Ian McIsaac

Financial Training and Consultancy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Company Reports and Accounts

Aims:

This one-day course provides a practical introduction to company reports and accounts emphasising relevant interpretation and evaluation techniques. It is intended for professionals who use company reports and accounts as an aid to business, marketing or credit decisions. The course is highly practical with extensive use made of quizzes, exercises and case studies. A basic understanding of financial statements is required for this course.

Course Dates


Course Programme:
Please refer to the Learning Centre for a self-study guide to annual reports and company accounts.
Introduction to the Annual Report
  • Contents of the annual report
  • Legal and regulatory background to financial reporting
  • Users of financial information
Financial Information
  • Profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statement
  • Notes to the accounts
  • Accounting standards and policies
  • Earnings per share and P/E ratios
Evaluation of Financial Statements
  • Framework for analysis: reading the accounts backwards
  • Uses and limitations of financial information
  • Profitability, efficiency and liquidity
  • Ratio analysis to assess financial health
  • Debt and gearing
  • Share capital and reserves
  • Cash flow
Non-Financial Analysis
  • The Chairman's statement and operating review
  • PEST and competitor analysis
  • Management assessment
Recent Trends
  • Shareholder value and EVA
  • The debate on the future of accounts
Case Study
  • Analysis of annual report
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