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Financial Analysis, from Scratch to Professional
Cambridge Open Academy

Big Sale Event | CPD Accredited | New On-Demand Course- October 2025 | FREE Reed Certificate | Lifetime Access

Summary

Price
£25 inc VAT
Study method
Online, On Demand
Duration
1.2 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
CPD
10 CPD hours / points
CPD What's this?
Certificates
  • Reed Courses Certificate of Completion - Free
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students

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Overview

Financial analysis is a core function in today’s business world, used to evaluate performance, shape strategy, and guide future decisions. Whether in a start-up, corporate environment, or public sector, being able to assess financial health and trends is an essential capability. This course, Financial Analysis, from Scratch to Professional, is designed for those who want to develop reliable financial evaluation skills from the ground up. It equips learners with the ability to work with data, interpret reports, and make informed financial recommendations. In a job market increasingly driven by data and performance metrics, professionals with financial analysis training are highly valued for their ability to translate figures into actionable insights.

This structured course begins with Module 1: Introduction to Financial Analysis, where learners are guided through the main purpose and uses of financial analysis. In Module 2: Financial Statements and Their Components, learners explore income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Module 3: Financial Ratios and Performance Indicators teaches how to measure profitability, liquidity, and efficiency. Learners then progress to Module 4: Cash Flow and Working Capital Management, followed by Module 5: Budgeting and Forecasting, which introduces methods for planning and control. Module 6: Valuation and Investment Analysis covers evaluation methods and return measures, and Module 7: Tools and Software for Financial Analysis introduces digital platforms used in modern analysis. Together, these modules offer a full journey from foundational to advanced-level knowledge, supporting learners as they prepare for finance-related roles in any industry.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Read and interpret major financial statements.

  • Calculate and analyse financial ratios for business performance.

  • Prepare cash flow evaluations and manage working capital.

  • Build budgeting and forecasting plans.

  • Evaluate investment opportunities using common valuation methods.

  • Apply financial analysis using standard software tools.

  • Support business decisions using data-driven reports

Why People in the UK Should Learn This Topic:

  • Over 1.1 million people work in finance roles across the UK (ONS 2023)

  • Financial analysts earn an average salary of £42,000+ in the UK (Reed, 2024)

  • 82% of UK employers prioritise applicants with financial literacy skills (CIPFA)

Certificates

Reed Courses Certificate of Completion

Digital certificate - Included

Will be downloadable when all lectures have been completed.

CPD

10 CPD hours / points
Accredited by CPD Quality Standards

Curriculum

7
sections
7
lectures
1h 14m
total

Course media

Description

The Financial Analysis, from Scratch to Professional course prepares learners to confidently interpret financial data and apply that knowledge in the workplace. Starting with Module 1: Introduction to Financial Analysis, learners are introduced to core principles, scope, and benefits. Module 2: Financial Statements and Their Components breaks down income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. In Module 3: Financial Ratios and Performance Indicators, learners apply ratio formulas to assess profitability, liquidity, and operational efficiency.

Cash management is explored in Module 4: Cash Flow and Working Capital Management, which highlights short-term finance decisions. Module 5: Budgeting and Forecasting introduces planning tools and variance tracking methods. Module 6: Valuation and Investment Analysis helps learners evaluate asset worth and returns. Finally, Module 7: Tools and Software for Financial Analysis offers digital resources, including Excel functions, dashboards, and common finance platforms used in UK firms. This course equips both aspiring professionals and mid-career staff with the tools needed to move confidently into roles that involve financial decision-making, strategy planning, and reporting.

Who is this course for?

  • Job seekers entering finance or accounting roles.

  • Business owners aim to manage finances independently.

  • Office staff want to expand finance-related duties.

  • Graduates preparing for analytical positions

  • Career changers exploring the finance sector

  • Employees aiming to upskill into financial reporting or analyst roles

Requirements

  • Open to all learners—no finance background needed

  • Suitable for beginners and those revisiting core finance skills

  • Helpful for advanced learners needing structured review

  • Internet access and basic spreadsheet use are required.

  • Interest in finance, analysis, and business reporting

Career path

  • Junior Financial Analyst: £25,000 – £35,000
  • Financial Planning Analyst: £28,000 – £40,000
  • Investment Analyst: £30,000 – £45,000
  • Accounts or Finance Officer: £28,000 – £40,000
  • Finance Manager: £40,000 – £60,000
  • Senior Financial Analyst / Head of Finance: £50,000 – £80,000

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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