Active Curriculum

Finance & Business
Analytics

Build strong analytical and financial decision-making skills.

Learner
Syllabus Overview

Structured learning journey.

1
39 Mins

Financial Literacy Fundamentals

This module introduces learners to the core concepts of financial literacy that form the foundation of finance, accounting, and business analysis careers. Learners will explore the differences between personal and business finance, understand the purpose and structure of key financial statements, calculate and interpret important financial ratios and metrics, and learn the fundamentals of the time value of money. By the end of the module, learners will be able to read basic financial information and make informed financial decisions in both personal and business contexts.

Key Terminology

1Personal Finance: The management of an individual's income, expenses, savings, investments, and financial goals.
2Business Finance: The management of a company's financial resources, investments, revenues, and expenses.
3Revenue: The income earned by a business from its operations before expenses are deducted.
4Expense: A cost incurred in the process of generating revenue.
2
40 Mins

Excel for Financial Analysis

This module introduces learners to Microsoft Excel as a powerful tool for financial analysis and business decision-making. Learners will explore essential Excel functions such as VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and SUMIF; use pivot tables to summarize and analyze large datasets; apply financial formulas including PMT, NPV, and IRR; and implement data validation and error-checking techniques. By the end of the module, learners will be able to use Excel to organize financial data, perform calculations, and generate valuable business insights.

Key Terminology

1Excel: A spreadsheet software application used for data analysis, calculations, reporting, and financial modeling.
2Spreadsheet: A digital worksheet consisting of rows and columns used to organize and analyze data.
3Cell: The intersection of a row and column in a spreadsheet.
4Formula: An equation entered into a spreadsheet to perform calculations.
3
40 Mins

Advanced Excel Techniques

This module introduces learners to advanced Excel tools used by financial analysts, accountants, and business professionals to automate processes, transform data, perform forecasting, and build financial models. Learners will explore Power Query for data transformation, macros and basic VBA for automation, scenario analysis and What-If tools for decision-making, and financial modeling templates used in budgeting, forecasting, and valuation. By the end of the module, learners will be able to use Excel more efficiently and create analytical models that support strategic business decisions.

Key Terminology

1Power Query: An Excel tool used to import, transform, clean, and combine data from multiple sources.
2Data Transformation: The process of converting data into a format suitable for analysis.
3Data Source: The original location from which data is collected or imported.
4Data Cleaning: The process of correcting, removing, or standardizing inaccurate or incomplete data.
4
41 Mins

Power BI Fundamentals

This module introduces learners to Microsoft Power BI, one of the world's leading business intelligence and data visualization platforms. Learners will explore Power BI Desktop, connect to various data sources, build data models and relationships, and create basic DAX calculations using calculated columns and measures. By the end of the module, learners will understand how Power BI transforms raw data into interactive reports and dashboards that support business decision-making.

Key Terminology

1Power BI: Microsoft's business intelligence platform used for data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
2Business Intelligence (BI): The process of transforming data into actionable insights for decision-making.
3Power BI Desktop: The primary application used to create Power BI reports and data models.
4Dataset: A collection of related data used for analysis and reporting.
5
41 Mins

Building Interactive Dashboards

This module teaches learners how to design, build, and publish professional interactive dashboards using Power BI. Learners will explore dashboard design principles, create effective visualizations such as charts, graphs, and maps, implement filters, slicers, and drill-through functionality, and publish reports to Power BI Service for sharing and collaboration. By the end of the module, learners will be able to create user-friendly dashboards that transform complex data into actionable business insights.

Key Terminology

1Dashboard: A visual interface that displays key metrics and business information in a consolidated view.
2Data Visualization: The graphical representation of data to communicate insights effectively.
3Visual Hierarchy: The arrangement of dashboard elements to guide user attention toward important information.
4KPI (Key Performance Indicator): A measurable value used to evaluate business performance.
6
41 Mins

Business KPIs & Metrics

This module introduces learners to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the metrics organizations use to measure success. Learners will explore how KPIs align with business objectives, analyze sales metrics such as conversion rate, Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and Customer Lifetime Value (LTV), examine operational metrics related to efficiency and productivity, and evaluate financial metrics including ROI, EBITDA, and profit margin. By the end of the module, learners will understand how organizations use performance metrics to monitor results, improve operations, and support strategic decision-making.

Key Terminology

1Key Performance Indicator (KPI): A measurable value used to evaluate progress toward a specific business objective.
2Metric: A quantifiable measurement used to assess performance.
3Performance Measurement: The process of tracking and evaluating organizational performance.
4Benchmark: A standard or point of comparison used to evaluate performance.
7
39 Mins

AI-Assisted Forecasting

This module introduces learners to AI-assisted forecasting and predictive analytics. Learners will explore how historical data can be used to predict future outcomes, perform trend analysis and time series forecasting, use Excel's forecasting tools, and examine AI-powered forecasting capabilities available in modern business intelligence platforms such as Power BI and Tableau. By the end of the module, learners will understand how organizations use forecasting to support planning, budgeting, inventory management, and strategic decision-making.

Key Terminology

1Predictive Analytics: The practice of using historical data, statistical models, and AI techniques to predict future outcomes.
2Forecasting: The process of estimating future events or values based on historical information.
3Trend Analysis: The examination of data over time to identify long-term patterns or directions.
4Time Series Data: Data collected and organized in chronological order.
8
40 Mins

Financial Reporting & Analysis

This module introduces learners to financial reporting and analysis processes used by organizations to monitor performance and support decision-making. Learners will explore monthly and quarterly reporting cycles, perform variance analysis by comparing budgeted and actual results, apply management reporting best practices, and use data storytelling techniques to communicate financial insights effectively. By the end of the module, learners will understand how financial reports are created, analyzed, and presented to stakeholders.

Key Terminology

1Financial Reporting: The process of preparing and presenting financial information to stakeholders.
2Reporting Cycle: A recurring schedule used to produce financial reports, such as monthly or quarterly.
3Monthly Report: A financial report covering one month of business activity.
4Quarterly Report: A financial report covering three months of business activity.
9
40 Mins

Budgeting & Cost Management

This module introduces learners to budgeting and cost management practices used by organizations to plan resources, control spending, and achieve financial goals. Learners will explore budget preparation and planning processes, compare zero-based and incremental budgeting approaches, examine cost allocation methods, and learn techniques for tracking and controlling expenses. By the end of this module, learners will understand how effective budgeting supports decision-making, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.

Key Terminology

1Budget: A financial plan that estimates revenues, expenses, and resource requirements for a future period.
2Budgeting: The process of preparing, managing, and monitoring a budget.
3Budget Planning: The process of establishing financial goals and estimating future financial needs.
4Revenue Budget: A projection of expected income during a budgeting period.
10
41 Mins

Business Intelligence Tools

This module introduces learners to popular Business Intelligence (BI) tools used to transform data into actionable insights. Learners will explore Tableau fundamentals, Google Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio), compare major BI platforms, and learn how to select the most appropriate tool based on organizational needs. By the end of this module, learners will understand the strengths, limitations, and practical applications of leading BI solutions used in modern data analytics environments.

Key Terminology

1Business Intelligence (BI): Technologies and processes used to analyze data and support decision-making.
2Dashboard: A visual interface that displays key performance indicators and business metrics.
3Data Visualization: The graphical representation of information and data.
4Tableau: A business intelligence and data visualization platform used for analytics and reporting.
11
41 Mins

Data Visualization Best Practices

This module introduces learners to the principles of effective data visualization. Learners will explore how to select appropriate charts for different types of data, apply color theory and accessibility standards, avoid misleading visualizations, and understand the influential design principles developed by Edward Tufte. By the end of this module, learners will be able to create clear, accurate, and accessible visualizations that communicate insights effectively and support informed decision-making.

Key Terminology

1Data Visualization: The graphical representation of data to communicate information clearly and effectively.
2Bar Chart: A chart that compares values across categories using rectangular bars.
3Line Chart: A chart used to display trends and changes over time.
4Pie Chart: A circular chart that shows how categories contribute to a whole.
12
40 Mins

SQL for Business Analysts

This module introduces learners to Structured Query Language (SQL), one of the most important skills for business analysts working with data. Learners will explore database fundamentals, learn how to write SELECT queries, filter and sort data, perform aggregations, and combine information from multiple tables using joins and subqueries. By the end of this module, learners will be able to retrieve, analyze, and manipulate business data efficiently using SQL.

Key Terminology

1SQL: Structured Query Language used to manage and query relational databases.
2Database: An organized collection of structured data.
3Relational Database: A database that stores data in related tables.
4Table: A collection of related data organized into rows and columns.
13
39 Mins

Process Improvement & Efficiency

This module introduces learners to process improvement techniques used to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve organizational performance. Learners will explore value stream mapping, bottleneck identification, process automation opportunities, and continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and PDCA. By the end of this module, learners will be able to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness.

Key Terminology

1Process Improvement: The practice of analyzing and enhancing business processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
2Efficiency: Achieving desired outcomes using the least amount of resources.
3Productivity: The amount of output produced relative to the inputs used.
4Value Stream Mapping (VSM): A visual tool used to analyze and improve the flow of materials and information through a process.
14
39 Mins

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

This module introduces learners to the core functions of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), a critical discipline that helps organizations plan for the future, evaluate financial performance, and support strategic decision-making. Learners will explore rolling forecasts, sensitivity analysis, capital budgeting decisions, and the role of FP&A in strategic planning. By the end of this module, learners will understand how FP&A professionals transform financial data into actionable insights that guide business growth and long-term success.

Key Terminology

1Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): The business function responsible for budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and strategic decision support.
2Forecast: An estimate of future financial performance based on assumptions and available information.
3Rolling Forecast: A forecast that is updated continuously by extending the planning horizon as time passes.
4Projection: An estimate of future results based on historical data and expected trends.
15
41 Mins

Analytics Career Development

This module prepares learners for careers in business analytics, business intelligence, and data analysis. Learners will explore how to build a professional portfolio of dashboards and analytics projects, pursue industry-recognized certifications, develop effective resumes, prepare for interviews, and explore freelance opportunities in analytics. By the end of this module, learners will understand how to showcase their technical skills, market themselves effectively, and pursue career opportunities in the growing analytics industry.

Key Terminology

1Portfolio: A collection of projects and work samples that demonstrate professional skills and experience.
2Dashboard Portfolio: A curated collection of business intelligence dashboards and reports.
3Case Study: A detailed analysis of a business problem, solution, and outcomes.
4Business Analyst: A professional who analyzes business processes, data, and requirements to improve organizational performance.

Professional Certification

Complete 15 modules to unlock your verified certificate.