Finance & Accounting

Read the Numbers: Accounting Basics

The balance sheet, income statement and cash flow in language non-specialists understand.

A scene from the case discussion

What you will be able to do.

  • 01

    Read the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement together.

  • 02

    Tell profit from cash and see why a company can earn and still go broke.

  • 03

    Compute the key financial ratios and interpret them.

  • 04

    Spot the warning signs in a company's numbers before you deal with it.

  • 05

    Ask your accountant and finance chief sharper questions.

Who it is for.

Anyone who owns a decision at work and wants to make it on clearer ground.

  • Early career

    Building a professional base

    Learn the language and tools of business before you need them.

  • New manager

    Taking charge of a team for the first time

    Move from doing the work to owning its results.

  • Owner

    Running a business of your own

    Give your daily decisions a clear frame.

A slot for a real learner's view of this course, with consent.

Learner name (draft)Role and organisation

  • 00%

    More confidence leading

    A figure from a real survey, when there is one.

  • 00%

    Skills applied at work

    A figure from a real survey, when there is one.

  • 00%

    Effect on career

    A figure from a real survey, when there is one.

What you earn.

The syllabus.

4 modules and about 40 hours.

Module 1 · 10 hThe language of accounting: assets, liabilities, equity

You learn the accounting equation and how everyday transactions of a small shop are recorded, then build a simple balance sheet from scratch and read what it says about the shop's position.

Module 2 · 10 hThe income statement: from revenue to profit

You follow revenue, cost and expenses down to net profit, understand when revenue is recognised, and analyse a regional retailer's income statement to see where margin leaks.

Module 3 · 10 hCash flow: why profit is not cash

You build a cash flow statement from operating, investing and financing activity, study a contractor that is profitable on paper while its cash runs out, and learn how to protect liquidity.

Module 4 · 10 hRatios and reading a whole company

You compute profitability, liquidity and leverage ratios, compare two companies in one sector, and write a one-page report on the health of a company you pick, with its warning signs.

Taught by aali's faculty.

Teachers' names and photos are added once confirmed.

  • Faculty member (draft)Finance & Accounting
  • Faculty member (draft)Finance & Accounting
  • Faculty member (draft)Finance & Accounting

How you learn here.

  • Hands-on

    Something to do every few minutes

    Short questions and exercises keep you working, not just watching.

  • Peers

    A cohort learning beside you

    You discuss the same case and disagree about it.

  • Cases

    Real companies, real decisions

    Put yourself in the seat of the person who decided.

Common questions.

When does access start?

For cohort courses on the start date; for on-demand courses as soon as payment is complete.

How much time do I need each week?

About 5 hours a week. The details are in the course summary.

Do I need prior experience?

No. Willingness to learn is enough.

What do I get when I finish?

An aali certificate of completion you can add to your CV. We claim no degree and no accreditation.

Can my employer pay for me?

Yes. See the employer reimbursement guide.

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