4.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This course covers both accounting and financial statement analysis as well as the application of this analysis in estimating the value of a firm’s securities, in particular its common stock. It is an advanced class intended for students with a basic understanding of both accounting, derived from prior studies/work or from the pre-requisite online course, and finance, derived from taking the Corporate Finance course. As such the course is aimed at integrating accounting, the language used by firms to communicate their performance, with finance, which establishes the basic framework for evaluating investment decisions. Through lectures, readings (including a textbook which shares the course title), case studies, team presentations and problem sets, students will be expected to develop a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices and learn how to use these to analyze a firm’s financial statements as well as to estimate its intrinsic value. The goal is to provide students with the practical tools necessary in the modern financial world since accounting is the language of business and security valuation is basic building block of any investment decision. Financial statements are the means through which companies communicate what and how they are doing with their investors, with their creditors and with anyone else interested in the performance of the firm. Being able to properly analyze a firm’s financial statements is the precursor to being able to assess its value. Thus the course aims to provide students with the primary tool kits needed to perform both advanced financial statement analysis and security valuation. As such, the course will be helpful for students that are interested in careers that require an understanding of accounting and finance. <a href="http://bit.ly/1bebp5s" target="_blank">Click here to see evaluations, syllabi, and faculty bios</a>