Overview

Not a “numbers person?” Then this is the program for you. 

Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Understanding Financial Statements is a two-day workshop that explores the fundamentals of financial accounting, giving participants the confidence to understand financial statements and contribute to strategic discussions. Gain a solid grasp of income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, key ratios, the Dupont Analysis, and how businesses track their performance and financial health.

Through interactive case studies and real-world applications, you'll develop the skills to:

  • Interpret financial data with confidence
  • Ask insightful questions that drive smarter decisions
  • Connect strategy to the story the numbers tell

No prior accounting knowledge is required. Whether you're a manager, entrepreneur, or simply want to improve your financial literacy, this program will equip you to have a seat at the table when financial matters are discussed.

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Registration Information

Certificate Location Date Type Cost Register
Understanding Financial Statements Phoenix, AZ November 7-8, 2024 In-Person $1,500 Register

Key Benefits

  • Gain a solid understanding of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
  • Interpret these statements to track performance, uncover insights, and make informed decisions for your business.
  • Calculate and analyze key ratios to assess business health and identify strengths and weaknesses.

 

  • Leverage the Dupont Analysis to deep-dive into profitability and pinpoint areas for improvement.
  • Make data-driven decisions with a new perspective on financial performance.
  • Understand the impact of cash vs. accrual accounting on financial reporting.
  • Gain awareness of major global accounting standards like US GAAP and IFRS.
  • Make informed choices considering the regulatory landscape and their influence on your business.
  • Develop the skills to analyze real-world financial data with confidence.
  • Put your learning into practice through hands-on analysis of financial statements from various industries.
  • Gain practical takeaways that you can immediately apply in your professional setting.

Who Should Attend?

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Executives, managers, and entrepreneurs eager to understand financial statements and contribute to financial decision-making.

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Professionals from non-financial backgrounds seeking to unlock the power of financial literacy.

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Anyone who wants to confidently ask questions, analyze data, and make smarter business decisions.

Topics

The program will use presentations, small group discussions, and interactive sessions to cover the following topics: 

  • Financial Statements: Dive into the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, understanding their role in capturing performance.
  • Accounting Fundamentals: Explore asset, liability, and equity basics, expense and  capitalization principles, and revenue recognition through real-world examples.
  • Financial Analysis: Examine key ratios for liquidity, profitability, and efficiency to assess business health. Uncover the power of the Dupont Analysis for dissecting performance.
  • Accounting Systems & Regulatory Frameworks: Understand how key accounting systems like cash vs. accrual operate, then dive into the world of global standards like US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS).
  • Real-World Applications: Apply your knowledge through hands-on analysis of financial statements from various industries.

Faculty

Euvin Naidoo

Euvin Naidoo

Distinguished Professor of Practice in Global Accounting, Risk and Agility

Why Thunderbird for Executive Education?

Thunderbird empowers global professionals to shape the changing landscapes impacting their enterprises by expanding and updating their future-ready skills and connecting them to a diverse network of global experts.

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