Training Course on Financial Analysis, Planning & Control

Overview

• This intensive five-day course equips participants with practical skills and knowledge to analyse financial statements, plan strategically, and control financial performance within organisations.
• Emphasis is placed on applying financial models and tools to support decision-making, budgeting, investment appraisal, and performance monitoring.
• Participants will explore both traditional and modern financial analysis techniques, investment evaluation, cash flow management, and business valuation.
• Delivered by experienced professionals through interactive sessions, case studies, and group activities, the course bridges theory and real-world application.

Learning Objectives

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

• Interpret and analyse financial statements to assess business health and performance.
• Apply variance analysis and budgeting techniques to improve operational efficiency.
• Integrate financial planning with strategic organisational goals.
• Evaluate investment decisions using time-adjusted measures such as NPV and IRR.
• Develop and monitor key financial performance indicators and cash flow forecasts.
• Understand financing options, associated risks, and control mechanisms.
• Conduct business valuation and understand restructuring impacts.
• Use financial data to support informed decision-making and control processes.

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures combined with practical exercises and real-life case studies.
• Group discussions and problem-solving workshops to encourage peer learning.
• Hands-on application of financial models and analysis tools.
• Use of financial statements from actual companies for analysis practice.
• Continuous feedback and Q&A sessions to clarify concepts.
• Training materials including manuals, templates, and supplementary resources provided.
• Blend of presentations, scenario analysis, and role-playing to simulate decision-making environments.

Organisational and Personal Impact

• Organisations benefit from improved financial decision-making, enhanced budgeting accuracy, and stronger control over financial resources.
• Participants gain confidence in interpreting financial data, leading to better strategic contributions and operational improvements.
• Enhanced ability to identify financial risks and opportunities supports sustainable business growth.
• Improved communication between finance and non-finance functions fosters collaboration and alignment with corporate goals.
• Development of skills that contribute to career advancement in finance, management, and leadership roles.

Target Audience

• Financial analysts, accountants, and finance professionals seeking to deepen their analytical and planning skills.
• Managers and team leaders involved in budgeting, financial control, and strategic planning.
• Corporate planning, business development, and project management professionals.
• Non-finance managers requiring a solid understanding of financial principles to support decision-making.
• CFOs, financial controllers, treasury staff, and investment professionals.
• Anyone responsible for financial oversight, reporting, or resource allocation within an organisation.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Financial Analysis

• Introduction to financial analysis: purpose, scope, and role in business.
• Overview of financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement.
• Key accounting principles and terminology.
• Traditional vs modern financial analysis techniques.
• Practical exercise: Preparing and interpreting basic financial statements.

Day 2: Investment and Financing Decisions

• Investment appraisal methods: payback period, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Modified IRR.
• Sensitivity, scenario analysis, and risk assessment in investment decisions.
• Financing options: types, costs, risks, and control issues.
• Cash flow evaluation and working capital management.
• Case study: Evaluating a capital investment project.

Day 3: Budgeting, Variance Analysis and Performance Measurement

• Budgeting processes and integration with strategic planning.
• Standard costing and variance analysis techniques.
• Developing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Cash forecasting and managing liquidity.
• Workshop: Creating budgets and analysing variances.

Day 4: Business Valuation and Financial Modelling

• Principles of business valuation and shareholder value creation.
• Financial modelling techniques for planning and control.
• Economic Value Added (EVA) and Z-score model for financial distress prediction.
• Using financial models to support restructuring and acquisitions.
• Group exercise: Building a financial model for business valuation.

Day 5: Strategic Financial Control and Organisational Impact

• Linking financial analysis to strategic decision-making.
• Financial control systems and reporting for management.
• Case studies on business restructuring and turnaround strategies.
• Personal and organisational impact of effective financial planning and control.
• Final assessment and course wrap-up: applying learning to participants’ organisations.

Conclusion

• This course empowers participants to transform financial data into actionable insights, enhancing both personal expertise and organisational financial health.
• Graduates will be equipped to lead financial planning and control initiatives that drive sustainable business success.
• Continuous application of these skills fosters a culture of informed decision-making and strategic financial stewardship.
• We encourage participants to leverage their new competencies to influence positive change and achieve measurable financial outcomes.