Basic Financial Accounting Book

Does anyone have a readable financial accounting book or other source that they can recommend? I'm looking for something that would help with understanding the basics of investment banking and FA in general, so preferably not something super in-depth.

2 Comments
 

Ah, looking to get a grip on the financial accounting jungle, are we? Well, based on the most helpful WSO content, I'd swing you towards "Financial Modeling" by Simon Benninga. It's a treasure trove for understanding the basics and it's quite popular among the finance crowd. It's not just about accounting, but it'll give you a solid foundation in the financial analysis you'll need in investment banking.

Now, if you're hunting for something that's more accounting-focused and less about modeling, "Accounting Made Simple" by Mike Piper has been praised for its clarity and simplicity. It's not listed in the WSO threads, but it's a gem for beginners who want to understand the basics without getting lost in the weeds.

Remember, understanding the language of accounting is key in the world of finance, so kudos for tackling it head-on! Keep in mind, the WSO Elite Package also offers financial modeling courses that could complement your reading and give you a practical edge. Swing through those financial statements like a pro in no time!

Sources: Best accounting books or courses for stock investors, Books You Recommend, Advice for an ex-IB MD: What to read if you want to go into finance, Best resources to learn more about Finance & Investment Banking, Asset Management vs Investment Banking 101

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Est nam dolorem sunt laborum cupiditate voluptatum eius. Qui et fugit et et consequatur ea est culpa. Deleniti aut aliquid delectus dicta ea. Iusto aperiam consequatur doloremque atque vitae dolorum tenetur. Sequi quia ex sapiente.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”