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Introduction to Financial Accounting

School: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Registration Link: CLICK HERE

Start Date: December 28, 2015 (4 Weeks Long)

Workload: 6-8 Hours Per Week

Instructor: Brian Bushee

Credentials: An instructor in Wharton’s Executive Education program, Professor Bushee also teaches the Introductory Financial Accounting course in the MBA program and Wharton’s Seminar for Business Journalists. As a teacher, he has won Wharton’s Excellence in Teaching Award, along with the Helen Kardon Moss Anvil Award for being the faculty member “who has exemplified outstanding teaching quality during the last year.” Before teaching, Bushee worked in the private sector for CoreStates Financial Corporation and Coopers and Lybrand LLP.

Graded: Students can choose to explore course videos, discussions, and ungraded assignments for free, but they won’t be able to submit graded assignments, earn a certificate, or complete a specialization without paying a $79 fee.

Description: This course is divided into 10 modules, which cover topics like balance sheets, income statements, cash flows, capital assets, liabilities and debt, and stockholder equity. By the end of course, students will be able to analyze financial statements and annual reports and understand how accounting standards and managerial incentives shape financial reporting processes. Although the course relies on PowerPoint slides and case study videos to share content, Professor Bushee will pause the proceedings to ask questions and facilitate short discussions. The course also includes eight homework assignments and two exams.

Review: “Very, very well done course. Lectures were well presented, chock full of information, clear and relevant. Despite a rather dry subject, the professor kept it interesting and even funny at times. highly recommended!” For additional reviews of this course, click here.

Additional Note: This course is part of a four course specialization from Wharton called “Business Foundations.” To learn more about these courses and register for them, CLICK HERE.