​OUTLINE

​This course will provide participants with a solid understanding of financial statements. This financial knowledge is used by accountants, managers, and investors to make smart and strategic business decisions.

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​Accounting is the language of business. However, the real language of business lies within accounting inside the financial statements and financial reporting system. The purpose of this course is to provide a business financial communication tool. Financial statements such as the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, and the statement of stockholders' equity are all used as communication tools to answer questions about the state of a company's financial well-being; they provide insight into the financial position and the financial health of a company over a defined period.

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​Module 1: Introduction to Financial Statements

• ​Importance of financial statements in business decision-making

• ​Key users of financial statements (investors, managers, regulators)

• ​Overview of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

​Module 2: The Balance Sheet

• ​Structure and components: Assets, Liabilities, and Equity

• ​How to analyze a company's financial position

• ​Key financial ratios derived from the balance sheet

​Module 3: The Income Statement

• ​Understanding revenue, expenses, and profit

• ​Gross profit, operating profit, and net profit explained

• ​How income statements reflect company performance over time

​Module 4: The Statement of Cash Flows

• ​Importance of cash flow management

• ​Breakdown of cash flow from operating, investing, and financing activities

• ​How cash flow statements differ from income statements

​Module 5: The Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

• ​Retained earnings and dividends

• ​Changes in equity and their impact on business growth

• ​Analyzing shareholder value creation

​Module 6: Financial Statement Analysis

• ​Key financial ratios and their interpretation

• ​Common financial statement red flags and warning signs

• ​Practical case study: Analyzing a real company’s financials

​Module 7: Using Financial Statements for Strategic Decision-Making

• ​How managers and investors use financial statements

• ​Assessing profitability, solvency, and financial health

• ​Case study discussions and practical applications

​Conclusion & Wrap-Up

• ​Recap of key concepts

• ​Q&A and discussion session

• ​Certificate of completion