Financial Intelligence: A Manager's Guide to Knowing What the Numbers Really Mean

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 2,353 ratings

Price: 15.47

Last update: 02-01-2025


About this item

Since its release in 2006, Financial Intelligence has become a favorite among managers who need a guided tour through the numbers, helping them to understand not only what the numbers really mean but also why they matter. This new, completely updated edition brings the numbers up to date and continues to teach the basics of finance to managers who need to use financial data to drive their business. It also addresses issues that have become even more important in recent years, including questions around the financial crisis and those around broader financial and accounting literacy.

Accessible, jargon-free, and filled with entertaining stories of real companies, Financial Intelligence gives nonfinancial managers the confidence to understand the nuance beyond the numbers to help bring everyday work to a new level.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Understand the numbers - Make better decisions...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2014
    I do have a few years (decades) of experience in the field - and many moons ago I completed most of the coursework for Ph.d. in accounting before deciding academia was not where I wanted to be. I taught the subject at the University level for more than 5 years and now train on this subject internationally. My background also includes working as an auditor and many years wearing the corporate controllers hat. I say this because I want to make clear that this book is not just for beginners, or people without a background in the field.

    I recommend this book to everyone. Accounting and finance are not easy subjects especially if you jump in and start with the technical aspects of it. Put simply the better you understand the numbers - the better your business decisions will be. I view this book as providing an excellent foundation - the more you build your core knowledge of the subject the better. Remember the key in business is making better business decisions - don't be overly impressed by people who can spout GAAP at you with in terms you don't understand. The real experts can, and should, be able to translate the rules in a fashion that aids in understanding (1) why the rule is there in the first place, and (2) how it impacts you business and the decisions it makes.

    This book is written in a fashion that will not put even non-accountants to sleep and it paints enough pictures with examples of accounting misdeeds to keep it interesting - and to really drive home how seemingly innocuous (in some cases) changes to how transactions are recorded and paint a very different picture of the health of an organization.

    If you are in business / work - do yourself, your future and your business a favor by increasing your understanding of the numbers. This book is a great place to start....
  • Vladimirror
    5.0 out of 5 stars Finance 0-100 in Under 300 Pages!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2016
    This book was absolutely amazing!

    I took about a year of accounting courses in college, but never quite learned the intricacies of financial statement analysis. I wanted to learn not only about corporate finance, but also how to analyze financial statements. Thus, my search was on.

    After researching book stores and reading forums online, I learned about this book, which I looked up on Amazon.com. I love books that get straight to the point, so when I saw that this book covered corporate financial management and financial statement analysis in under 300 pages, I was in!

    I purchased the book from Amazon and I read it in about two weeks. I literally could not put it down. The authors speak like human beings and actually make math and finance fun and interesting. In those two weeks alone, I not only gained a better understanding of accounting, but I learned how to evaluate investments and make management decisions based on company finances.

    The book covers income statement analysis, balance sheet analysis, cash flow statement analysis, performance ratios, a bit of inventory management (like a financial intro to lean), and advanced capital expenditure analysis through concepts like discounted cash flow analysis.

    This book took me from feeling like I'd never understand certain things, to being able to discuss finance like an executive manager.

    I'm not kidding either, the book dives straight in and explains everything in a no nonsense approach.

    Financial Intelligence acted like a learning springboard for me by providing a foundation for me to read deeper into finance.

    I 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for a place to begin their finance studies.
  • Cliff Climber
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I was looking for!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2021
    This was exactly what I was looking for! The best financial book I've ever read for non-financial managers. It really helped my understanding of corporate finance. I think very helpful for a small business owner as well to understand their business and starting thinking like a big business when making important financial decisions. It's important to note that this is not an accounting book (as the authors stated) and details of charts of accounts are left out. That said, it was clearly stated what the purpose was and it nailed it. I've purchased the book for my son who is in college studying business and was confused by his professors - I think it will help him clear things up. I plan on buying more for my colleagues. As crazy as it sounds, it was hard to put down - I just kept wanting to read more as it explained all the voodoo finance so well. Every business owner, sales rep, manager or anyone wishing to understand how finance is used for decision making should buy this book.
  • Gladiator
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fundamental managerial finance concepts explained well
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2024
    Managerial Finance concepts explained in easily understandable manner with well illustrated simple examples. Highly recommended book.
  • fernando dominguez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Finance was hard until this :)
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
    Loved this book. As a business administrator I am familiar with financials. However, the approach this book has gave me the necessary tools to understand the logic behind financials and even more important demystify the belief that financials are "hard coded", instead they are an art and it's my job to analyze financial statements properly to arrive at real solutions.

    Pretty excited to apply my newly acquired knowledge with my clients and become a financial intelligence expert!
  • Chad Hudson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most approachable and helpful finance book I have read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024
    They tell great stories, explain financial concepts in a digestible manner that makes a financial book easy and enjoyable to read! I learned a significant amount from this book.I definitely recommend it.
  • Kris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024
    This book explains a lot about what accounting is creating in a financial statement. Helps you understand what you should be evaluating in combination with the net profit / loss.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book on Finance.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023
    This book is replete with financial insight. It's an easy read even for non financial executive. Highly recommended to become a financial savvy.

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