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Financial Management Specialization

An essential specialization that equips learners with practical financial management skills, bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

access

Lifetime

level

Medium

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in this Financial Management Specialization Course

  • Financial Accounting Foundations: Learn to analyze financial statements and understand the financial information they provide.

  • Advanced Financial Accounting: Delve into complex accounting topics, including fixed assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity.

  • Investment Fundamentals: Understand the trade-offs between risk and return, portfolio formation, and market efficiency.

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  • Corporate Finance Principles: Gain insights into measuring and promoting value creation, forecasting liquidity needs, and evaluating company performance. 

  • Risk Management: Incorporate risk and uncertainty into investment decisions and understand financing strategies.

Program Overview

1. Financial Accounting: Foundations
⏳  12 hours

  • Introduction to financial accounting information and its use by different capital market participants.

  • Recording financial information and producing main financial statements.

  • Understanding fundamental accounting concepts and revenue recognition criteria.

  • Accounting for short-term assets, focusing on accounts receivables and inventories.

2. Financial Accounting: Advanced Topics
⏳  11 hours

  • Accounting for fixed assets.

  • Understanding accounting for liabilities.

  • Evaluating shareholders’ equity section of a balance sheet.

  • Understanding preparation and information provided by cash flows statement.

3. Investments I: Fundamentals of Performance Evaluation
⏳  26 hours

  • Explaining the trade-offs between risk and return.

  • Forming a portfolio of securities and calculating expected return and standard deviation.

  • Describing market efficiency and its implications.

  • Conducting market multiples valuation.

4. Investments II: Lessons and Applications for Investors
⏳  24 hours

  • Interpreting and using CAPM and the 3-Factor Model.

  • Comparing returns in the form of dividends and capital gains.

  • Evaluating strategies designed to “earn alpha”.

5. Corporate Finance I: Measuring and Promoting Value Creation
⏳  24 hours

  • Forecasting and managing a company’s liquidity needs.

  • Measuring the contribution of new projects to shareholder value.

  • Incorporating risk into investment decisions.

  • Evaluating company or division performance.

6. Corporate Finance II: Financing Investments and Managing Risk
⏳  19 hours

  • Understanding how companies decide on debt levels and types.

  • Analyzing payout decisions and their effects on firm value.

  • Using risk management tools to mitigate specific risks.

  • Developing a financial management framework for M&A decisions and R&D investments.

 

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Job Outlook

  • The demand for financial managers is projected to grow significantly, with a 17% increase expected by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Professionals with expertise in financial management are sought after across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology.

  • Earning this specialization can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
The Financial Management Specialization offers a thorough and practical understanding of financial principles, making it ideal for those looking to advance in finance-related careers.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.6
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Comprehensive coverage of financial management topics.
  • Taught by experienced faculty from the University of Illinois.
  • Hands-on projects reinforce learning.
  • Flexible schedule suitable for working professionals.
CONS
  • Requires a foundational understanding of accounting and finance.
  • Some learners may find the advanced topics challenging without prior experience.

Specification: Financial Management Specialization

access

Lifetime

level

Medium

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

Financial Management Specialization
Financial Management Specialization
Course | Career Focused Learning Platform
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