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Blair Cook, Director of Clarke Inc
Many time CFO of both public and private companies, three current corporate director roles, CPA and Chartered Accountant. Provides professional development services to "big 4" public accounting firms.
This instructor has 27 courses »To Access This Course:
This course takes a practical approach to considering how finance theory is applied in the business world. The course covers many of the key principles that embody corporate finance and gives participants a comprehensive appreciation of the finance discipline.
Whether you are aspiring to a career in finance or simply looking to round out your understanding of core financial concepts, this course is designed to cover such topics as financial analysis, forecasting, present value, future value, rate of return, use of debt leverage, and risk management, including derivative instruments.
Course Series
This course is included in the following series:
3 CoursesFundamental Skills for Finance Professionals
- Accounting 101: How To Do Basic Accounting In One Hour
- Learn Finance Principles in 1 Hour
- Financial Modeling Using Excel
10 CoursesFinance for Entrepreneurs
- Start-up Equity and Cap Table Basics
- Understanding Performance-Based Equity Awards
- Accounting 101: How To Do Basic Accounting In One Hour
- Learn Finance Principles in 1 Hour
- Financial Modeling Using Excel
- The Evolution of a Great Spreadsheet Report - How to Effectively Present Numbers in the Business World
- Creating a Winning Pitch for Venture Capital Investors
- Venture Capital Valuation Analysis Method
- Enterprise Risk Management 101
- The IPO Preparation Process - Preparing a Company to Access the Public Markets
5 CoursesFinance for Non-Finance Professionals
- Accounting 101: How To Do Basic Accounting In One Hour
- Accounting Review: The Basics of Debits and Credits
- Accounting Review: Overview of Financial Statements; P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow
- Learn Finance Principles in 1 Hour
- Enterprise Risk Management 101
Learning Objectives
- Discover what financial analysis is and how it used.
- Discover how to calculate present value of future streams of cash flow with various profiles.
- Discover how to calculate future value of future streams of cash flow with various profiles.
- Discover the concept of financial leverage and optimal capital structure.
- Identify where finance theory is applied in the workplace.
Last updated/reviewed: May 13, 2022
99 Reviews (303 ratings)Reviews
Jessica Spaulding
(Accountant at Firebirds Funding)
This was a well-taught course. The speed of the material is probably too fast to follow if this is your first introduction to the it. I found it to be perfect for me as this was a review of material I've learned in the past and haven't needed to directly apply in my work. The instructor did a good job of reviewing the material and I particularly liked the bullet point reviews at the end of each lesson. I have taken other courses from this instructor and will continue to do so as I appreciate the presentation speed of the material and their use of examples that each build on the last.
Anonymous
(-)
This is a great concise review of basic concepts from Finance 101. There was a good mix of quantitative work and conceptual discussion. For non finance professionals Blair does a great job of emphasizing the overall importance to an organization of finance concepts like cash flow, capital structure, risk and diversification. Most of the concepts included also have relevance to personal finance. It was helpful to be able to reference the script to the presentation when reviewing. Great course all around. I’m going to take his Excel modeling class next.
Sabir Khan
(Admin at IT)
I am a novice in finance, Took the course to familiarize with world finance .its not walk in the park, but you learn a lot. There is math involved so if you are not numbers guy brace yourself for a bumpy ride while Blair holds your hand.
Suggestion: Formulas need to be separated as they get jumbled up at the bottom of excel sheet
Charles Elwis
(Insurance Broker at Health Guys)
The review questions along with the explanations of the correct answers were particularly useful. I only wish I could retake the final exam. I am not certain whether 75 percent is good enough for CA CPA credit.
S Marie Vernon
(- at --)
This course covers a subject that doesn't usually come very easy for me, however the details presented in the slides made the material easier to understand. Many thanks for a great course.
Norman West
(Financial Manager at Lockheed Martin)
Mr. Cook went a little too fast for me to grasp everything, but I can use the supporting materials to strengthen my understanding of all the material. I do like his enthusiasm.
Rebecca Grimmer
(CFO at ASES)
Even for an experienced finance professional, this course provides some good information that can be used in explaining financing alternatives to others in the business.
Anonymous
(Account Payable Specialist)
I found this course to be alright at most. There was so much being said and too much information on the slides, it made my head hurt trying to learn just the principles
Cindy McClarty
(Human Resource Manager at Integrity Staffing Solutions)
So much information in so little time. It was a LOT to take in and process and respond for the test. Good info, but for a newbie, just a lot of terms and acronyms.
