Don't let your fear of finance get in the way of your success.

Can you prepare a breakeven analysis? Do you know the difference between an income statement and a balance sheet? Or understand why a business that's profitable can still go belly-up? Has your grasp of your company's numbers helped—or hurt—your career?

Whether you're new to finance or you just need a refresher, this go-to guide will give you the tools and confidence you need to master the fundamentals, as all good managers must.

The HBR Guide to Finance Basics for Managers will help you: learn the language of finance; compare your firm's financials with rivals'; shift your team's focus from revenues to profits; assess your vulnerability to industry downturns; use financial data to defend budget requests; and invest smartly through cost/benefit analysis.