A good way to start learning financial analysis is to begin with financial statements, core accounting concepts, and spreadsheet-based analysis. From there, you can practice building models, calculating ratios, analyzing trends, and explaining what the numbers suggest about a business. Beginner-friendly options on this page include Fundamentals of Financial Analysis from London Business School and Financial Analysis - Skills for Success from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Coursera lets you compare courses by provider, level, and focus so you can choose a starting point that matches your background.‎

Yes. You can start learning financial analysis on Coursera for free in two ways:

1. Preview the first module of many financial analysis courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera AI (where available).
2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in financial analysis, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Some strong beginner options for financial analysis include Fundamentals of Financial Analysis from London Business School, Financial Analysis - Skills for Success from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Financial Data Analysis with Excel from Coursera. These courses can help you build foundations in statements, ratios, Excel-based analysis, and business interpretation before moving into advanced modeling or valuation. Learners who already have some finance background may also consider Financial Analysis and Modeling from IBM or Finance & Quantitative Modeling for Analysts from the University of Pennsylvania. Comparing course descriptions and skills covered can help you choose the right first step.‎

Financial analysis courses typically cover financial statements, ratio analysis, forecasting, budgeting, valuation, financial modeling, and spreadsheet-based decision support. Many courses also include Excel, data analysis, Power BI, quantitative modeling, or investment banking applications, depending on the course focus. For example, Financial Analyst: AI, Excel, and Power BI Skills emphasizes tools, while Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation focuses more on valuation and deal-related analysis. On Coursera, you can choose courses that emphasize foundations, applied tools, modeling, or career-specific finance applications.‎