Lesson series

PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE I

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Course Overview

This course introduces learners to the fundamental principles of finance and how they support sound business and personal financial decision-making. Through real-world examples, applied activities, and structured lessons, students explore how money is managed, invested, and evaluated within organizations. The course emphasizes practical financial literacy, analytical thinking, and responsible financial decision-making to support business operations, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. 

What You’ll Learn

By completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Understand the role of finance in business and economic decision-making
  • Explain core financial concepts such as risk, return, and time value of money
  • Analyze financial statements to evaluate business performance
  • Apply basic financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting techniques
  • Understand sources and uses of funds within organizations
  • Recognize ethical considerations and responsibilities in financial management 

Learning Experience

This course includes a mix of:
  • Structured, lesson-based instruction
  • Real-world financial examples and case studies
  • Applied problem-solving and financial analysis exercises
  • Interactive activities focused on financial decision-making
  • Assessments designed to reinforce practical financial understanding 

Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, learners will have a strong foundation in financial principles and the ability to apply financial reasoning in business and professional contexts. Students will be prepared to interpret financial information, support informed decision-making, and continue into advanced finance coursework or applied business pathways.

Course contents

Montrese Carlisle

Montrese A. Carlisle is an accomplished accounting educator with over two decades of professional experience in finance and accounting instruction. An adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College, Montrese has passionately guided students through complex subjects such as Accounting I, Algebra, Quantitative Math, Microsoft applications, and business-related courses. Her dynamic teaching style and commitment to clarity in communication have consistently earned exceptional student feedback, achieving ratings that significantly surpass institutional averages.

Montrese’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her extensive professional background further enhances her classroom effectiveness, notable as the Director of Finance at Ivy Tech Community College and through roles involving significant responsibilities in cash management, financial reconciliation, and student financial transactions. Montrese’s deep understanding of real-world financial operations and exceptional interpersonal skills allow her to create an enriching learning environment, positioning students to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers in accounting and finance.
course instructors

Samuel Jones

When done compassionately, scientific outcomes are a beautiful reflection of the poetry of life. In nature, Sam Jones is a poet. With nurture, he is a director of stewardship, utilizing his CPA and business professional acumen to consult with nonprofit organizations and small businesses, which he has done for the past decade. His adoration for restoration, reviving, and thriving guided his pursuit of independent consulting.

Sam began his career as a public accountant with EY and Sikich, working in the Tax and Assurance units and serving nonprofit and manufacturing clients across health care, education, construction, steel distribution, and plastic manufacturing industries. Deeply committed to his community, he serves on the boards of the Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis and Greater Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity and mentors aspiring CPAs through the Indiana CPA Society and the Young Professional Leadership Academy, striving to empower others and cultivate meaningful change.