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W. Brooke Elliott, Nerissa C. Brown, PhD CFE, and Brian Hamm

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.

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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.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Practical financial forecasting and valuation

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and comprehensive deep dive into financial forecasting and valuation, making it a valuable asset for accounting professionals. Students consistently highlight the clear explanations of complex topics like non-GAAP adjustments and advanced valuation models, enabling them to immediately apply concepts in their work. While largely praised for its effective teaching, some find the advanced modules fast-paced, suggesting prior foundational knowledge or supplementary study is beneficial. Overall, it's considered excellent for professional skill enhancement.
The course has been updated, improving current relevance.
"Some of the case studies could be more current, as I felt they were slightly outdated."
"The latest case studies reflect current market trends, which is great for applicability."
"The most recent updates really make a difference, and I found the practical application top-notch."
Offers in-depth coverage of advanced financial topics.
"I appreciated the deep dive into advanced forecasting and valuation models, which was exactly what I needed."
"The modules on non-GAAP adjustments and advanced valuation are particularly insightful."
"The depth of coverage on advanced topics is impressive, making it highly valuable for my professional growth."
Complex financial topics are broken down effectively.
"The instructor explains complex topics like non-GAAP adjustments very well."
"The explanations are incredibly clear, and the practical exercises solidify my understanding."
"The instructor does a phenomenal job of breaking down complex topics into understandable segments."
Provides immediately applicable skills for professionals.
"I appreciated the deep dive into advanced forecasting and valuation models...the practical exercises solidify the learning."
"The practical application of forecasting and valuation is top-notch. I can immediately apply these concepts in my work."
"I found the content highly relevant to current industry practices, making it a valuable skill development for me."
Course pace can be quick, particularly in advanced modules.
"I sometimes felt that the pace was a bit fast in the advanced modules, and I had to rewatch lectures a few times."
"I found the pace challenging, especially if I don't have a very strong prior background in finance."
"It's not a beginner course; I think it assumes some prior knowledge, but if you have a foundation, it's very rewarding."

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
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
Learn from and collaborate with peers by joining a study group focused on financial 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
Stay organized by compiling all your course materials in one place, making them easily accessible for review.
Show steps
  • 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read a Book on Financial Statement Analysis
Gain a comprehensive understanding of financial statement analysis principles and techniques to better apply them in the course.
Show steps
  • Read through the book thoroughly.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts.
  • Complete the exercises provided in the book.
Follow Tutorials on Financial Modeling
Develop practical skills by following guided tutorials on financial modeling techniques used in the industry.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • 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
Reinforce your understanding of financial statement analysis by solving practice questions and receiving feedback on your answers.
Show steps
  • 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
Apply your knowledge by conducting a financial analysis of a real-world company and presenting your findings in a comprehensive report.
Show steps
  • 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
Apply your learning by starting a side project where you analyze stocks and track your performance.
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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 Forecasting Financial Statements & Valuation for Accountants.
This classic book is considered one of the best books on investing ever written. It provides a wealth of valuable insights into financial statement analysis and valuation. adds more depth to the existing course.
This is the classic textbook on security analysis. It provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, including financial statement analysis and valuation. useful reference for the advanced topics covered in the course.
Provides a practical guide to financial modeling. It covers a wide range of topics, including financial statement analysis and valuation. This book adds more breadth to the existing course.
Provides a practical guide to financial statement analysis. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book is helpful in providing background for the course.
Provides a concise overview of valuation. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book is helpful in providing background for the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial reporting and analysis. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book useful reference for the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of accounting theory. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book useful reference for the advanced topics covered in the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of auditing. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book useful reference for the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book useful reference for the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of financial management. It is written in a clear and concise style and is packed with practical examples and insights. This book useful reference for the course.

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