What should I learn before a business degree if I have never analysed a company's accounts?
You do not need prior experience analysing accounts to begin a business degree. Before starting, it can help to learn basic accounting terms, the accounting equation, how to read an income statement, balance sheet and cash-flow statement, and what common financial ratios indicate. Introductory spreadsheet skills and practice using a simple company annual report can also build confidence.
Key points
- Focus on understanding revenue, costs, profit, assets, liabilities, equity and cash.
- Learn to distinguish accounting profit from cash flow and consider what ratios say about performance and financial health.
- A short introductory accounting course, textbook or reliable online tutorial can provide structured preparation.
Things to check
- The expected background and the amount of accounting taught at the start vary by degree, university and country, so check the course description or contact the institution if you want precise preparation advice.