Introduction

Financial literacy is no longer limited to finance professionals. Managers across all functions are increasingly required to interpret financial information, understand the financial impact of decisions, and contribute confidently to performance discussions. Without a clear grasp of financial fundamentals, non-financial managers risk misalignment between operational actions and organisational objectives. This Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers training course addresses this gap by providing a structured and practical foundation in financial understanding relevant to managerial roles.

The course focuses on how financial information supports planning, control, and strategic decision-making. Participants explore the purpose and structure of financial statements, key performance indicators, and management accounting tools that link operational activity to financial outcomes. By strengthening financial acumen, the course enables managers to communicate effectively with finance teams, evaluate investment proposals, and apply budgetary discipline to improve organisational performance and sustainability.

Key Learning Outcomes

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

 

Training Methodology

This training course uses a practical, interactive learning approach combining guided instruction, applied discussion, and scenario-based exercises. Participants work through financial examples and decision scenarios to reinforce understanding and build confidence in applying financial concepts within their managerial responsibilities.

Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers

Who Should Attend?

This training course is ideal for professionals seeking to…

  • Managers without formal financial backgrounds
  • Department heads and functional leaders
  • Project and operational managers
  • Supervisors involved in budgeting and performance control
  • Professionals contributing to financial planning discussions
  • Leaders seeking stronger financial decision-making capability

 

Course Outline

Day 1

Understanding the Business & Financial Landscape

  • Overview of the Business Environment
  • Importance of Financial Management: Exploring the crucial role of financial management within organizations.
  • Creating a Strategic Financial Plan: Developing a long-term financial strategy to guide business decisions.
  • Purpose of Financial and Management Accounting: Examining the functions and objectives of financial and management accounting.
  • Accounting Standards and Practices: Reviewing accounting conventions, policies, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Executive Responsibilities in Corporate Governance: Understanding the role of executives in ensuring effective corporate governance.
Day 2

Analyzing Financial Statements for Executive Decisions

  • Distinguishing between internal and external financial data.
  • Identifying the critical elements of published annual financial statements.
  • Financial Performance Analysis
  • Techniques for effective management of working capital.
  • Indicators of Business Viability
Day 3

Strategic Financial Decision-Making

  • Determining when and why to finance a business.
  • Exploring various sources and types of financing
  • Determining the cost of financing
  • Internal versus External Growth Strategies
  • Restructuring Strategies
Day 4

Capital Investment and Budget Management

  • The importance of considering the time value of money in investment decisions.
  • Understanding the steps involved in capital investment decisions.
  • Basic Appraisal Methods: ARR and Payback.
  • Discounted Cash Flow Techniques:
    • NPV
    • IRR
    • Discounted cash flow analysis
  • Profitability Index
  • Risk and Uncertainty Management
Day 5

Cost Management & Budget Control

  • Understanding the role and significance of budgeting in business management.
  • Assessing the relevance of different budgeting models for your business.
  • Budget Preparation and Implementation
  • Techniques for monitoring and controlling the budget.
  • Using variance analysis to assess deviations from the budget.
  • Decision-making through CVP and break-even analysis.

International Standards & Professional Alignment

Our training courses are aligned with internationally recognised professional standards and frameworks across leadership, strategy, finance, governance, risk, compliance, and audit. By integrating globally trusted models, we ensure learners develop practical, relevant, and industry-recognised capabilities.

Our trainings draw on leading international standards and professional frameworks, including ISO, ISACA, COSO, OECD, IIA, FATF, Basel, IFRS/ISSB, GRI, NIST, CPD, ILM and the OECD AI Principles. This alignment ensures consistency with global best practices across financial management, risk oversight, digital governance, sustainability, and strategic decision-making..

Designed in alignment with globally recognised professional bodies, our courses support continuous professional development, strengthen organisational capability, and provide clear pathways toward professional certifications valued worldwide.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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FAQs

Financial acumen enables managers to understand the impact of their decisions on profitability, liquidity, and performance. This training course helps managers align operational actions with financial objectives.  

No prior finance background is required. The training course is designed specifically for non-financial managers and introduces concepts in a clear, structured, and practical manner.  

The course links financial information to managerial decisions, enabling participants to evaluate performance, control costs, and assess investment opportunities with greater confidence.  

Yes, participants gain familiarity with financial terminology and reporting structures, improving collaboration and communication with finance professionals.  

Participants develop the ability to interpret financial data, manage budgets effectively, and contribute meaningfully to financially informed discussions and decisions.

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