Introduction to Finance: The Basics

  • 4.8
Approx. 19 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course is an introduction to the basics of finance, including financial statements, valuation, and risk management. It is ideal for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the financial world.

Key Learning Points

  • Learn the basics of finance, including financial statements and valuation
  • Understand the principles of risk management
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the financial world

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

  • Financial Analyst
    • USA: $63,000 - $103,000
    • India: ₹300,000 - ₹1,100,000
    • Spain: €24,000 - €60,000
  • Investment Banker
    • USA: $85,000 - $180,000
    • India: ₹1,000,000 - ₹5,000,000
    • Spain: €35,000 - €120,000
  • Financial Advisor
    • USA: $48,000 - $104,000
    • India: ₹200,000 - ₹1,500,000
    • Spain: €20,000 - €50,000

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand financial statements and their importance
  • Perform basic valuation techniques
  • Identify and manage financial risks

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic understanding of mathematics
  • Familiarity with Excel

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced
  • Video lectures

Similar Courses

  • Corporate Finance Essentials
  • Financial Markets

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
  • Author and Investor

Related Books

Description

In the Introduction to Finance I: The Basics course, you will be introduced to the basic concepts needed to understand the financial manager’s decision-making process. To achieve that, you will learn about the basic forms a business can take and the goal of the financial manager. You will also learn the fundamentals of financial statements and how to measure a company’s financial health using financial ratios. In addition, you will explore how to allocate capital across time to create value. After learning the course, you should be familiar with major topics in modern finance and communicate with others within and outside of the business world. With a deep understanding of the financial side of the business, you will be in a better position to make informed decisions and plan for the financial future.

Knowledge

  • Build a financial knowledge base by understanding essential topics in modern finance.
  • Develop an understanding of the issues managers must consider when making financial decisions.
  • Be ready to conduct analysis using information from financial statements.
  • Understand and apply the time value of money in order to value financial and real asset investments and to make investment decisions.

Outline

  • Course Orientation
  • Welcome to Introduction to Finance: The Basics
  • Instructor Bio
  • Learn on Your Terms
  • Syllabus
  • ePub
  • Formula Sheet
  • Glossary
  • Brand Description
  • About the Discussion Forums
  • Learn More About Flexible Learning Paths
  • Updating Your Profile
  • Orientation Quiz
  • Module 1: Introduction to Finance
  • 1-1.1. Module 1 Overview
  • 1-2.1. Introduction of the Three Legal Forms to Organize Firms
  • 1-2.2. The Sole Proprietorship
  • 1-2.3. The Partnership
  • 1-2.4. The Corporation
  • 1-2.5. The Hybrid Form
  • 1-3.1. The Goal of Financial Management
  • 1-4.1. The Corporate Governance
  • 1-5.1. The Agency Problem
  • Module 1 Wrap Up
  • Module 1 Overview
  • Module 1 Readings
  • Lesson 1-1 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 1-2 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 1-3 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 1-4 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 1-5 Practice Quiz
  • Module 1 Quiz
  • Module 2: Financial Statements and Cash Flow
  • 2-1.1. Module 2 Overview
  • 2-2.1. Financials
  • 2-3.1. Balance Sheet: Introduction
  • 2-3.2. Balance Sheet: Fiscal Year
  • 2-3.3. Balance Sheet: Other Topics
  • 2-4.1. Income Statement
  • 2-5.1. Statement of Cash Flow
  • Lesson 2-6.1. Module 2 Wrap Up
  • Module 2 Overview
  • Module 2 Readings
  • Lesson 2-1 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 2-2 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 2-3 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 2-4 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 2-5 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 2-6 Practice Quiz
  • Module 2 Quiz
  • Module 3: Financial Statements Analysis
  • 3-1.1. Module 3 Overview
  • 3-2.1. Standardized Statements
  • 3-3.1. Financial Ratios: Introduction
  • 3-3.2. Financial Ratios: Liquidity Ratios
  • 3-3.3. Financial Ratios: Leverage Ratios
  • 3-3.4. Financial Ratios: Turnover Ratios
  • 3-3.5. Financial Ratios: Profitability Ratios
  • 3-3.6. Financial Ratios: Market Value Ratios
  • 3-4.1. Financial Forecasting
  • Module 3 Wrap Up
  • Module 3 Overview
  • Module 3 Readings
  • Lesson 3-1 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 3-2 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 3-3 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 3-4 Practice Quiz
  • Module 3 Quiz
  • Module 4: Time Value of Money
  • 4-1.1. Module 4 Overview
  • 4-2.1. Present Value and Future Value
  • 4-3.1. Net Present Value
  • 4-3.2. APR and EAR
  • 4-4.1. Perpetuity
  • 4-4.2. Annuity
  • 4-5.1. Module 4 Wrap Up
  • Gies Online Programs
  • Module 4 Overview
  • Module 4 Readings
  • Congratulations!
  • Get Your Course Certificate
  • Lesson 4-1 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 4-2 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 4-3 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 4-4 Practice Quiz
  • Lesson 4-5 Practice Quiz
  • Module 4 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Read reviews for Introduction to Finance: The Basics course on Coursera. Users have provided positive feedback about the course. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the course content.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Course content is comprehensive and covers all the necessary topics
  • Instructors are knowledgeable and provide clear explanations
  • Course is well-structured and easy to follow

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course too basic and not challenging enough
  • Course quizzes and assignments could be more challenging and engaging
  • Course forums could be more active and helpful
English
Available now
Approx. 19 hours to complete
Xi Yang
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Coursera

Instructor

Xi Yang

  • 4.8 Raiting
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