John Wiley & Sons

How to Read a Financial Report

John Wiley & Sons

How to Read a Financial Report

ExpertEdge - Course Instructors
Wiley Skills Network

Instructors: ExpertEdge - Course Instructors

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the structure and purpose of financial statements

  • Analyze cash flow and income statements for business insights

  • Interpret balance sheets to assess financial health

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Recently updated!

September 2026

Assessments

24 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 23 modules in this course

This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of financial reports and statements, including their components, roles in business decision-making, and the importance of understanding financial language. It helps students develop the ability to interpret financial data and communicate effectively with financial professionals.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the importance of cash flows in evaluating business performance, focusing on how they reflect financial health, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Learners will understand the role of cash flows in decision-making and analyze how changes in cash flows can signal key business trends.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the fundamental role of financial statements in business decision-making, focusing on the income statement and its relationship with the balance sheet. Learners will explore how financial data is structured, interpreted, and used for both internal and external reporting. By the end, they will gain a foundational understanding of financial reporting essentials.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the balance sheet, covering its structure, asset and liability categorization, and the importance of transparency in financial reporting. Learners will explore how to interpret balance sheet data for better financial decision-making and assess risks related to inventory valuation.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth look at the statement of cash flows, explaining its role in financial reporting and how it connects to the income statement and balance sheet. It covers the differences between cash and accrual accounting, and explores the practical applications of cash flow analysis for business managers and stakeholders.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the relationships between key financial statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. It provides an overview of their structure, purpose, and how they interconnect to provide a comprehensive view of a business's financial health. Learners will gain foundational knowledge for analyzing and interpreting financial data.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module delves into the connection between sales revenue reported on the income statement and accounts receivable listed on the balance sheet. Learners will gain an understanding of how these two financial elements interact and influence each other. It provides foundational knowledge for analyzing a company's financial health and cash flow dynamics.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module explores the interrelationships between inventory, accounts payable, and costs of sales revenue, focusing on their impact on financial statements and practical applications for business decision-making. Learners will gain an understanding of how these elements influence financial reporting and inventory management strategies.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module covers the accounting treatment of prepaid expenses and operating expenses, explaining how to properly record and allocate these costs over time to ensure accurate financial reporting and transparency in financial statements.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module covers the principles of expense recognition, depreciation and amortization methods, and the calculation of fixed asset book value. Learners will gain an understanding of how to properly account for both tangible and intangible assets, ensuring accurate financial reporting and informed business decisions.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module covers the recording of operating expenses prior to payment, how they differ from cost of goods sold, and their effect on accounts payable liabilities. Learners will gain an understanding of how these expenses are reported and managed in financial statements.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module covers the recognition and calculation of accrued liabilities for operating expenses, focusing on proper financial reporting and the matching of expenses with revenues. Learners will gain an understanding of how to accurately record liabilities and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth look at how businesses account for income tax expenses and liabilities, covering key concepts like taxable income, financial reporting, and tax planning strategies. Learners will understand the relationship between income tax expense and payable, and how these figures are reflected in financial statements. The module also addresses challenges such as double taxation in C corporations.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module covers the accounting treatment of interest expense, accrued liabilities, and loans payable, focusing on their classification, calculation, and impact on financial statements. Learners will gain an understanding of how businesses manage these financial obligations and their role in accurate financial reporting.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module delves into the relationship between net income, retained earnings, and earnings per share (EPS). Learners will gain a clear understanding of how financial statements connect and how EPS is calculated to reflect company profitability. The content also covers key accounting principles and their practical applications in financial reporting.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the relationship between a company's income statement and balance sheet, focusing on how changes in assets and liabilities affect cash flow from operating activities. Learners will gain an understanding of the differences between profit and cash flow, and how to analyze financial statements for better business insight.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the importance of footnotes and management discussions in financial reporting, helping learners understand how these elements provide critical context and enhance the analysis of financial statements.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores key financial ratios and statements used to evaluate a company's financial health and transparency. Learners will gain insights into how investors and lenders assess business performance through metrics like the current ratio and debt-to-equity ratio. The module also introduces a new financial reporting tool to enhance understanding of equity changes.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores essential financial ratios used to evaluate a company's performance, including return-on-sales, EPS, P/E ratio, and EBITDA. Learners will gain insights into how these metrics reflect financial health, profitability, and market valuation. The content equips students with the skills to interpret and apply financial data effectively.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the principles of financial engineering, including how to distinguish it from unethical financial practices. Learners will analyze cash flow statements and examine real-world examples of financial engineering strategies. The content emphasizes critical thinking and ethical evaluation of financial reporting.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the identification of financial fraud indicators, differentiates between errors and intentional misstatements, and examines the role of management collusion in financial reporting. Learners will gain an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative fraud flags and how to assess the risks involved in financial misreporting.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the role of certified public accountants in financial reporting and auditing. Learners will understand the importance of audits in ensuring financial transparency and accountability. The module also covers how CPAs detect and prevent financial fraud through professional skepticism and standardized procedures.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamentals of financial reports, including their reliability, potential for misleading information, and the challenges of interpreting complex financial data. Learners will gain insights into how financial statements influence investment decisions and the importance of identifying key elements in these reports.

What's included

1 video4 readings2 assignments

Instructors

ExpertEdge - Course Instructors
17 Courses1,217 learners
Wiley Skills Network
John Wiley & Sons
218 Courses21,713 learners

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