Making Sense of Finance - Essential Knowledge

Overview

Course duration: 2 days.

Many people have a mental block when it comes to financial information and are therefore nervous about dealing with it. This overview takes the fear out of finance by removing the myths and explaining basic financial concepts in a manner that is straightforward and easy to grasp.

By attending this course delegates will learn how financial information and budgets are compiled, interpreted and impact on their role. Furthermore, delegates will acquire the skills to run budgets, monitor department costs and assist in the preparation of financial information.

Is it right for me?

Suitable forthose with little or no prior understanding of business finance,and who are looking for an introductory overview that demystifiesbusiness finance and accountancy.

Something to consider: Are you a non-financial manager? As an alternative, you may want to consider

What will I learn?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify the users of financial information and their requirements.
• Remove the myths and fears about finance.
• Understand the jargon that surrounds many financial transactions.
• Read, understand and interpretbalance sheets, and income statements.
• Work more productively with colleagues from the finance department.
• Use a structured process to preparea budget,monitor actualcosts and take action toensure thebudget is met.
• Appreciate the importance of reducing unnecessary costs and working towards increased profitability.

What will it cover?

Finance at Work

• The nature of business, business goals, the importance of finance
• Why do companies prepare accounts?
• Who are the main users of financial information?
• Translatingfinancial jargon into plain English
• Finance as a means of measuring performance
• Understandingcapital and revenue andthe importance of this concept
• Understanding the distinction between financial and management accounting

An Introduction to the Key Financial Statements

• Profit and Loss Accounts
• The Balance Sheet
• Cash FlowStatements
• Reading the financial sections of an annual report
• Comparing theory with practice, producing a simple set of accounts

Using Financial Information

• Understanding the use of financial information as a management tool
• What the accounts are really telling us
• Understanding the bottom line

Budgeting Explained

• Budgets: What are they? Why are they needed?
• Understanding the budgeting process and your role in it
• Case study: preparing a budget, monitoring variances
• The nature of costs (fixed and variable, direct and indirect)
• Working out the break-even point

Working Capital - Cash Flow Within an Organisation

• Working capital: What it is? How do we monitor it? How can we maintain it?
• The distinction between profit and cash flow
• Why discrepancies between them occur
• • cash as opposed to credit events
  • effects of accruals/prepayments
  • effects of depreciation
• Case study: undertaking a cash flow forecast

Personal Development

• Formulating a personal action plan

Trainer Profile

Tracey Grice

This course does exactly what it says it’s going to!!

I put the delegates immediately at ease and take them through, at their pace, what they need to know to aid them in their everyday roles.

We work through the important finance areas and really ensure that everyone understands the terminology and jargon that we are faced with.No one is made to feel that they can’t keep up as all activities are designed to fit all abilities.

It’s a wonderful sight to see finance “shy” delegates actually enjoying the course and looking forward to applying their new knowledge back in the workplace.

The Faculty

Along with Lindsey Byrne, Tracey Grice is part of the dedicated faculty team who will deliver this course. The initials next to each date below indicate which trainer is scheduled to deliver which event.