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Once Upon A Balance Sheet: How To Make Better Decisions, Drive Growth and Increase Profits

#1 Amazon Hot New Release in Managerial Accounting.

#1 Amazon Hot New Release in Adult & Continuing Education

#2 Amazon Bestseller in Managerial Accounting

 

Finance doesn’t have to be complex to be clear. It can be seriously fun.

Once Upon a Balance Sheet isn’t your typical finance book. It’s a story-driven experience designed for leaders, professionals, and teams who have always felt a little unsure around numbers and are finally ready to understand financials with clarity and confidence.

Beyond formulas and jargon, you’ll meet a cast of memorable characters inside the Financial Storyverse®. Each one helps you make sense of concepts that once felt overwhelming. This is Financial Storytelling in action: visual, engaging, and surprisingly enjoyable. It’s about making finance seriously fun while giving you the confidence to use numbers with purpose.

Whether you’re sharpening existing skills or starting from scratch, this book will help you read financial statements with new eyes, make smarter decisions, and build financially impactful teams and culture.

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

● Understand the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, and Cash Flow without jargon

● Spot red flags early and avoid costly mistakes

● Connect numbers to real-world business decisions that drive growth

● Engage in confident conversations about financials, even without a finance background

● Turn numbers into a strategic advantage for your organisation

In today’s fast-changing world shaped by AI and accelerating change, finance must become more than just a language of business. It needs to become the language of leadership that blends clarity, empathy, and impact.

That philosophy is what James C Foo Leong calls finance with heart. It is the foundation behind his Financial Storytelling way, an approach that not only makes finance simpler but also deeper, actionable, and unforgettable. It underpins the visual finance tools he has created and the cast of characters from the Financial Storyverse®, including Count Jargon, Miss Numbers, STEPH Model®, Huat, and Master C FOO.

Endorsed by board chairs, independent directors of listed companies, CEOs, professors, entrepreneurs, and global business minds, including leaders in finance, law, education, and the public sector.

Once Upon a Balance Sheet is your gateway to the Financial Storyverse®. Probably the happiest place to learn finance.

S$29.90 exc. GST

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For eTextbook orders, the access codes will be emailed to you within 5~7 working days. For back-ordered printed books, please allow 3~4 weeks for delivery.
ISBN: 9789819427161 Categories: , ,

About the Author:-

James C Foo Leong is an Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore and a Chartered Accountant of Singapore and Australia. He is the creator of the Financial Storyverse®, a unique world of characters and metaphors that bring finance to life, and the founder of the Financial Storytelling approach, a visual, story-first method that makes finance clear and compelling. He is also the developer of trademarked systems such as the STEPH Model® and Accounting in a Box®, which are used by learners internationally.

He was featured in the SG60 Independent Showcase, honouring Singapore’s sixty most celebrated trainers and speakers during the nation’s 60th-year celebrations, and highlighted in an International Teachers’ Day Special by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) for his contributions to financial education and leadership development.

James has delivered programmes for participants across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. He is trusted across sectors including finance, healthcare, government, non-profit, and listed companies. Over the years, he has helped leaders from startups to Fortune 500 companies transform financial confusion into clarity, confidence, and results, making finance not only understandable but also practical and relatable.

Testimonials:-

· “I would strongly encourage you and your team to make full use of this invaluable resource to grow a successful business.” — Lim Ming Yan, Chairman, Changi Airport Group; Lead Independent Director, SembCorp Industries Limited; Former President & Group CEO, CapitaLand

· “Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or simply someone eager to enhance your financial literacy, this indispensable guide is a must-read.” — Fann Kor, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

· “Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your financial understanding. Get your hands on Once Upon a Balance Sheet today and start your journey towards financial mastery.” — David Gerald, Founder, President & CEO, Securities Investors Association (Singapore)

· “I especially recommend this for non-profit board directors and managers tasked with achieving high-impact work with limited resources.” — Theresa Goh, Chairperson, Charity Council; Board Member, NCSS & AIC; Fellow, Singapore Institute of Directors

· “This book provides the guidance needed to make informed decisions. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to secure their financial future and thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.” — Christopher Tan, CEO, Providend

· “I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking to demystify finance and drive business success through enhanced financial insight.” — Su-Yen Wong, Past Chairperson, Singapore Institute of Directors; Independent Director

· “This is an indispensable guide that belongs on the shelf of any HR practitioner serious about driving business success from the inside out.” — Dr Fermin Diez, PhD, SPHR, GRP, IHRP-MP, FSID; Adjunct Professor, NUS & SMU; Governing Council Member, Singapore Institute of Directors

Year

2025

Format

Paperback

Author

James C Foo Leong

Publisher

Visions.One Consulting Pte Ltd