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Fundamentals of Finance

Welcome to Fundamentals of Finance. This 4 module course will help you understand and affect the performance of your unit or organization’s profitability. By the end of this course, you will be able to implement finance and accounting concepts to drive your organization's growth, analyze financial statements and understand the factors in productivity and profitability, and create forecasting and budgeting. You will also have the ability to evaluate and manage cash flow, implement strategies around financing, and use of ratios in running a business.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Financial Statements

Welcome to Module 1. In this module, you will learn about the components of the financial statements and how they can help drive the business to success. You will understand how the financial statements are created and where assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses are generated as part of a business operation.

Profitability, Productivity, and Cash Flow

Welcome to Module 2. In this module, you will understand how to become profitable using financial information and how to evaluate labor as a component of productivity. You will learn about the importance of cash flow and how to monitor and control cash flow as a key component of maintaining the business.

Forecasting and Financing

Welcome to Module 3. In this module, you will learn the various sources of funding for businesses and the information required to obtain funding. In addition, you will learn about how to forecast and develop solid banking relationships through effective communication and maintenance of good records and documentation.

Growing the Business with Expense Controls

Welcome to Module 4. In this module, you will learn how business growth can impact cash flow, how to use ratios to monitor and control business growth. You will understand various methods of maintaining control over the expenses of the business.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Well-grounded in industry-standard accounting principles

Introduces essential accounting and finance concepts

Practical lessons that aim to enhance financial decision-making

Requires a strong understanding of basic accounting principles

May be too simplistic for experienced finance professionals

Course duration is not clearly specified

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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 Fundamentals of Finance with these activities:

Volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization

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Volunteer at a non-profit organization to gain practical experience in financial management and contribute to the community.

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Research and identify non-profit organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training or orientation sessions.
Actively participate in volunteer activities and contribute your skills.

Prepare for Accounting Cycle

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Review accounting concepts and terminology to enhance understanding of financial statements.

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Revisit the basics of debits and credits.
Summarize the steps involved in the accounting cycle.
Practice recording transactions in the general journal.

Peer-Led Accounting Discussions

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Participate in peer-led discussions to reinforce understanding, clarify concepts, and exchange perspectives on accounting principles.

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Join or form a study group with classmates.
Review course materials and prepare discussion topics.
Meet regularly to discuss accounting concepts and solve problems.

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Budgeting and Forecasting Exercises

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Complete practice exercises to enhance skills in budgeting and forecasting, which are crucial for effective financial management.

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Develop a budget for a hypothetical business or organization.
Create a financial forecast based on historical data and assumptions.
Analyze and interpret the results of your projections.

Analyze Financial Ratios

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Create a presentation or infographic that explains the different types of financial ratios and their significance in assessing business health.

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Research and gather data on common financial ratios.
Calculate financial ratios using real-world examples.
Interpret and analyze the results of your calculations.
Present your findings in a clear and concise manner.

Business Case Analysis

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Develop a business case analysis to evaluate the viability and potential return on investment for a proposed project or initiative.

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Define the problem or opportunity being addressed.
Conduct market research and gather data.
Develop a financial model to project costs and benefits.
Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Present your analysis to stakeholders.

Personal Finance Management Plan

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Create a comprehensive personal finance management plan to optimize your financial well-being and achieve your financial goals.

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Assess your current financial situation.
Define your financial goals.
Develop a budget and savings plan.
Explore investment options.
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Finance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for recording and maintaining financial information for businesses and organizations. They prepare financial statements, such as balance sheets and income statements, and analyze financial data to identify trends and patterns. Accountants may also provide consulting services to help businesses improve their financial performance. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an Accountant. You will learn how to prepare financial statements, analyze financial data, and identify trends and patterns. You will also learn about the different types of accounting software and how to use them. This course may also help you prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

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Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining and evaluating the financial records of businesses and organizations. They ensure that financial statements are accurate and that businesses are complying with accounting laws and regulations. Auditors may also provide consulting services to help businesses improve their financial controls. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an Auditor. You will learn how to examine and evaluate financial records, identify risks, and make recommendations for improvements. You will also learn about the different types of auditing software and how to use them. This course may also help you prepare for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations for investment decisions. They may work for banks, investment firms, or other financial institutions. Financial Analysts use a variety of techniques to analyze financial data, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Financial Analyst. You will learn how to analyze financial data, identify trends and patterns, and make recommendations for investment decisions. You will also learn about the different types of financial modeling software and how to use them.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. Investment Bankers typically work for investment banks or other financial institutions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an Investment Banker. You will learn how to analyze financial data, identify investment opportunities, and structure financial transactions. You will also learn about the different types of financial instruments and how to use them.

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Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. They make decisions about which investments to buy and sell, and they monitor the performance of portfolios. Portfolio Managers typically work for investment firms or other financial institutions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Portfolio Manager. You will learn how to analyze financial data, identify investment opportunities, and manage investment portfolios. You will also learn about the different types of investment strategies and how to use them.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and managing risks for businesses and organizations. They may work for banks, investment firms, or other financial institutions. Risk Managers use a variety of techniques to identify and manage risks, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Risk Manager. You will learn how to identify and manage risks, develop risk management plans, and implement risk management controls. You will also learn about the different types of risk management software and how to use them.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families achieve their financial goals. They may work for banks, investment firms, or other financial institutions. Financial Planners use a variety of techniques to help their clients achieve their financial goals, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Financial Planner. You will learn how to analyze financial data, identify investment opportunities, and develop financial plans. You will also learn about the different types of financial planning software and how to use them.

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Cost Accountant

Cost Accountants are responsible for recording and analyzing the costs of products and services. They may work for manufacturing companies, service companies, or other businesses. Cost Accountants use a variety of techniques to record and analyze costs, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Cost Accountant. You will learn how to record and analyze costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement cost control measures. You will also learn about the different types of cost accounting software and how to use them.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to improve the performance of businesses and organizations. They may work for manufacturing companies, service companies, or other businesses. Operations Research Analysts use a variety of techniques to improve the performance of businesses and organizations, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an Operations Research Analyst. You will learn how to use mathematical and statistical models to improve the performance of businesses and organizations.

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Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants are responsible for preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses. They may work for accounting firms, tax preparation companies, or other businesses. Tax Accountants use a variety of techniques to prepare and file tax returns, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Tax Accountant. You will learn how to prepare and file tax returns, identify tax-saving opportunities, and implement tax planning strategies.

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Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts are responsible for preparing and managing budgets for businesses and organizations. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. Budget Analysts use a variety of techniques to prepare and manage budgets, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Budget Analyst. You will learn how to prepare and manage budgets, analyze financial data, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help businesses and organizations improve their performance. They may work for consulting firms, private companies, or non-profit organizations. Management Consultants use a variety of techniques to help their clients improve their performance, including financial modeling and statistical analysis. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Management Consultant. You will learn how to analyze financial data, identify performance improvement opportunities, and implement performance improvement plans. You will also learn about the different types of management consulting software and how to use them.

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Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of borrowers and make recommendations on whether or not to approve loans. They may work for banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions.

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Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors help individuals and families manage their finances. They may work for banks, investment firms, or other financial institutions.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and identify investment opportunities. They typically work for investment banks, hedge funds, or other financial institutions.

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Reading list

We've selected 19 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 Fundamentals of Finance.

Loose-Leaf for Principles of Corporate Finance

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A textbook that provides a broad overview of the principles of finance, including topics such as financial markets, corporate finance, and investment analysis.

Fundamentals of Finance

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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