Anonymous
()
Great short overview. Was a perfect review of things forgotten from my college finance course. Lectures were fast paced and maintained my interest.
Anonymous
(Director of Accounting)
Mr. Cook presents the topic in an easily digestible way. He provides clear, easy to follow examples that make the concepts easy to understand.
Lawrence DeParis
(Founder & CEO at C-Level Solutions LLC)
As always, Mr. Cook has done a stellar job of communicating im clear and simple fashion what can otherwise be complicated material for many.
Alexandra Coleman
(Administrative Assistant at EYC Companies)
Good overview. I enjoyed the Financial Ratio and Excel Function Reference Guide, a very useful tool for those of us who are new to finance.
Anonymous
(-)
Full of content...good exposure to finance principals. Very helpful, but sometimes needed to pause the video to absorb/process information.
Judith Moscova
(Accountant at N/A)
The course was worth sitting through. I had to listen to the lessons twice to grasp the concepts, and that helped with the final exams.
Anonymous
(Financial Reporting Manager)
Excellent course on the basics of finance, with clear examples that are easy to follow. The PDF of the slide deck is useful as well.
Anonymous
(Senior Internal Auditor)
This course is easy to understand. Blair explained on why things need to be calculated instead of just elaborating the formulas.
Michael Zomber
( at MOCFS)
The content was high quality but certain topics needed greater elaboration for those who do have a strong finance background.
Anonymous
(Finance Director)
Blair adds excitement to any and all presentations. If you want a basic fundamentals class with flare, Blair is your guy.
Anonymous
(Consultant - Process Specialist)
This is a great course for those new to accounting concepts, or for those who have forgotten what they learned in college.
Anonymous
(Manager - Billing Staff & Financial ..)
I am somewhat confused but going back and reviewing one more time and with a little bit more practice it all made sense.
Christine Eubanks
(CFO at CETH & Associates PC)
This course would be beneficial for consultants that work with small companies that do not have a finance department.
Holly Aglio
(CFO at Govplace, Inc.)
Examples in the excel spreadsheet are very helpful. Excellent and simple explanation of some very complex topics.
George Welch
(Staff Accountant at Correct Care Solutions)
This course offers a great review of finance concepts. Easy to knock rust off or sharpen skills with this course.
Jeff Klein
(Director of budgeting and financial plan.. at Vss-southern theatres)
Very good introduction to common finance principles for someone who may not have had a finance class before.
Anonymous
()
This course provides a good way for a financial manager to teach these concepts to a non-financial manager.
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
This course provided a quick rundown of finance concepts. Maybe a little too quick, but a great reference.
Anonymous
(CFO)
This is a very fast-paced course. I wished more time was spent on the formulas to ensure understanding.
Lawrence Hirsch
(Controller at Builders design)
Blair is a beast of a presenter. You get the most content in the least time and relevant too.
John Noble
(Controller at eComEngine)
A fast-paced and well-made reminder of finance concepts I had partly forgotten since college.
David Pastor
(Treasury Analyst at LyondellBasell)
Thanks for the nice course
I would have liked more review questions to test my knowledge
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
It was a good summary of what I wanted to learn about finance within a short time frame.
Anonymous
(-)
Good refresher course to college finance classes. It's great if you already have a base.
Great course for a comprehensive overview of a difficult subject. Instructor is great.
Kevin Murray
(Controller at DA Collins)
This is a good basic course. There is a lot of information covered but its done well.
Jeanette Rooney, CPA, CGMA
(Finance Consultant / Finance Controller at Consultant)
This is a good, quick refresher course to get your mind going during Covid isolation.
Anonymous
()
Solid overview of the principles described, taught in an engaging, energetic way.
Olena Lejas
(HR Manager at SolarCity)
An excellent introduction course with exercises that help assimilate the concepts
Anonymous
(n/a)
Very energetic, I felt like I was watching an infomercial! The content was good.
Anonymous
(CFO)
Excellent presentation and examples of how finance theory is used in business.
Anonymous
(Sr. Accountant)
The overview was great but the some of the questions were awfully confusing!
George Holowko
(Operations & Finance Consultant at George Holowko, CPA, CCP)
Great information with which to freshen up financial terms and some skills.
Kevin Moschella
(Sr. Director, FP&A at Evidera)
Blair's fast pace and enthusiasm made this course very easy to listen to.
Georgios Baltos
( at EUI)
A very nice and challenging course. This was exactly, what I expected.
Elizabeth Thomas
( at Thomas Construction Services, LLC)
Very good introduction to finance. I liked the real world examples.
