Fundamentals of Accounting

Financial literacy is essential for navigating today’s business landscape. In this self-paced course, Ivey faculty guide you through the fundamentals of finance and accounting, from interpreting financial statements to applying key ratios this course will give you the foundational knowledge successful leaders need to understanding of financial fundamentals.

Designed for professionals from all backgrounds, the course blends core theory with practical application. Through interactive modules, self-assessments, and summary sessions, you’ll learn how to evaluate financial health, analyze profitability, and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

You’ll leave with a solid understanding of finance and accounting principles, a digital certificate, and the ability to apply financial reasoning across business functions, from budgeting and operations to strategy and leadership.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the accounting equation and distinguish between different forms of business ownership.
• Build and interpret core financial statements including the income statement and balance sheet.
• Apply key financial ratios to assess profitability, liquidity, and operational efficiency.
• Use concepts like EBIT, EBITDA, and contribution margin to evaluate business performance
• Calculate present and future value, and apply time value of money principles to investment decisions

This self-paced course includes approximately 10 hours of content, designed to be completed within a 90-day window. You’ll progress through interactive modules, complete knowledge checks, and receive instant feedback through our AI-first LMS.

Course Roadmap

Module 1: Fundamentals of Accounting

Start with the basics—learn how accounting tracks business activity, explore different forms of ownership, and understand the accounting equation.

Module 2: Building Financial Statements

Dive into transaction analysis and the mechanics of debits and credits. You’ll explore key accounts, adjusting entries, and how financial statements come together—culminating in a hands-on self-assessment where you’ll build your own.

Module 3: Interpreting Financial Statements

Learn how to read and analyze income statements and balance sheets. This module helps you connect financial data to business performance, with guided exercises and assessments to sharpen your interpretation skills.

Module 4: Financial Ratios

Discover how financial ratios reveal the health of a business. You’ll explore profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and growth metrics—including EBIT and EBITDA—and practice applying them through targeted self-assessments.

Module 5: Managerial Accounting

Shift from reporting to decision-making. This module introduces managerial accounting tools that empower strategic choices, including contribution margin analysis and cost behavior—supported by interactive exercises.

Module 6: The Time Value of Money

Understand how time affects the value of money. You’ll learn to calculate present and future value, explore compounding, and apply net present value and annuity concepts to real-world investment decisions.

Dates & Fees

Start anytime

Duration: ~10 hours (self-paced)

Access: 90 days from enrollment

Tuition: $500 CAD

Certificate: Digital credential upon completion

No prerequisites required. Enroll anytime and learn at your own pace.

This course is part of Ivey Essentials bundle. Complete all six to earn a certificate in foundational business skills.

This course is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their financial literacy and apply it to real-world business decisions. No prior accounting or finance experience is required.

Ideal participants include:

• Managers and analysts seeking to understand financial performance.
• Entrepreneurs and product leaders managing budgets and investments.
• Professionals preparing for an MBA or executive program.
• Learners looking to sharpen their financial and strategic thinking.