Develop an intuitive knowledge of financial principles and statements to unlock critical insights into performance and potential.
Strengthened analytical skills
Return on investment with an average $17,000 salary increase
Are more self-assured at work
Build an intuitive understanding of finance to better communicate with key stakeholders and grow your career.
Discover what's behind the numbers in financial statements.
Complete any three courses within this subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization in finance and accounting
Operating in general management, I need to make decisions utilizing the principles we learned on a daily basis. The course empowers me to do so with confidence.
I'd never experienced such an immersive platform online. It was more effective at building and solidifying knowledge than some in-person courses I've taken.
| HBS OnlineHBSO | Others | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Considered more impactful than other online programs by learners* |
 |
 |
 |
The preferred brand among prospective online learners* |
|
|
 |
Reimagined the case study method through a proprietary platform featuring courses created by renowned faculty |
|
|
 |
Collaboration with fellow online learners through unique simulations and interactive activities |
|
 |
 |
Discount for repeat participants |
|
|
 |
Certificate awarded upon completion of program |
|
|
 |
Invitation to a global professional network, including the HBS Online Connext conference, HBS faculty events, and HBS Online Community |
|
|
Finance is often referred to as the "language of business." It affects every business function and can be used to assess, evaluate, and strategize your organization's financial health.
A finance course will teach you the key levers that drive your company's performance and cover topics such as cash flow, value creation, and the cost of capital. An accounting course will equip you with skills to report and communicate information through financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
Because finance is an ever-evolving field, you might consider taking a more specialized course covering a topic like alternative investments or sustainable investing. An alternative investments course can help you assess investment opportunities beyond traditional stocks and bonds, while a sustainable investing program can teach you how to incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions.
Finance and accounting are essential in any business. All industries require accountants and finance professionals for financial reporting, revenue management, and financial forecasting.
While a finance and accounting course is incredibly useful regardless of the industry, there are several courses to choose from. It is important to know which finance and accounting course is right for your professional goals.
While a finance and accounting course is incredibly useful regardless of your industry, there are several to choose from. It’s important to know which finance and accounting course is right for your goals. Download our free course flowchart to determine which HBS Online course is the best fit.
Finance focuses on how an organization generates and uses capital, while accounting refers to the process of reporting and communicating financial information. Accounting leverages past and present transactional data to determine a company's health, while finance is inherently forward-looking. Each can help you assess your firm's position and performance and develop your financial literacy, but it’s vital to learn the differences between finance and accounting to pick the right course for you.
