Ten useful books to read next

1. 25 Need-to-Know Key Performance Indicators by Bernard Marr (Pearson, 2014)
   This book is part of the same series as 25 Need-to-Know Management Ratios. It is a superb complement as it largely focuses on non-financial performance measures. Used alongside the financial ratios covered in this book it is an essential part of every manager’s toolkit.
2. Key Management Ratios: The 100+ Ratios Every Manager Needs To Know by Ciaran Walsh (Pearson, 2008).
   As well as the 25 ratios covered here, this book covers many more whilst looking at these concepts in further depth. The concept of valuation is explored further with shareholder value analysis and acquisition accounting. There is a useful section on management decision making which looks at some internal ratios including those used for project appraisal. The concluding chapter on the integrity of accounting statements is particularly useful.
3. Ratios Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to the Key Financial Ratios by Robert Leach (Harriman House Ltd, 2010)
   Despite the title this is an excellent follow-up book to 25 Need-to-Know Management Ratios. It looks at many of the same ratios as well as other ratios in further depth. It is focused on investors versus business managers. However, understanding a business from the perspective of its investors is useful for any senior manager.
4. Finance Basics – Collins Business Secrets by Stuart Warner (HarperCollins, 2010)
   This book contains 50 secrets that will help you get to grips with finance basics. From students interested in business finance to chief executives who want to know more, this book explores reading financial statements, analysing business performance, estimating business value, making profit and improving cash flow. It is a useful complement to 25 Need-to-Know Management Ratios.
5. Accounts Demystified: The Astonishingly Simple Guide to Accounting by Anthony Rice (Prentice Hall, 2011)
   A well explained and simple guide to the fundamental principles of accounting, currently in its sixth edition. This book is focused on those without a financial background. Very useful for managers wishing to understand the accounts on which ratios are based.
6. How to Read a Financial Report: Wringing Vital Signs out of the Numbers by John A. Tracy and Tage Tracy (John Wiley & Sons, 2014)
   This bestselling book first published in1979 is currently in its eighth edition. Although focused on the US, the concepts covered are relevant to an international audience. It is very good at interpreting the connections between the three key financial statements.
7. Financial Ratios: How To Use Financial Ratios To Maximise Value and Success For Your Business by Richard Bull (CIMA Publishing, 2007)
   This book provides an in-depth insight into financial ratios. It will appeal to those who value illustrative models like those used in 25 Need-to-Know Management Ratios. This book uses the Enterprise Stewardship Model to illustrate the power and the limitations of financial ratios. The book also includes a supporting interactive CD.
8. Business Finance for Managers: An Essential Guide to Planning, Control and Decision Making by Ray Fitzgerald (Kogan Page, 2002)
   A well written practical guide to financial decision making with an emphasis on application versus theory. The book is designed for people from non-accounting backgrounds. Although last published in 2002, it covers perpetual principles still relevant today.
9. Essentials of Accounting by Leslie K. Breitner and Robert N. Anthony (Pearson Education, 2012)
   An interactive workbook which provides a self-teaching and self-paced introduction to financial accounting for those wishing to look at the topic in more depth. There is an optional accompanying book by the same authors.
10. Financial Accounting: An International Introduction by David Alexander and Christopher Nobes (Pearson, 2013)
    Although marketed as ‘an introductory book to anyone with little prior knowledge or new to this subject area’, this book is a comprehensive guide to financial accounting. It is an excellent book for anyone wishing to explore financial accounting in depth. A popular resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate (MBA) students.