Provides basic grounding in the principles of financial and management accounting. It delivers self guided training for the non-specialist who needs an appreciation of the purposes and use of financial information. Written in a clear and concise style, the author avoids the use of technical jargon, making the book accessible to those with no previous knowledge of the subject. Self test questions provide regular opportunities for readers to assess their progress and level of knowledge. Updated throughout, the third edition now includes a new chapter on Investment Appraisal techniques from the point of view of the non specialist, extending the final part of the book - Using Financial Information to manage a business.

Janet Walker is a freelance lecturer and consultant, specialising in courses in Financial Awareness

Trained as a management accountant with Brooke Bond Oxo Limited, qualifying as a Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) in 1981. After seven years in industry, joined Croydon College in 1982 as a Senior Lecturer in management accounting and financial management. Studied for MBA at City University Business School in 1987/88. Worked as a full-time author for BPP Publishing Limited for eighteen months from 1990, responsible for writing and technical editing of a range of accountancy and marketing texts and workbooks. Set up own business in 1991 as a freelance lecturer and consultant, specialising in presenting courses in Financial Awareness for a variety of clients, including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), City University Business School, V & A Museum, Markel International, National Lottery Heritage Fund, ICL Systems Service, Norwich Union, Weetabix Limited and the General Dental Council. Also providing financial planning and marketing consultancy services to small businesses. Other books published are primarily through BPP Publishing as above, and a number of CIMA Study Systems through CIMA Publishing.

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Accounting Statements 1. Who Needs Accounting Statements? 2. The Profit and Loss Account (Income Statement) 3. The Balance Sheet 4. Cash Flow Reporting 5. The Accounts of Not-for-profit Organisations 6. Interpreting Financial Statements: Part 1 7. Interpreting Financial Statements: Part 2

Part 3 Using Financial Information to Manage a Business 8. Management Accounting as an Aid to Management 9. The Analysis of Cost 10. Using Costs for Decision-making 11. Budgetary Planning and Control 12. Making long term investment decisions