Finance for Non-Finance Professional

Executives and professionals outside the finance department increasingly face financial decisions impacting strategic outcomes. This course provides a solid understanding of financial principles, empowering non-finance professionals to interpret financial data, communicate effectively with finance teams, and contribute confidently to budgeting, investment, and strategic decisions.

• Interpret key financial statements and assess financial performance using ratios.
• Communicate financial insights clearly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and control budgets aligned with business strategy.
• Evaluate investment options using discounted cash flow and other appraisal tools.
• Manage costs and improve financial decision-making in operational contexts.

• Sales and marketing executives
• Project and supply chain professionals
• Human resources and legal managers
• Internal auditors and cross-functional senior staff

1. The Business & Financial Environment

• Role of financial management in business
• Strategic financial planning
• Accounting conventions and IFRS standards

2. Financial Statements & Analysis

• Core financial reports overview
• Liquidity, profitability, and efficiency analysis
• Working capital and cash flow management

3. Budgeting Principles and Practices

• Budgeting objectives and frameworks
• Budget preparation and negotiation
• Variance analysis and performance tracking

4. Cost Management and Optimization

• Types of costs: fixed, variable, and mixed
• Break-even and CVP analysis
• Operational cost optimization strategies

5. Strategic Financial Decision Making

• Financing sources: debt vs. equity
• Cost of capital and WACC
• Decision-making frameworks

6. Investment Appraisal Techniques

• Appraisal methods: ARR, Payback, NPV, IRR
• Time value of money in decision-making
• Capital investment challenges

7. Risk and Performance Management

• Identifying financial risks
• Risk mitigation and planning under uncertainty
• Performance evaluation tools

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Financial analysis case scenarios
• Budgeting and forecasting exercises
• Capital investment evaluation case

The course combines various teaching methods, including instructor-led presentations, group discussions, case study analyses, and assessments through quizzes and a final exam to engage participants and ensure they understand and retain the material.