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Finance for Non-Financial Professionals

Commercial Financial Awareness

FA16

Introduction

In the dynamic world of business, understanding financial fundamentals is crucial for every professional aiming to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to their organisation's success. This course equips non-financial managers with essential financial literacy, enabling them to interpret financial statements, understand key financial ratios, participate actively in budgeting processes, and make sound investment decisions. By demystifying financial concepts, the programme empowers participants to enhance their strategic thinking and improve their organisation’s financial health.

Who should attend

This course is specifically designed for non-financial managers, team leaders, and supervisors who seek to acquire a robust understanding of financial principles to enhance their decision-making skills. It is ideal for professionals across all sectors who wish to gain insights into financial management without prior financial knowledge.

COURSE PROFILE

Foundations of Business Finance

  • Overview of business structures: sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited companies
  • Fundamentals of equity and debt financing
  • Principles of financial health and risk management
  • Key considerations in selecting funding options
  • Impact of financial decisions on business sustainability

Interpreting Financial Statements

  • Structure and components of balance sheets
  • Understanding income statements and cash flow statements
  • Techniques for financial analysis and interpretation
  • Common pitfalls in reading financial reports
  • Practical exercises on real-world financial statements

Mastering Financial Ratios and KPIs

  • Introduction to key financial ratios: liquidity, solvency, and profitability
  • Calculating and interpreting key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Using financial metrics to assess organisational performance
  • Benchmarking and comparative analysis
  • Scenario-based exercises on ratio analysis

Strategic Budgeting and Cost Management

  • Concepts of strategic planning and operational budgeting
  • Techniques for effective budget creation and management
  • Understanding fixed, variable, and semi-variable costs
  • Strategies for cost control and reduction
  • Role-playing scenarios on negotiating budgets

Decision-Making in Finance

  • Fundamentals of cash flow forecasting and management
  • Introduction to Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and its applications
  • Understanding Return on Investment (ROI) and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)
  • Integrating financial analysis in decision-making
  • Group activity on investment appraisal techniques
SKILLS

At the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • Identify and understand different business structures and their implications on financial management.
  • Read and interpret key elements of financial statements accurately.
  • Apply financial ratios and KPIs to assess the health and performance of an organisation.
  • Participate effectively in strategic budgeting and cost control processes.
  • Make informed financial decisions using advanced techniques like DCF and ROI analysis.
  • Manage financial risks and understand their impact on an organisation’s stability.
  • Engage confidently in discussions and negotiations involving financial aspects of business.
  • Develop a strategic approach to financing and investment that aligns with organisational goals.

 

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