Bad debt is a reality for businesses that provide credit to customers, such as banks and insurance companies. Planning ahead for this possibility by estimating the amount of uncollectible loans is called bad debt provision and can enable companies to measure, communicate, and prepare for financial losses. Here’s how to account for doubtful and bad debt on financial statements, along with a primer on bad debt provision and why it’s important today. [...]

If your business rents its assets or leases from others, you need to track the financial impact those activities have on your business’s financial health. This is called lease accounting and, in addition to being legally required, can help you run an organized, successful business. [...]

Regardless of your industry or role, your career is guaranteed to be influenced in one way or another by finance and accounting. Here's a look at the most important financial accounting skills you should develop and how you can build them. [...]

No matter your industry, role, or background, learning about financial accounting can benefit your career. Here are five steps to take as you begin your education. [...]

Are you interested in taking a finance and accounting course from HBS Online? Learn more about two of our offerings and discover which course is right for you. [...]