You don't have to have an accounting degree to make wise business decisions. Entrepreneurs running a start-up, corporate department managers, and small business owners need enough bookkeeping knowledge to understand basic financial statements. Financials help you keep a watchful eye on the financial strength and performance of your organization. And, they help you spot potential problems early enough to make adjustments to your purchasing and spending habits before they become detrimental to success. Financial statements also provide a snapshot of business activities to share with lenders, board members and investors.