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Financial Analysis Fundamentals

Access on demand
Course type Short courses
Proficiency level Emerging
Delivery method Online
Member $570
Non-Member $720
CPD hours 6

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Build essential financial literacy to confidently review, interpret and question financial statements as part of your governance responsibilities.

Directors and officers are required to exercise care, skill and diligence when reviewing and approving an entity’s financial statements.

This course provides the foundational knowledge needed to understand financial reports and assess the financial health of an organisation.

You will learn how to read and interpret the core components of financial statements, evaluate disclosures and identify key financial indicators.

The course also supports the development of critical and independent thinking skills, assisting you to confidently question management or auditors and ensure transparency and accuracy in financial reporting.

More details about the course

Learning objectives ▼
  • Provide an overview of the accounting records, accounting concepts and principles upon which financial statements are based.
  • Outline the four primary financial statements and how they are linked together in explaining the financial position of an entity.
  • Understand the application of accounting standards, accounting policies, accounting treatments and key areas of judgment and estimates being used in the preparation of financial statements.
  • Understand how to form and express an opinion on the financial capacity of an entity, arising from an assessment of the financial statements.
Course structure ▼

Section A – Governance Principles

  • Purpose and use of financial statements
  • Regulatory framework governing financial reports
  • Framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements
  • Standardised financial statements and mandatory compliance with accounting standards – Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB)
  • Presentation of true and fair financial statements

Section B – Professional Practices

  • Structure and content for the presentation of financial statements
  • Format of the financial statements
  • Centro case summary

Section C – Personal Thinking

  • Case study: Inghams Group Limited

Download course outline

Assessments ▼

A short course is assessed as follows:

  • A final quiz (multiple choice, achieve 75% to pass, unlimited attempts).
  • A short case study written response (suggested answers are revealed for reflection).
  • Knowledge checks are included as you progress through the course material (these are not assessed).
  • See the Assessment Rules for further information.
For business ▼

We provide specialised in-house training to organisations who want to train large groups of staff.

What are the benefits on in-house training?

  • Train large numbers of staff.
  • Participate in customised training that caters to the needs of your staff and your organisation’s business objectives.
  • Invite and engage with your key clients, suppliers and contractors to ensure you’re working together with the same knowledge.

Get in touch

Key Information
  • Assessment: Knowledge checks, quiz questions, and a case study response.
    Proficiency level: Emerging
    Digital badge issued:     Short course: Financial Analysis Fundamentals
Certificates
  • This short course forms a part of:
    Certificate in Board Governance
  • Complete six short, focused courses and get a Certificate. Each course builds your expertise step-by-step, giving you practical skills and a nationally respected credential. Flexible, accessible, and designed for busy professionals—start your journey today and grow your governance career with confidence.

Join and save

Members of Governance Institute receive a discount of up to $110 per subject — find out if you are eligible.

Capabilities : Reflection & Learning , Critical & Independent Thinking , Financial Reporting , Value Generation & Performance , Accountability & Compliance , Legislation & Policy

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