Fundamentals of Finance Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of finance, designed for beginners seeking to build a strong foundation in financial principles. Over approximately 6 hours of content, learners will explore key financial concepts, including financial statements, profitability, cash flow, and business financing. The course features hands-on learning through practical examples and real-world applications, making it ideal for aspiring financial analysts, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. With lifetime access and a certificate of completion, this program is structured to fit both academic and industry needs.

Module 1: Financial Statements

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Components of financial statements
• Understanding assets, liabilities, and equity
• Revenues and expenses in business operations
• How financial statements reflect company health

Module 2: Profitability, Productivity, and Cash Flow

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Evaluating profitability using financial data
• Labor as a component of productivity
• Importance of cash flow in business operations
• Monitoring and controlling cash flow

Module 3: Forecasting and Financing

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Sources of business funding
• Information required to secure financing
• Financial forecasting techniques
• Building solid banking relationships

Module 4: Final Project

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Analyze a company's financial statements
• Assess profitability and cash flow health
• Develop a short-term financial forecast and funding proposal

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of business operations
• Familiarity with fundamental math concepts
• No prior finance experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Interpret key financial statements accurately
• Evaluate a company’s financial health
• Assess profitability and productivity metrics
• Monitor and manage cash flow effectively
• Prepare financial forecasts and funding requests