Hieu BUI-QUANG
(Corporate Finance Manager at Gravotech Group)
Very good material but prerequisite requirements should be higher.
Anonymous
()
Good stuff, covered complex principles in a succinct delivery.
Jean Hector
(Treasury Analyst at NCCI Holdings, Inc)
This was an excellent review of Corporate Finance principles.
Prashant Shah
(Manager-FP&A at jda)
Good Course . i expect all students to go through this course.
Keith Baker
(Data Analyst at Charter Communications)
Lots of information and the instructor is very entertaining.
Lindsay Elizondo
(President at Thomas Ho Company Ltd)
Nice high level course. I always enjoy Blair's enthusiasm.
Anonymous
(Head of Internal Audit)
Need a few pauses to read over. Info delivery was too fast.
Anonymous
(-)
decent, but exam questions don't relate well to material.
Anonymous
(Dir Acctg & Fin)
Nice finance refresher since college. Very informative.
Terri Salazar-Rodriguez
(None at None)
Good overview of how principles apply in real world.
Lin Gou
(Not Provided at Christian Church Foundation)
The content is highly focused and clearly explained.
Hicham Jawhar
(Financial controller at Basement Systems Quebec)
A nice over all review of the financial principals.
Anonymous
(Director, Compliance and Insurance)
Excellent overview of topics for non-finance staff.
Anonymous
(Farm and Nursery Manager)
Nicely done introduction. Slides were informative.
Siva Vinay
(Interim Controller at Navona)
very well summarized finance facts for finger tips
Anonymous
(CPA)
liked the organization and easy to follow topics
Anonymous
(Associate with Two Degrees)
Thorough and clear presentation of the concepts!
Tyler Kennedy
(Salaried Consultant at Salo)
This course is a great refresher on the basics!
Prasanna Thiruvenkatachari
(Partner at Shree Accounting LLC)
Risk management basics was a useful refresher
Anonymous
(Business Manager Finance)
Great detailed overview in short time frame.
Lynne Bromley Holloman
(Accounting Manager at Woodside Equine Clinic)
Helpful resource to keep handy for everyone!
Ted Stiefel
(VP Finance at Sydecar Inc)
Great introduction to finance principles!
Simon Adell
(Chief Financial Officer at Undisclosed)
Very nice, succinct summary of the topic.
Lorraine Teel
( at CBRE)
very good,supplements were very hepful
Anonymous
(-)
A helpful concise finance refresher
Bruce Reed
(Chief Financial Officer at PracticeLink)
This hits all the important points!
Anonymous
(Junior Accounts Receivable Clerk)
Informative and easy to follow
Larry Swanson
(Sr. Project Manager at Grant Thornton LLP )
Too much detail went too fast
Anonymous
(Treasury and Fixed Asset Accountant/Reco..)
Slightly fast for beginners
Anonymous
(Assistant Accounting Manager)
Very useful information.
Chris Hole
(Director of Internal Audit at Roseburg Forest Products)
Fast paced, kind of fun.
Tim Philips
(Controller at Self)
Good review of finance!
Anonymous
(Chief Financial Officer)
Good general overview.
Liliane SIV
(Financial Analyst at GravoTech group)
Not beguinnet level
Anonymous
(Vice President of Finance)
Great overall review
Benjamen Adams
(Not Provided at Adams Group)
Awesome information.
Robert Godfrey
(CPA at Robert Godfrey, CPA)
Great review course
Lou Mortillaro, CMA
(Accounting Manager at American Financial Resources)
Good finance intro
Anonymous
(SVP, Finance)
Great refresher!
Anonymous
(Budget & Accounting Manager)
review of ratios
Anonymous
(-)
Good course.
Hank Mishima
(VP - Risk Manager at US Bank)
Good course.
John Thompson
(CEO at westward mgt)
Good to Know
Anonymous
(Not Provided)
Pretty good.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
informative
Anonymous
(-)
good review
Stephen Hall
( at Systems Alliance)
Very useful
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
Very good.
Haley Gismondi
(CPA - Fund Accounting at Technology Crossover Ventures)
Helpful
Dennis R. Callahan
(CFO, Financial Reporting, Budgets, Inter.. at CFO Services | Fractional CFO, Financial..)
Great!
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
good
Anonymous
(Consultant)
Good
Max Davis
(Project Manager at Barclays)
Good
Anonymous
(Vice President Finance EMEA & ASIA P..)
Ok
Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Education Provider Information
Company:
Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact:
For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .