Key details
Mode of delivery: Classroom-based
Course code: AFB28
Duration: 8 days
Fee: £6,855.00 + VAT
CPD Hours: 48
Course Overview
This comprehensive course covers fundamental accounting principles, including the purpose and structure of financial records, and the importance of financial reporting standards. Participants will learn to prepare and interpret key financial statements such as the profit and loss account and the balance sheet, with a focus on measuring income, expenses, and managing working capital. The course also explores how financial information supports decision-making through ratios and performance management tools, while discussing the limitations of financial accounts and alternative approaches. Week 1 concludes with a review, objectives recap, and action planning to apply the concepts effectively.
The course also offers insights into essential financial and strategic management concepts. Participants will learn how to prepare and analyse cash flow statements, understand the importance of effective financial management, and appreciate the value of shareholder reporting. The programme covers strategic accounting practices, including using the balanced scorecard, managing risk and uncertainty, and employing performance objectives and tools to drive business success.
Agenda
Day — 1 Accounting Basics
- An introduction to accounting
- The purpose of, and format of accounting records
- Why we use financial reporting standards
Day — 2 The Profit and Loss Statement
- The format of legal accounting statements
- Measurement and reporting of income, expenses, and profit
- Understanding the differences between opex and capex
Day — 3 The Balance Sheet
- How to construct a balance sheet
- How to use the accounting equation
- The importance of working capital
Day — 4 Financial Accounting and Decision-Making
- Performance management and decision-making tools
- Using financial and non-financial ratios
- Limitations of, and alternatives to financial accounts
Day — 5 Weekly Review
- Summary and recap of key learning objectives
- Action planning
Day — 6 Cash-Flow Statements
- The different sources and importance of cash
- The difference between cashflow and profit
- How to prepare cashflow statements
Day — 7 Financial Management
- The importance of financial management
- How to analyse financial statements
- The value of shareholder reporting
Day — 8 Strategic Accounting
- Using the balanced scorecard model in business
- Why risk and uncertainty are important in business
- Performance management objective and tools
Course Review
- Summary and recap of key learning objectives
- Action planning
Post-Course
- Five (5) x hour-long Executive Coaching sessions at monthly intervals following Course Completion
Target Audience
- Finance Officers and Assistants
- Junior to Mid-Level Accountants
- Business Analysts
- Budgeting and Planning Professionals
- Operational Managers seeking financial skills
- Newly appointed Finance Managers
- Non-finance professionals who need to understand financial documents
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to improve financial literacy
- Public sector and NGO staff with budget or financial oversight roles
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to implement a successful strategy that enables you to:
- Understand the basic principles and concepts of accounting.
- Explain the purpose and format of accounting records and their importance in business.
- Identify the role and benefits of Financial Reporting Standards in ensuring consistency and comparability.
- Recognise the legal format and structure of financial statements.
- Measure and report income, expenses, and profit accurately using appropriate methods.
- Distinguish clearly between operating expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX).
- Construct a balance sheet and understand its key components.
- Apply the accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity) to real-world scenarios.
- Significance of working capital in maintaining business liquidity and operational efficiency.
- Use financial and strategic decision-making tools to assess performance.
- Apply both financial and non-financial ratios to interpret performance indicators.
- Identify limitations of traditional financial accounts and explore alternative approaches for evaluation.
- Explain various sources of cash and their importance for operational sustainability.
- Differentiate between cash flow and profit, and understand their respective roles in financial planning.
- Prepare and interpret cash flow statements effectively.
- Understand the broader role and objectives of financial management.
- Analyse financial statements to evaluate business performance.
- Recognise the importance of transparent and informative shareholder reporting.
- Apply the Balanced Scorecard framework for strategic performance management.
- Understand the impact of risk and uncertainty on business operations and financial decisions.
- Use performance management objectives and tools to drive results across functions.
Course dates
Feb 9, 2026 - Feb 18, 2026
Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 8, 2026
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 4, 2026
Categories
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