Finance for Non-finance executives

The workplace is an ever evolving environment and nowadays Non Financial Managers are required to hold the information of key financial concepts. This has come about from the need to create synergy between the finance department and non finance departments so shared business objectives and drivers can be communicated effectively. The analytical tools used in modern corporate finance can be very complex. However, the basic concepts of modern finance are not difficult to grasp when presented in an applied and intuitive manner. Fortunately, it is just these intuitive concepts that the non-financial executive needs in order to succeed in a financial world. Improving business performance requires an understanding of the components of profit and value. This workshop to understand financial information will provide managers and business owners with effective financial skills to enable them to improve the financial performance of their business. The Finance for Non-Finance Executives course will unveil the mystery behind the world of finance and equip you with the necessary tools and skills to apply financial management techniques to improve performance. It demystifies finance and the finance department by explaining simply and clearly what they key financial statements mean, how they work and relate to each other and how the actions of managers affect them and the business. Our workshop will teach you the skill sets required to effectively communicate with financial managers. This seminar will showcase new financial management methods and lead to innovative ideas. The results of every business decision can be measured in numbers: dollars and cents; now you will understand how. Get a firm grasp on the numbers side of your job. Finance for Non-Finance Executives focuses on an intuitive appreciation of the fundamental concepts of finance and the ability to understand how these concepts are useful for decision making. It will not make you a financial expert, but it will enable you to understand the essential, intuitive principals behind modern finance. Through case studies and class interaction, we concentrate on understanding the practical application of the most important and widely used financial techniques.

An additional goal of the course is to enable improved communication with finance professionals both external and internal to the firm. The best executives think like investors: the individuals and corporations supplying the funds to finance the company. Consequently, we spend time considering the perspective of the firms constituents. Expanding the financial vocabulary of the participants also improves their ability to interact with finance professionals. Effective decision making involves analyzing the future consequences of todays decisions. Capital budgeting involves the selection of long-term assets of the firm. The intuition is simple: we are trying to find projects that are worth more than they cost. Related to this, projects have different levels of risk and we need to understand these risks to make sound business decisions. This section of the course illustrates techniques for estimating the cash flows from a project and determining if the project is beneficial for the business. The objectives of the course are: Recognize the goals of financial management. Define key accounting concepts. Recognize the use and characteristics of a balance sheet. Recognize the use and characteristics of an income statement. Identify a cash flow statement and how to use it. Recognize the use and characteristics of the notes to financial statements. Recognize the purpose and characteristics of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Identify the importance and characteristics of an audit and that of its primary documentation. Identify the different types of budgets. Describe the elements necessary to prepare a basic budget. Identify specific tools for analyzing and benchmarking financial information. Discuss the time value of money. Make better business decisions with a keen insight for the business numbers. Feel the confidence you need to work with financial professionals. Extend your professional skills...add career value. Create initiatives to optimize business to meet short- and long-term goals. See the underlying business dynamics of funds flow. Eliminate decision-making guesswork so you can assure delivery of the results you promise. Build cooperative working relationships with financial professionals that enhance your organizational value.

Think Finance and see how to transform performance measures into financial results. The accounting processrecording transactions in an organizations accounting system Generally accepted accounting principleswhat they are and how they affect your organizations books. Financial statement analysisinterpreting the financial signals of your company. Annual reportsevaluate the health of an organization. Analyze return on investmentthe payback method and various discounted cash flow methods such as net present value and internal rate of return. Work practical exercises to see how finance and accounting methods impact business decisions.

This program answers questions such as: What can we learn from the financial statements of a firm? The executive must play the role of detective in analyzing financial statements. What problem areas exist? What are the opportunities for improving efficiencies? What do the financial statements suggest about key areas of financial management: liquidity, efficiency, leverage or gearing, and profitability? From a financial standpoint, what are the key drivers of business success? What isnt shown on the financial statements? What is the difference between economic and accounting statements of financial health and performance?
1.1.1 Prerequisites

Knowledge of business English is advised. No advance preparation is required for this course. Correct financial terminology. Grounding in the history of the finance department. Interpreting financial statements. Managing financial performance measurement. Financial Forecasting. Financial Budgeting. Financial Investment appraisal.

1.1.2 Topics

Corporate financial assessment. Improving business profit and value. Analyzing financial statements to improve business performance. Analyzing revenue and costs. Financial analysis of business decisions. Capital investment evaluation and decisions. Cash management. Understanding the benefits of mastering key financial concepts. Understanding shareholder value. Return on Investment. Matching costs and revenue. Breakeven analyzing and risk management. Trading, profit and loss account. The balance sheet and the cash flow statement. Accounting standards. Defining key ratios. Calculating profitability, liquidity and stability. Recognizing and analyzing financial trends. Monitoring costs and performance against budget. Evaluating the long-term financial impact of certain decisions.

1.1.3 Course Benefits

The course will empower you with the knowledge required to present reports to boards or committees using the correct financial terminology. By the end of this practical course, you will be able to: Read and interpret key financial statements. Understand financial implications of business decisions. Use key financial ratios and indicators to assess and plan performance. Differentiate between profitability and solvency. Enhance your grasp of the intuitive concepts of finance. Gain increased experience, confidence, and ability through applied cases, interaction and discussion. Increase your ability to communicate with financial professionals. Identify the key features of financial reports. Interpret financial statements to determine where management attention should be directed.

Determine actions which will improve financial performance. Identify the important financial principles of business development. Determine from set options, financial strategies and their impact. Identify the important factors in capital investment decisions. Attendees will be at ease with financial language and get to grips with financial statements. Understand cash flow and cash management. Be able to radically improve planning and financial budgeting skills. Know what financial figures reveal understanding and interpreting accounts. Be more aware of the impact of decisions on the profitability of the business. Have a greater awareness of the finance function within the organization.

1.1.4 Who should attend?

This course is designed for managers, senior executives and business owners in nonfinancial positions wishing to extend their knowledge of modern finance. It is recommended for those who have limited familiarity with financial statements and concepts but want to understand the meaning that lies beyond the numbers, and improve communication with financial specialists. This seminar is designed for non-financial managers in every functional area, in all industries, in both public and private sectors.
1.1.5 Number of days and CPE Credits

This two days course is eligible for 16 CPE Credits.

Course Finance for Professionals Finance for Professionals Finance for Professionals Finance for Professionals Non Finance Non Finance Non Finance Non Finance

Days 2 2 2 2

City Accra Delhi Riyadh Jakarta

Country Ghana India Saudi Arabia Indonesia

Start 17-6-2011 28-9-2011 31-10-2011 19-12-2011

Finish 18-6-2011 29-9-2011 1-11-2011 20-12-2011

Fee $ $ $ $ 700 700 700 700