The Strategic Accounting and Finance for Modern Managers Training Course offered at Oxford Training Centre is a comprehensive and practice-driven programme designed to enhance the financial acumen of professionals in management and leadership roles. In today’s evolving economic climate, the ability to understand and interpret financial data is a critical asset for decision-makers, even for those without a formal background in finance. This course bridges that gap by focusing on applied techniques, financial interpretation, strategic planning, and decision-making frameworks that modern managers require in both private and public sectors.
Drawing on principles from leading Accounting Finance and Budgeting Training courses, this course aims to empower managers to make informed, data-backed decisions that drive performance and ensure financial sustainability. Participants are introduced to the tools of managerial accounting, budgeting, financial planning, risk evaluation, and strategic control mechanisms – all contextualized for non-financial professionals in operational or executive roles.
The curriculum places particular emphasis on strategic thinking in finance, leadership in financial planning, and control mechanisms necessary for managing resources efficiently in contemporary business environments. By aligning financial knowledge with managerial responsibilities, this course equips participants to take an active role in the financial success of their departments and organisations.
Objectives
- Interpret and analyse financial statements to understand organisational performance and risk.
- Apply strategic financial decision-making tools to guide long-term planning and capital allocation.
- Develop practical budgeting techniques and forecasting methods for managerial control.
- Identify and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial health and operational efficiency.
- Understand the financial implications of strategic initiatives and corporate decisions.
- Foster collaboration between finance and non-finance functions through effective communication of financial data.
- Assess cost structures and implement cost-control strategies to enhance profitability.
- Enhance their leadership in financial management by translating financial insights into business action.
Target Audience
- Department heads and middle managers who oversee budgets or operational performance.
- Project managers and business unit leaders involved in strategic planning or resource allocation.
- Non-financial executives who require foundational financial literacy to support business decisions.
- Senior administrators and directors aiming to improve their financial management skills for modern leaders.
- Professionals transitioning into roles that demand greater accountability for financial performance.
- Consultants and business advisors seeking to broaden their expertise in applied accounting and finance.
- Public sector managers managing programmes with budgetary and financial constraints.
How Will Attendees Benefit?
- Strengthening capability to engage in strategic financial decision making with clarity and precision.
- Gaining fluency in financial terminology and processes to communicate effectively with finance teams.
- Enhancing ability to interpret reports, metrics, and financial forecasts for better planning and evaluation.
- Acquiring skills to lead budgeting exercises and monitor financial performance within departments.
- Applying finance-based thinking to improve cost efficiency, resource use, and performance.
- Reducing dependence on finance departments by building internal capacity for financial analysis.
- Improving strategic alignment between operational goals and financial outcomes.
Course Content
Module 1: Foundations of Managerial Finance
- Principles of financial and managerial accounting for non-finance professionals.
- Introduction to key financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- Role of finance in organisational decision-making and accountability.
Module 2: Financial Statement Analysis
- Techniques for evaluating liquidity, solvency, and profitability.
- Ratio analysis and performance benchmarking for internal and external comparison.
- Identifying trends and red flags in financial reporting.
Module 3: Budgeting and Forecasting Essentials
- Budgeting frameworks and processes relevant to modern business functions.
- Forecasting models for revenue, expenses, and operational planning.
- Variance analysis and corrective action planning.
Module 4: Strategic Financial Planning for Managers
- Linking corporate strategy with financial planning cycles.
- Capital budgeting tools: NPV, IRR, and payback analysis.
- Assessing long-term investment decisions and financial implications.
Module 5: Financial Control and Performance Management
- Establishing internal controls and financial oversight mechanisms.
- Developing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Role of dashboards and scorecards in managerial control.
Module 6: Leadership in Financial Management
- Leading financial discussions with cross-functional teams.
- Building financial credibility and influence as a manager.
- Communicating financial insights to stakeholders for buy-in and action.
Module 7: Managing Costs and Enhancing Profitability
- Cost classification and cost behaviour analysis for decision-making.
- Tools for managing fixed and variable costs within departments.
- Activity-based costing and marginal costing applications.
Module 8: Risk, Compliance and Financial Ethics
- Understanding financial risks and mitigation strategies.
- Corporate governance and ethical responsibilities in financial oversight.
- Internal audit, compliance, and control frameworks for managers.
Module 9: Integrating Finance with Business Strategy
- Aligning financial and operational strategies for improved outcomes.
- Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis in financial decisions.
- Using financial modelling for business simulation and risk planning.
Module 10: Final Case Study and Practical Applications
- Real-world case study to apply course concepts in a business scenario.
- Group analysis, presentation, and discussion of strategic financial solutions.
- Review of course learning outcomes and personal action planning.