" which you will find as a download in the last lecture. Learn your options for funding, where to find investors, how to wow them, and lastly the must do steps to successful funding.

CLICK "BUY NOW" Having spent the first 10 years of my career in corporate settings with both large and small companies, I learned a lot about the accounting process, managing accounting departments, financial reporting, external reporting to board of directors and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and working with external auditors.

The following 10+ years I decided to go into CFO Consulting, working with growing companies and bringing CFO level experience to companies. I help implement proper best business practices in accounting and finance, consult on implementation of accounting systems, implementing accounting procedures, while also still fulfilling the CFO roll for many of my clients which includes financial reporting, auditing, working with investors, financial analysis and much more.

Thank you for signing up for this course on Udemy. I look forward to being your instructor for this course and many more.

Chris Benjamin, Instructor, CFO & MBA

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn from a top rated instructor who has been teaching on udemy since 2013 and taught over 100,000 students!
Understand basic accounting concepts
Accounting terminology
Accounting fundamentals
The audit process
The accounting cycle
Debits and credits
Accounts receivable
Accounts payable
Forecasting and budgeting
Interpreting financial statements

Balance sheets
Income statements
Statement of cash flows
Inventory accounting and cost accounting
Waterfall reporting
How to raise funds for your business
The ipo process
Exit strategies
Show more
Show less

Learn from a top rated instructor who has been teaching on udemy since 2013 and taught over 100,000 students!
Understand basic accounting concepts
Accounting terminology
Accounting fundamentals
The audit process
The accounting cycle
Debits and credits
Accounts receivable
Accounts payable
Forecasting and budgeting
Interpreting financial statements
Balance sheets
Income statements
Statement of cash flows
Inventory accounting and cost accounting
Waterfall reporting
How to raise funds for your business
The ipo process
Exit strategies
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Accounting and Finance for Startups introductory video. Learn about your instructor Chris Benjamin from Rogue CFO Consulting, what topics will be covered, and the goals of the course.

Sample financial statements for a public company. The sample is from BSQR (Bsquare Corporation) which can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website under the EDGAR system, where all public companies file their reports and financials. Note that BSQR has both service and software sales, much like the examples in the course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces basic concepts of accounting and finance, catering to beginners in these fields

Taught by instructors with extensive experience in accounting and finance, providing learners with practical insights and real-world knowledge

Develops a strong foundation in accounting and finance principles, preparing learners for entry-level roles in these areas

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from basic accounting concepts to financial analysis and fundraising, providing a holistic understanding of accounting and finance

Emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring that learners can apply their knowledge in practical settings

Reviews summary

Accounting & finance intro for entrepreneurs

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation and clear introduction to accounting and finance, particularly useful for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Many found the content well-structured, the concepts easy to understand, and the instructor's explanations engaging and practical. While some reviews are slightly older, recent feedback remains largely positive, suggesting the core material holds up. The focus is primarily on foundational knowledge and practical application for managing business finances and understanding reports. It seems particularly effective for those with little or no prior background in finance or accounting.

Best for those new to the subject.

"If you have zero knowledge about accounting or finance this course is the perfect start."

"Great for absolute beginners, provides a good stepping stone."

"I had no background, and the course made it accessible and not intimidating."

"Perfect if you're starting from scratch in accounting and finance."

Covers a wide range of relevant topics.

"This course is truly a start to finish of accounting and finance."

"I learned about financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and even raising capital - everything I needed."

"The breadth of topics covered is impressive for an introductory course."

"It gave me a good overview of all the key areas in accounting and finance."

Content flow is logical and easy to follow.

"The flow of the course made it easy to build knowledge incrementally."

"The course modules are logically organized, making it simple to navigate."

"I liked how the syllabus covered everything from basics to raising capital and exit strategies."

"The structure of the course made learning accounting much more manageable."

Tailored content for small business owners.

"...teaches entrepreneurs and startups everything they should know from the start about accounting and finance."

"As a small business owner, I found the focus on real-world application incredibly helpful."

"I appreciate how the course directly addresses the financial needs and questions of startups and entrepreneurs."

"This course gave me the practical tools to manage my business finances better."

Instructor explains complex topics simply.

"Chris Benjamin definitely has used his real world experience and education to create a course..."

"The instructor breaks down complex topics into easily digestible parts."

"I found the lectures engaging and the explanations very clear, even for dry subjects."

"Chris is a great teacher, making accounting seem much less daunting."

Excellent for beginners needing core concepts.

"Excellent introduction to accounting and finance as an early stage startup investor..."

"Provides a solid foundation in accounting and finance principles, essential for anyone starting."

"I came into this with zero accounting knowledge and finished feeling like I had a firm grasp on the basics."

"This course really helped me understand accounting concepts I thought were overwhelming before."

