Forecasting Financial Statements & Valuation for Accountants from Coursera

The objective of this course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze, interpret, understand and use financial information to make informed decisions. We will discuss financial reporting from a user’s perspective, use a variety of tools to break apart financial reports into meaningful units for analysis, forecast financial statements, and value a firm. This course is intended to give you exposure to the issues facing users of financial statements. You will better understand your role in the financial reporting process if you know how the financial statements will ultimately be used.

Beyond the Financials: Insights, Analysis and Valuations will require you to think critically about issues for which there can be more than one “correct” answer. Hence, your analysis and conclusions must be based on sound assumptions and well-constructed analysis and arguments.

What's inside

Syllabus

Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Module 1: Beyond the Financials - External

You will gain an understanding of why it is important to consider external information beyond the financials and how to access this data when performing financial statement analysis and valuation.

Module 2: Beyond the Financials- Internal

You will gain an understanding of why it is important to consider internal information beyond the financials and how to access this data when performing financial statement analysis and valuation.

Module 3: Non-GAAP Adjustments

You will gain an understanding of Non-GAAP adjustments, why they are permitted and how they are sometimes mis-used by companies.

Module 4: Forecasting

In this module, you will gain an understanding to different approaches to financial statement forecasting and the pros and cons to each.

Module 5: Forecasting- Advanced

In this module, you will gain an understanding of advanced forecasting approaches and the pros and cons to each.

Module 6: Valuation

In this module, you will learn why valuations are critical in making business decisions and how to execute Simple Valuation Models.

Module 7: Valuation- Advanced Part 1

In this module, you will learn basic valuation principles and guidelines, and how to estimate intrinsic value and key model inputs such as the discount rate.

Module 8: Valuation- Advanced Part 2

In this module, you will learn how to execute popular advanced valuation models.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced and specialized skills in valuation modelling, with applications in various industries

Taught by renowned finance instructors, including Nerissa C. Brown, PhD CFE, who bring deep expertise and industry knowledge

Examines key financial concepts from various perspectives, giving learners a comprehensive understanding

Provides practical insights and applications for financial statement analysis and valuation

Encourages critical thinking and sound analysis through case studies and exercises

Requires students to come in with a foundational understanding of financial accounting and analysis

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 Forecasting Financial Statements & Valuation for Accountants with these activities:

Review Basic Accounting Principles

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental accounting principles to enhance your ability to analyze financial statements.

Browse courses on Accounting

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous accounting courses.
Take practice quizzes or solve problems to test your understanding.

Join a Study Group for Financial Analysis

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Learn from and collaborate with peers by joining a study group focused on financial analysis.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

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Find a study group or create your own with classmates or colleagues.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems together, and share insights.

Organize Your Course Materials

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Stay organized by compiling all your course materials in one place, making them easily accessible for review.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
Organize materials by topic or unit.
Review your materials regularly to reinforce concepts.

Five other activities

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Read a Book on Financial Statement Analysis

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of financial statement analysis principles and techniques to better apply them in the course.

View The Little Book of Picking Top Stocks: How to... on Amazon

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Read through the book thoroughly.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Complete the exercises provided in the book.

Follow Tutorials on Financial Modeling

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Develop practical skills by following guided tutorials on financial modeling techniques used in the industry.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Find online tutorials or courses on financial modeling.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
Practice building financial models using the techniques learned.

Financial Statement Analysis Practice Questions

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Reinforce your understanding of financial statement analysis by solving practice questions and receiving feedback on your answers.

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Find practice questions online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve the questions on your own.
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with an expert.

Create a Financial Analysis Report

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Apply your knowledge by conducting a financial analysis of a real-world company and presenting your findings in a comprehensive report.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

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Select a company for analysis.
Gather financial data from the company's financial statements.
Analyze the data using financial ratios and other techniques.
Write a report summarizing your findings and providing recommendations.

Start a Side Project on Stock Analysis

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Apply your learning by starting a side project where you analyze stocks and track your performance.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

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Choose a stock or industry to analyze.
Gather financial data and news about the stock.
Develop a valuation model to assess the stock's intrinsic value.
Monitor the stock's performance and make adjustments to your analysis as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Forecasting Financial Statements & Valuation for Accountants will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Auditor

Auditors examine and evaluate financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course enhances an Auditor's ability to analyze financial data, forecast financial statements, and conduct valuations. These skills are essential for Auditors seeking to provide thorough and reliable financial insights.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate and interpret financial data to make investment recommendations or advise clients on financial matters. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course strengthens a Financial Analyst's ability to comprehend financial statements, develop financial forecasts, and make sound valuation judgments, enabling them to provide insightful analysis and recommendations.

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Accountant

Accountants prepare, analyze, and maintain financial records, ensuring adherence to accounting principles. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course refines an Accountant's expertise in financial statement analysis and forecasting, allowing them to produce accurate and reliable financial reports that support decision-making.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers advise clients on financial transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course enhances an Investment Banker's understanding of financial modeling and valuation techniques, empowering them to provide well-informed advice and facilitate successful transactions.

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Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts plan, develop, and monitor budgets for organizations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course provides Budget Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of financial planning and forecasting, enabling them to create and manage budgets that align with organizational goals.

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Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts evaluate and assess the creditworthiness of individuals or organizations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course builds upon a Credit Analyst's understanding of financial analysis and forecasting, enabling them to make informed credit decisions and mitigate financial risks.

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Financial Manager

Financial Managers oversee the financial operations of organizations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course strengthens a Financial Manager's knowledge of financial planning, forecasting, and valuation techniques, empowering them to make sound financial decisions and drive organizational success.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks within organizations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course enhances a Risk Manager's ability to analyze financial data, forecast potential risks, and develop strategies to manage those risks effectively.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise organizations on improving their operations and performance. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course provides Management Consultants with a deeper understanding of financial modeling and valuation, allowing them to offer valuable insights and recommendations to clients seeking to enhance their financial health.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families plan and manage their finances. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course equips Financial Planners with the skills to analyze financial data, develop financial plans, and make informed investment decisions, enabling them to provide tailored financial guidance to their clients.

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Investment Manager

Investment Managers oversee and manage investment portfolios for individuals or institutions. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course enhances an Investment Manager's ability to analyze financial data, forecast investment performance, and make sound investment decisions, maximizing returns and mitigating risks for clients.

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for the financial operations and strategies of organizations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course provides a CFO with advanced financial modeling and valuation skills, equipping them to make informed financial decisions, drive organizational growth, and ensure financial sustainability.

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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate and analyze financial data for legal purposes. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course strengthens a Forensic Accountant's ability to analyze financial records, detect fraud, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.

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Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and organizations. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course enhances a Tax Accountant's understanding of financial analysis and forecasting, empowering them to provide accurate and timely tax advice, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

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Real Estate Analyst

Real Estate Analysts evaluate and analyze real estate markets and properties. The Forecasting Financial Statements and Valuation for Accountants course provides Real Estate Analysts with a solid foundation in financial analysis and valuation techniques, enabling them to assess the performance of real estate investments, make informed investment decisions, and advise clients on real estate matters.

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