Finance for Non-Financial Managers

5 Modules

20 Lessons

Beginner to Intermediate

Demystifying Financial Concepts for Informed Business Decisions

Course Summary

Understanding finance is a critical skill for any manager—regardless of department or function. This course demystifies key financial concepts and provides you with the tools to interpret financial data, control budgets, and make effective, profit-driven decisions. By bridging the gap between core finance principles and your day-to-day managerial responsibilities, you’ll gain greater confidence in contributing to financial discussions and guiding business strategy. Through a blend of practical exercises and real-world examples, “Finance for Non-Financial Managers” clarifies terminology, highlights crucial financial statements, and demonstrates techniques for forecasting and budgeting. Whether you’re looking to effectively communicate with finance teams or enhance your understanding of cash flow, revenue, and expenses, this course will empower you to take decisive, informed actions that support organizational growth.

Course duration:

Five days (In-Person and Online Options available)

Course Overview:

In this intensive 5-day program, we’ll explore the building blocks of corporate finance and unravel the complexities of balance sheets, income statements, and cash-flow statements. You’ll discover how these financial reports connect to broader operational strategies and why they are essential to making data-driven business decisions. By interpreting ratios, trends, and forecasts, you’ll gain a clearer picture of organizational performance and the key levers that drive profitability. Interactive sessions, case studies, and collaborative group work will allow you to practice budget management, cost analysis, and capital expenditure evaluation in a controlled environment. You’ll leave with actionable strategies and proven methods to analyze opportunities, mitigate financial risks, and engage confidently in financial conversations—both within your department and at the executive level.

What you'll get:

Practical Knowledge: Develop core finance skills for immediate workplace application. Hands-On Exercises: Engage with real-world case studies and interactive group work. Confidence in Decision-Making: Learn to interpret financial data to support strategic decisions. Networking Opportunities: Collaborate and share insights with peers from various industries. Certificate of Completion: Showcase your achievement and new-found expertise.

Interactive Learning: Engaging sessions with real-world examples and live demonstrations.
Practical Focus: Hands-on labs to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios.
Collaborative Activities: Group exercises and discussions to enhance understanding.

Course Curriculum

Day 1

Fundamentals of Finance

1.Introduction to Key Financial Terminology

2.Understanding the Balance Sheet

3.Income Statement Basics

4.Cash Flow Statement Overview

5.The Role of Finance in Different Business Functions

6.Common Financial Misconceptions

Day 2

Tools for Financial Analysis

1.Ratio Analysis (Profitability, Liquidity, Efficiency)

2.Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Analysis

3.Breakeven Points and Margins

4.Introduction to Financial Forecasting

5.Business Case Evaluations

Day 3

Budgeting and Cost Control

1.Types of Budgets (Operational, Capital, Zero-Based)

2.Budget Planning and Preparation

3.Cost Control Techniques and Variance Analysis

4.Departmental vs. Organizational Budget Alignment

5.Expense Management Strategies

Day 4

Investment Decisions and Risk Management

1.Capital Expenditure (CapEx) vs. Operational Expenditure (OpEx)

2.Return on Investment (ROI) and Payback Period

3.Introduction to Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

4.Identifying and Mitigating Financial Risks 5.Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis

6.Case Study: Evaluating a Business Investment Proposal

Day 5

Financial Strategies and Communication

1.Linking Financial Data to Strategic Planning

2.Communicating Financial Insights to Stakeholders

3.Working with Cross-Functional Finance Teams

4.Building Financial Dashboards and Reports

5.Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

Who This Course Is Suitable For:

Department managers and supervisors looking to enhance financial literacy. Team leads and project managers responsible for budgets and cost controls. Entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to optimize financial decisions. Professionals with limited or no finance background.

Student watching the Integrating sustainability into Project Management course

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of general business concepts.
No prior financial experience is required—this course is designed for non-financial managers.

Delivery Method

Instructor-Led: Live classroom (or virtual) sessions led by a finance expert.

Interactive Workshops: Group discussions, case studies, and problem-solving activities.

Digital Resources: Course slides, templates, and supplemental reading provided electronically.

Practical Exercises: Real-world application of finance tools and techniques under guided supervision.

Certificate

Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the workshop, validating their understanding and proficiency in integrating sustainability into project management practices.