Expert Accounting and Financial Management

Introduction:

The Advanced Accounting and Finance Management course is designed to bridge gaps in accounting and finance expertise. It thoroughly explores the internal workings of financial and control systems, emphasizing the interaction between these systems and external actors to improve decision-making under uncertainty. The course will also analyze the influence of capital markets on corporate governance, risk management, and capital structure.

Participants will gain essential financial tools and learn how to use them for effective evaluation. The course covers the finance and economic aspects of strategic business management, focusing on interpreting financial reports, data management, planning, and control.

Upon completion, participants will be proficient in applying advanced accounting principles, finance management, and governance skills in a business context. They will earn an Advanced Accounting Certificate, reflecting a significant advancement in their professional capabilities.

Objectives:

By the end of the Advanced Accounting and Finance Management course, participants will:

• Explain the role of global entities in generating corporate financial reports.
• Assess criteria, concepts, rules, and procedures for corporate financial reporting.
• Conduct financial tests based on international standards such as IFRS, GAAP, and SEC regulations.
• Integrate business risk and corporate governance into business practices.
• Evaluate institutional financial performance using key financial statements.
• Apply discounted cash flow (DCF) methods in financial decision-making.
• Navigate budgeting processes and performance evaluation.
• Understand cost behavior and its impact on management decisions.
• Present and analyze financial information effectively.
• Appreciate the relationship between finance, accounting, and business.
• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans.
• Address inter-departmental issues in business.
• Enhance knowledge of finance, accounting, and governance.
• Lead and coordinate finance and accounting processes.
• Manage current and future challenges professionally.

Training Methodology:

• Case Studies
• Interactive Workshops
• Simulations
• Group Discussions
• Real-life Scenarios
• Role-playing Exercises
• Analytical Reviews

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Accounting: An Introduction

• Overview of accounting as a business function
• Methods of accounting
• Profit and its significance
• Decision criteria and capitalizing business activities
• Marketing vs. profit-oriented agencies
• Cash vs. accrual accounting
• Forecasting and improving cash flows
• Controllable accounting norms

Unit 2: Basic Components of Statements, Accounting Policy and Reporting Requirements

• Income Statement: Revenues, costs, depreciation, amortization, and profit computation
• Balance Sheet: Asset and liability classes, equity, working capital management
• Cash Flow Statement: Operating, investing, and financing activities

Unit 3: Making and Communicating Decisions Using Budgets

• Master and sub-budgets
• Budgeting for planning, control, and communication
• Components of operating budgets and budget management
• Financial forecasting and capital budgeting
• Flexible vs. traditional budgets

Unit 4: Financial vs. Management Accounting

• Differences and similarities between financial and managerial accounting
• Objectives and tasks of managerial accounting
• Cost classification and behavior
• Cost/benefit analysis

Unit 5: Planning – Valuation, Business Performance, and Decision-Making

• Definitions and responsibility centers
• Performance measurement and segment reporting
• Business valuation and shareholder value creation
• Value-based approaches in planning and restructuring

Unit 6: Finance and Working Capital - Liquidity or Bankruptcy

• Understanding finance and working capital
• Key areas of financing
• Analyzing working capital components and ratios
• Bookkeeping terms and red flags

Unit 7: Capital Structure – Its Significance and Impact

• Equity and debt capital definitions and costs
• Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)
• Leverage: Operating and financial

Unit 8: CAPEX - Analysis of Investment Decisions with What-if Risks

• Cash flows, NPV, IRR, and other investment evaluation methods
• Criteria for approval and post-implementation review
• Adapting to risk and changing situations

Unit 9: Risk Management in the Context of Corporate Governance

• Identifying and evaluating financial risks
• Creating and implementing FRM/ERM strategies
• Addressing various risk types

Unit 10: Corporate Governance

• Corporate governance framework and significance
• Shareholders vs. stakeholders
• Board structures, roles, and developments
• Independence and practical applications of corporate governance