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Updated in [March 09th, 2023]

This course provides an overview of the financial reporting process from a user’s perspective. It covers topics such as financial statement analysis, forecasting financial statements, and valuing a firm. Participants will gain an understanding of the issues facing users of financial statements and how to use financial information to make informed decisions. The course will also provide an opportunity to practice using a variety of tools to break apart financial reports into meaningful units for analysis.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to analyze financial statements, forecast financial statements, and value a firm. They should also be able to use the insights gained to make informed decisions and understand their role in the financial reporting process. Additionally, participants should be able to think critically about issues and develop sound assumptions and well-constructed analysis and arguments.

[Career Paths]
1. Financial Analyst: Financial Analysts are responsible for researching and analyzing financial data to make informed decisions about investments, mergers, and acquisitions. They must be able to interpret financial statements, analyze trends, and make recommendations to their clients. Financial Analysts must stay up to date on the latest developments in the financial markets and be able to identify potential opportunities. The demand for Financial Analysts is expected to grow as businesses continue to rely on data-driven decisions.

2. Investment Banker: Investment Bankers are responsible for helping companies and governments raise capital by issuing securities. They must be able to analyze financial statements, assess risk, and develop strategies to maximize returns. Investment Bankers must also be able to identify potential investors and negotiate deals. The demand for Investment Bankers is expected to grow as businesses continue to seek out new sources of capital.

3. Financial Planner: Financial Planners are responsible for helping individuals and families plan for their financial future. They must be able to analyze financial statements, develop investment strategies, and provide advice on retirement planning, estate planning, and tax planning. Financial Planners must stay up to date on the latest developments in the financial markets and be able to identify potential opportunities. The demand for Financial Planners is expected to grow as individuals and families continue to seek out professional advice.

4. Corporate Finance Manager: Corporate Finance Managers are responsible for managing the financial operations of a company. They must be able to analyze financial statements, develop budgets, and manage cash flow. Corporate Finance Managers must also be able to identify potential investments and negotiate deals. The demand for Corporate Finance Managers is expected to grow as businesses continue to seek out new sources of capital.

[Education Paths]
1. Accounting: Accounting is a field of study that focuses on the collection, analysis, and reporting of financial information. It is a popular degree path for those interested in the financials of a company. Developing trends in accounting include the use of technology to automate processes, the use of analytics to identify trends and opportunities, and the use of data to inform decision-making.

2. Finance: Finance is a field of study that focuses on the management of money and investments. It is a popular degree path for those interested in the financials of a company. Developing trends in finance include the use of technology to automate processes, the use of analytics to identify trends and opportunities, and the use of data to inform decision-making.

3. Business Analytics: Business analytics is a field of study that focuses on the use of data and analytics to inform decision-making. It is a popular degree path for those interested in the financials of a company. Developing trends in business analytics include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate processes, the use of predictive analytics to identify trends and opportunities, and the use of data to inform decision-making.

4. Economics: Economics is a field of study that focuses on the study of how people make decisions and how those decisions affect the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is a popular degree path for those interested in the financials of a company. Developing trends in economics include the use of technology to automate processes, the use of analytics to identify trends and opportunities, and the use of data to inform decision-making.