Financial Statements

Simply the clearest and most comprehensive introduction to financial reporting available. No accounting background is required.
“Finally, a handbook that takes the mystery out of accounting principles.” —Margi Gandolfi, VP Marketing/Strategic Planning of New York Blood Center

This edition replaces all previous editions of this bestselling title based on the revised and expanded edition corrected and back to the basics.

Financial Statements is a perfect introduction to financial accounting for non-financial managers, investors, business students, lawyers, lenders, entrepreneurs, and more. Financial Statements deftly shows that all this accounting and financial-reporting stuff is not rocket science and that anyone can understand it!

Ittelson empowers non-financial managers by clearly and simply demonstrating how the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement work together to offer a snapshot of any company’s financial health. Every term is defined in simple, understandable language. Every concept is explained with a basic, straightforward transaction example. And with the book’s uniquely visual approach, you’ll be able to see exactly how each transaction affects the three key financial statements of the enterprise. Each statement paints a different and essential picture—the “three-legged stool” of company reporting:
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• The income statement shows the manufacturing (or service offerings) and selling actions of the company that result in profit or loss during a period. It gives a very important perspective on the company’s performance, its profitability.

• The cash flow statement details cash into and out of the company for a period. You need money to make money. Running out of cash is bad. Duh.

• The balance sheet records at the end of a period, an instant in time, what the company owns and what it owes, including the owners’ stake, called shareholders’ equity.

“After reading Financial Statements, executives will no longer have to pretend that they understand what financial statements mean. A great introductory book.” —Timothy D. MacLellan, CPA, PFS, partner, Morgan & Morgan, PC

“Finally, a handbook that takes the mystery out of accounting principles. I recommend this book to any ‘non-financial’ type who sits at the head of the table -- boardroom or kitchen.” —Margi Gandofi, vice president, strategic programs/clinical services, New York Blood Center

“I wish this book were around when I started my first company. The entrepreneur can learn in one evening’s reading what it took me two years of learning-by-doing!” —Gordon B. Baty, partner, Zero Stage Capital

About the Author:
Thomas R. Ittelson is a scientist, businessman, author, and teacher with many years of hands-on experience in business development and marketing for technical companies. As a consultant to entrepreneurs, Ittelson has written business plans and prepared financial projections that have helped raise more than $500 million in start-up equity capital. Financial Statements was born from the author's efforts to teach client entrepreneurs how to design and use financial statements in their start-up businesses.