Accounting & Finance Mastery (10 Days)

Introduction:

The Accounting and Finance Masterclass provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for proficiency in the accounting and finance domains.

Part 1 focuses on the internal workings of finance and control functions, emphasizing their interaction with external and internal stakeholders to provide relevant information amidst uncertainty and risk.

Part 2 explores the influence of capital markets on corporate finance, risk management, and governance.

Participants are encouraged to bring relevant financial documents or, more importantly, an open mind and creativity. The course combines theory with practical applications, utilizing real-life examples and applicable theories to equip delegates with the essential financial tools and skills for strategic decision-making.

Objectives:

By the end of the Finance and Accounting Certificate course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the key characteristics and objectives of corporate financial reporting.
• Critically assess concepts, rules, and procedures in financial reporting.
• Evaluate financial statements according to IFRS, FAS, and SEC standards.
• Integrate risk management and corporate governance into financial strategies.
• Understand the content and interrelationships of financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement).
• Use financial statements for performance evaluation.
• Apply discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques in financial decision-making.
• Understand the budgeting process and performance evaluation.
• Analyze cost behavior and its impact on management decisions.
• Communicate and question financial information effectively.
• Enhance appreciation for finance, accounting, and governance approaches.
• Align business plans with strategic objectives.
• Reduce inter-functional conflicts.
• Improve communication between staff and management.
• Accelerate decision-making processes.
• Enhance skills in finance, accounting, and governance.
• Demonstrate professional commitment to continuous learning.

Training Methodology:

• Case studies
• Interactive lectures
• Group discussions
• Role plays
• Simulations

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Accounting: An Introduction

• Definition and importance of accounting
• Forms and purposes of accounting
• Cash vs. accrual accounting
• Cash flow forecasting
• Company accounting policies
• Knowledge of accounting standards

Unit 2: Financial Statement Presentation, Accounting Policies, and Reporting Standards

• Income Statement: Components, costs, depreciation, amortization
• Balance Sheet: Assets, liabilities, equity
• Cash Flow Statement: Operational, investing, and financing activities

Unit 3: Making and Communicating Decisions Using Budgets

• Master budget and budgeting center tools
• Sales budgeting and operating budgets
• Cash resource management
• Flexible vs. traditional budgets
• Variance analysis

Unit 4: Financial and Management Accounting: Comparison and Contrast

• Managerial vs. financial accounting
• Cost concepts and analysis
• Break-even and targeted net income analysis

Unit 5: Objective of Planning – Valuation, Business Performance, and Management Decisions

• Valuation based on variables
• Evaluating performance of responsibility centers
• Value-based planning and budgeting

Unit 6: What is Finance & Working Capital – Liquidity or Bankruptcy

• Components of finance and working capital
• Critical ratios and their significance

Unit 7: Capital Structure – What Is & Why, Its Relevance

• Equity and debt capital
• Cost of capital and WACC
• Leverage calculations

Unit 8: CAPEX - Instruments of Making Investment Decisions

• Time value of cash flows
• Capital budgeting methodologies
• Investment analysis and audits

Unit 9: Risk Management as an Integral Part of Corporate Governance

• Types of financial risks
• Risk management strategies
• Creating a risk management framework

Unit 10: Corporate Governance

• Concepts and frameworks of corporate governance
• Shareholders vs. stakeholders
• Governance models and systems