Who Should Attend?

This program is ideal for those who recognise that, to further their careers, they would benefit from a greater understanding of how the financial side of their business operates. It is specially designed for those who are not working in a finance or accounting role, but who need to learn the basics of finance for their job. It may also be helpful for those who work in a junior role in the accounting sector, but who have never had any formal training. It has proved to be a very helpful and useful program for managers, sales and marketing personnel, account managers, senior sales executive, etc. This is because it gives the financial knowledge and insight to make better informed business decisions in their day-to-day work.

About The Program

All employees can be more productive if they have a clear understanding of the financial and commercial considerations that impact their business. This course is designed to fill the financial knowledge gap, in a fast-moving, interactive format, that focuses on acquiring the practical skills of business finance. The jargon, conventions, and formats of accounting are translated into simple, easy-to-understand language. Upon completion of the course, delegates will feel more comfortable using financial terms, have a clearer understanding of what these terms mean, and most importantly, how they impact on the bottom line of any business.

Case studies and practical exercises form an important part of this program. These are reinforced by Trainer-led discussions. There is extensive use of calculators, which will be provided by Spearhead.

Course Objectives

• To understand and interpret a basic Profit and Loss Statement (Income Statement)
• To understand and interpret a basic Balance Sheet
• To understand the concept of Accrual Accounting and how it differs from Cash Accounting
• To understand Depreciation and Amortisation
• To understand a simple Cash Flow Statement
• To assess ways of improving Working Capital
• To understand how to use Ratios to analyse a business
• To understand the different types of Costs (fixed / variable / semi-variable and direct / indirect)
• To use Break-Even Analysis
• To understand different sources of business financing
• To understand different budgeting techniques
• To use Variance Analysis to assess budget performance
• To apply and assess the merits of key Investment Appraisal Techniques – Return On Investment (ROI)
• To evaluate the importance of non-financial factors affecting investment decisions

What You Will Gain

• Greater credibility with executives, managers, customers, distributors, and others who expect an understanding of financial matters in any business dealing
• A knowledge of the financial data required to make better business decisions
• To be able to contribute in your own right at a finance meeting
• A clearer understanding of the importance of good financial control in your company, or organization

Program Content

DAY ONE

• Understanding Key Financial Statements
  > The Profit And Loss Statement
  > The Balance Sheet
  > Cash Flow Statement And Forecast
• Understanding Income And Expenses Statement
• Gross Profit, Cost Of Goods Sold, And Net Profit
• Accrual-Based Accounting
• Distinguishing Between Fixed And Current Assets, Current And Long-Term Liabilities, And Equity
• Depreciation And Amortisation
• Causes Of Insolvency
• Ways To Improve Working Capital And Cash Flow

DAY TWO

• Ratio Analysis
  > Profitability Ratios
  > Liquidity Ratios
  > Efficiency Ratios
  > Financial Risk Ratios
• Horizontal And Vertical (Sizing) Analysis
• Cost Types
  > Fixed And Variable Expenses
  > Direct And Indirect Expenses
• Break-Even Analysis
• Pricing Strategies
• Markup Vs Gross Margin
• Upselling And Cross-Selling
• Budget Basics And Budget Review (Variance Analysis)

Please contact us for specific details on the courses we are running. Our Business Development Staff will be happy to provide you with further details.

Before the course, each delegate will be asked to complete a Pre-Course Briefing Form to determine their individual objectives for attending the course. These objectives will be used by the Tutor to give on-target training that is focused on the individual delegates.

At the end of the course, each delegate will be asked to complete a Personal Development Plan that can be used as part of future appraisals, and that will also be an important tool for management reference.

Total ONLINE Investment: AED 4,350 + VAT