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 The Complete Introduction To Accounting and Finance with these activities:

Review basic accounting and financial concepts

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Refreshes foundational knowledge and ensures a solid base for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on Accounting Principles

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Review textbooks, notes, or online resources.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess understanding.
Join online forums or discussion groups to engage with other learners.

Organize and compile course notes, assignments, and resources

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Improves organization and retention by creating a centralized repository for learning materials.

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Create a filing system for notes, assignments, and resources.
Organize materials into logical categories or topics.
Use color-coding, highlighting, or other visual cues to aid memorization.
定期审查和总结编译的材料.

Review the Udemy Course on Accounting and Finance for Startups

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Provides an overview of accounting and finance, including terms, concepts, and principles relevant to startups.

Show steps

Review the syllabus and learning objectives.
Watch the introductory video.
Read the Excel Basics section.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Form study groups and engage in regular discussions with classmates

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Provides opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and different perspectives.

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Reach out to classmates and form study groups.
Set up regular meeting times and meeting frequency.
Choose topics to discuss and prepare discussion questions.
Share notes, resources, and ideas during meetings.
Engage in active listening and ask clarifying questions.

Practice financial statement analysis using the provided templates

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Develops skills in analyzing financial statements to understand a company's financial performance and position.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

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Download the financial statement templates provided in the course.
Select a company and gather its financial statements.
Input the company's financial data into the templates.
Analyze the financial ratios and trends using the templates.
Write a brief report summarizing your analysis.

Seek guidance and mentorship from professionals in the accounting or finance field

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Provides access to expert advice, insights, and networking opportunities to enhance learning outside the classroom.

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Identify potential mentors who have expertise in the desired areas.
Reach out to mentors and introduce yourself.
Set up regular meetings or calls to discuss progress and seek guidance.
Prepare questions and actively engage in discussions.
Follow up with mentors and express gratitude for their support.

Develop a financial model for a hypothetical startup business

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Applies accounting and finance knowledge to a practical business scenario, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Define the assumptions and parameters of the financial model.
Create income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for the startup.
Forecast financial performance using the financial model.
Analyze the results of the financial model and make recommendations.
Present the financial model and findings to a group or panel.

Create a presentation on a specific accounting or finance topic

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Encourages active recall and deepens understanding by requiring students to explain and present a topic.

Browse courses on Accounting Principles

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Choose an accounting or finance topic that interests you or is relevant to your career goals.
Research the topic thoroughly using textbooks, articles, and other resources.
Develop an outline for your presentation, including an introduction, main points, and conclusion.
Create slides for your presentation using visual aids and clear language.
Practice presenting your presentation to ensure clarity and flow.

Career center

Learners who complete The Complete Introduction To Accounting and Finance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Private Equity Associate

Private Equity Associates work for private equity firms, which invest in companies that are not publicly traded. They are responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and negotiating deals. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial analysis and valuation. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Associate

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They are responsible for evaluating investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and negotiating deals. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial analysis and valuation. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Financial Consultant

Financial Consultants provide advice to businesses on a variety of financial matters, including accounting, finance, and investing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of accounting and finance, with a focus on the accounting cycle, financial reporting, and auditing. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Consultant

Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They also advise clients on tax planning and compliance. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on tax accounting and compliance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial fraud and other financial crimes. They also provide expert testimony in court cases. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on auditing and fraud detection. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Controller

Controllers oversee the accounting and finance functions of a business. They are responsible for ensuring that financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations, and for providing financial advice to senior management. This course provides a comprehensive overview of accounting and finance, with a focus on the accounting cycle, financial reporting, and auditing. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Controller

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CFOs are responsible for the overall financial health of a company. They oversee the accounting, finance, and treasury functions, and they are responsible for making decisions about how to allocate financial resources. This course provides a comprehensive overview of accounting and finance, with a focus on the accounting cycle, financial reporting, and auditing. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial analysis and valuation. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their knowledge of finance to understand financial data. They use this data to make recommendations about investments, business decisions, and financial plans. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on the accounting cycle and financial reporting. This can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Auditor

Auditors examine the financial records of companies to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course covers the audit process, including the types of audits, the procedures used, and the reporting requirements. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Accountant

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records, prepare tax returns, and provide financial advice to individuals and businesses. This course provides a foundation in accounting principles, including the accounting cycle, financial reporting, and auditing. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and businesses manage their finances. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial planning and analysis. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts develop and manage budgets for government agencies and businesses. They also analyze financial data to identify trends and make recommendations on how to improve financial performance. This course provides a foundation in budgeting and forecasting, with a focus on the accounting cycle and financial reporting. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They also develop and implement solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial analysis and budgeting. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to create products that meet the needs of customers. This course provides a foundation in accounting and finance, with a focus on budgeting and forecasting. This knowledge can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager