The Economist guide to financial management (Second edition)

Managers are constantly expected to make decisions fully understanding the financial consequence.

In the absence of formal training few people are prepared for the responsibilities of dealing with management reports, budgets and capital proposals, and find themselves embarrassed by their lack of understanding. This book is a practical guide to understanding and managing financial responsibilities: 'how to assemble a budget', 'how to read variances on a report', 'how to construct a proposal to invest in new equipment'.

By taking the actual things that managers have to do, each chapter explores the range of principles that can be applied, illustrate practical ways the principles are used and provide guidance for implementation.

The book will help the reader understand financial jargon, financial statements, management accounts, performance measures, budgeting, costing, pricing, decision-making and investment appraisal.

This second edition has been fully revised and expanded with detailed examples from around 100 leading businesses around the world.