Purpose
This programme is designed to develop the financial literacy of professionals without a formal accounting background who use financial information in their daily work. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the main financial statements, key accounting concepts and financial analysis techniques, enabling them to interpret financial information, identify key performance indicators and warning signs, and use financial data more confidently to support effective business decisions and communication.
Training Objectives
Upon completion of the programme, participants will understand the purpose and structure of the main financial statements, interpret key financial information, and distinguish between core accounting concepts such as profit, cash flow, assets, liabilities and equity. They will be able to analyse financial performance using basic ratios and analytical techniques, identify potential financial risks and reporting issues, communicate financial information more effectively with stakeholders, and apply financial insights to support informed business decisions.
Participants
This program is suitable for a wide range of participants who use & assess financial information without being trained accountants. Indicatively, it is appropriate for general managers,heads of department,team leaders,supervisors,lawyers,notaries,corporate administrators,fiduciary&corporate services staff,compliance&AML officers,business development professionals, project managers, HR & operations professionals, procurement staff, office managers, client service professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, management consultants, analysts, administrators & employees working in professional services, banking, insurance, real estate, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, shipping, education, healthcare & other service sectors. It is also relevant for junior, mid-level & senior staff whose responsibilities increasingly require financial literacy, as well as unemployed persons wishing to improve their employability in related fields. No previous knowledge in accounting is required.
Topics
Module 1 | Finance as the Language of Business
Understanding why financial information matters
- The role of accounting in business decision-making
- Who uses financial information and why
- Fundamental accounting concepts and terminology
- Common misconceptions among non-financial professionals
Module 2 | Understanding Financial Statements
Learning how the financial reports fit together
- The four primary financial statements explained
- How each statement supports business analysis
- Reading notes, disclosures and financial information
- Practical navigation of a set of financial statements
Module 3 | The Statement of Financial Position
Assessing what a business owns and owes
- Assets, liabilities and equity
- Current vs. non-current items
- The accounting equation in practice
- Interpreting a balance sheet through practical examples
Module 4 | The Statement of Profit or Loss
Understanding business performance and profitability
- Revenue, expenses and profit
- Gross profit, operating profit and net profit
- Cost structures and operating performance
- EBIT, EBITDA and profitability analysis
- Practical interpretation exercises
Module 5 | Cash Flow & Working Capital
Looking beyond profit to understand cash
- Cash flow statement explained
- Operating, investing and financing activities
- Working capital management
- Liquidity vs. solvency
- Practical cash flow analysis
Module 6 | Financial Analysis & Key Performance Ratios
Turning numbers into meaningful business insights
- Liquidity, profitability, leverage and efficiency ratios
- Ratio calculation and interpretation
- Horizontal and vertical analysis
- Practical case study and financial performance assessment
Module 7 | Identifying Financial Risks & Red Flags
Recognising warning signs before they become problems
- Common reporting misconceptions
- Financial red flags and unusual trends
- Risks arising from poor interpretation
- Discussion of real-life examples
Module 8 | Using Financial Information for Better Decisions
Applying financial knowledge in the workplace
- Supporting budgeting, pricing and investment decisions
- Communicating financial information to non-financial stakeholders
- Integrating financial analysis into everyday business decisions
- Final practical case study, review and key takeaways
