Key details
Mode of delivery: Classroom-based
Course code: AFB29
Duration: 10 days
Fee: £8,285.00 + VAT
CPD Hours: 60
Course Overview
This Financial Accounting course provides a thorough overview of core financial and managerial accounting concepts. Attendees will learn the basics of accounting, including the purpose and structure of financial records, and how to prepare and analyse key financial statements such as the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. The course covers essential topics like financial management, shareholder reporting, risk and performance management, and the evolving role of the finance function. Participants will also explore strategic tools such as the balanced scorecard, and understand the limitations of financial accounts, with a focus on applying these insights to improve decision-making and organisational performance. The programme concludes with a review and actionable planning for practical implementation.
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
Day — 9 The Changing Role of the Finance Function
- Improving people
- Effectiveness in business
- Matching finance roles to objectives
- Measuring finance function performance
Day — 10 Course Review
- Summary and recap of key learning objectives
- Action planning
Post-Course
- Six (6) x hour-long Executive Coaching sessions at monthly intervals following Course Completion
Target Audience
This Financial Accounting course is suitable for:
- 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 Financial Accounting 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.
- Improve effectiveness of teams and individuals through financial awareness.
- Align finance roles with broader organisational goals and strategies.
- Measure and enhance the performance of the finance function using key performance indicators.
