FINANCE FOR NON-FINANCE MANAGERS

INTRODUCTION
Many managers make financial decisions every day, approving budgets, managing costs, evaluating projects, and contributing to strategic planning yet do so without formal finance training. This often leads to uncertainty, poor communication with finance teams, or decisions that unintentionally affect organizational performance.

This three-day training course is designed to demystify finance for non-finance managers. It focuses on building financial awareness, confidence, and practical understanding rather than technical accounting rules. Participants will learn how to read and interpret financial information, understand budgets and costs, assess performance, and make financially sound decisions that support organizational goals.

The training uses real-life business examples and simple explanations to ensure participants can immediately apply what they learn in their daily roles.
 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand basic financial concepts and terminology
• Read and interpret key financial statements
• Understand how budgets are prepared and managed
• Identify and control costs effectively
• Assess financial performance using key indicators
• Making better decisions using financial information

• Communicate more confidently with finance teams

   

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Understanding Finance in a Business Context

• Why finance matters to non-finance managers
• The role of finance in organizational success
• Basic financial terms and concepts
• How business activities translate into financial results

Module 2: Introduction to Financial Statements

• Overview of the main financial statements
• Understanding the income statement
• Understanding the balance sheet
• Understanding the cash flow statement

Module 3: Interpreting Financial Statements

• What financial statements are really telling you
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses
• Reading financial reports with confidence
• Common mistakes in interpretation

Module 4: Revenue, Costs, and Profitability

• Understanding different types of costs
• Cost behavior and cost drivers
• Profit margins and break-even concepts
• Managing profitability at departmental level

Module 5: Budgeting and Forecasting for Managers

• Purpose of budgets and forecasts
• Budget preparation and planning
• Managing budgets and controlling variances
• Practical budgeting tips for managers

Module 6: Cost Control and Financial Discipline

• Identifying waste and inefficiencies
• Cost control techniques
• Managing operational expenses
• Balancing cost reduction and performance

Module 7: Cash Flow Management

• Understanding cash versus profit
• Why cash flow is critical
• Managing receivables, payables, and inventory
• Avoiding cash flow challenges

Module 8: Financial Performance Measurement

• Key financial ratios and performance indicators
• Measuring efficiency and productivity
• Linking operational performance to financial results
• Using financial data to track progress

Module 9: Investment and Project Evaluation

• Basics of capital investment decisions
• Understanding risk and return
• Simple project evaluation techniques
• Making informed investment recommendations

Module 10: Financial Risk and Internal Controls

• Understanding financial risks
• Role of internal controls
• Fraud awareness and prevention
• Managing financial risk at managerial level

Module 11: Financial Decision-Making for Managers

• Using financial information in decision-making
• Evaluating trade-offs and alternatives
• Financial impact of strategic decisions
• Case examples and group discussions

Module 12: Practical Application and Action Planning

• Applying finance concepts to real work situations
• Reviewing key learning points
• Developing personal action plans
• Question and answer session