Course Description

Understanding and interpreting financial information is essential for all levels of personnel, both within and outside the finance function, if they are to properly contribute to the success of the business. In this PROGRAM you will learn:

·         The full scope of financial information and reporting supported by a foundation of the important aspects of theory together with practical methods and techniques

Course Objective

·         Understand the basic areas of accounting and finance, the terminology and the structure

·         Learn a range of practical analytical skills for interpreting and handling financial information

·         Understand the key elements of accounting in the context of a practical working environment

·         Be more confident about dealing with financial information, particularly when reviewing other companies’ financial data

·         Be able to read and interpret information presented in financial reports

·         Enhance their decision-making skills on financial matter

Training Methodology

You will learn by active participation during the seminar, through the use of exercises, case studies, questionnaires, syndicate and group discussion, and discussions on "real life" issues in their organisations.

Seminar Summary

The seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the general nature of the business finance and seeks to de-mystify the accounting process. You are introduced to a complex topic in a clear and understandable manner, and understand the importance of the finance and financial objectives to the success of the organisation.

Who Should attend?

·         Anyone who needs to acquire a broader understanding of finance to improve their current role or plan their future career

·         Financial staff who need to expand their knowledge beyond their current experience, particularly if they are considering taking up professional qualifications

·         Non-financial personnel who use financial information in their job and are called on to make financial decisions

·         This programme will be particularly useful for staff working in a smaller company where they are required to take on financial responsibilities alongside an operational role

Course Outline

Day 1

Understanding different types of Financial Information

·         Who uses financial information and why?

·         The flow of information in a company

·         Distinguishing different types of information and what it is derived from

·         Basic accounting terminology explained

·         Reporting formats

Day 2

The Cash Cycle

·         Cash versus profit

·         The flow of money in and out of a company

·         How this is managed and controlled

·         Customers & Suppliers: The collection and payment processes

·         Where finance comes from

·         Basic cash flow statements

Day 3

Inventory and Fixed Assets

·         How we establish the value of a companies’ inventory

·         Different methods of valuation

·         How fixed assets are recorded

·         Asset lives and depreciation

·         The physical verification of assets

Day 4

Financial Statements

·         Understanding the composition of the Profit and Loss Account

·         Computing profitability ratios

·         The Balance Sheet explained

·         Using financial ratios

·         Interpreting results and making comparisons between companies

Day 5

Costing and Budgeting

·         How we classify costs and set standards

·         Different costing methods used in business

·         Basic forecasting techniques

·         Preparing a departmental budget

·         Comparing actual performance with the budget