How to Read a Balance Sheet (and the other statements)

What you need to know to understand company accounts

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How to Read a Balance Sheet is an ideal course for anyone wanting to understand a company's report and accounts. Whether you are

- an investor, seeking to make your fortune in the stock market but protect yourself against fraudsters, or

- a middle manager trying to climb the ladder to the boardroom, or

- a student, trying to make sense of all the jargon

when you have completed this course, you will understand the jargon, be able to tell the difference between a pension liability and a provision, and know whether a company is truly a quality business - profitable, high returns and cash generative.

The value of this course is it has been prepared by an experienced investment practitioner for the lay person. This course does not mention debts or credits, not once, we promise. You dont need to know how to prepare a set of accounts, you only need to be able to interpret them. You will emerge from this course confident that you can hold your own in any business or financial meeting. Your accountant will no longer be able to baffle you with jargon.

Learn more by visiting our information page or sign up here.


Your Instructor


Stephen Clapham
Stephen Clapham

Stephen (Steve) Clapham has 30 years of stockmarket experience as an equity analyst. He had a successful career as a highly rated sell-side analyst covering a number of sectors. He then moved to become a partner and head of research at two multi-billion hedge funds, based in London.

In 2018, Steve set up his training company, Behind the Balance Sheet, and hundreds of professional investors, regulators and corporate analysts have taken his Forensic Accounting Course. Some of the world's top institutions rely on Steve to help their top analysts improve their skills. That expertise is now available to you!

In 2020, Steve's first book, The Smart Money Method, How to Invest Like a Hedge Fund Pro, was published by Harriman House and immediately went to the number 1 slot in various Investing categories on Amazon in the UK and US. It has been enthusiastically received by investors, both professional and amateur.


Watch this video which explains more about the course

We describe the modules and how the course is constructed


Course Curriculum


  Welcome
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  Module 1 - Introduction to Accounts I - Balance Sheet
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  Module 2 Introduction to Accounts II - P&L
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  Module 3 Introduction to Accounts III - Cash Flow
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  Module 4 Introduction to Accounts IV - Accounting Policies
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  Module 5 Introduction to Accounts V - Accounting Shenanigans
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  Module 6 - Introduction to Accounts VI Financial Ratios
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  Module 7 - Introduction to Analysis
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  Module 8 - Accounts Course Closing Module
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!