About the Course

Nowadays, financial analysis (interpretation of financial statements) plays a crucial role as it provides a more in-depth look at how well organisations operate internally. Financial statement analysis aims to equip the business with the knowledge it needs to make effective decisions. It focuses on the assessment of the viability, stability, and profitability of a business.

Planning and control are essential aspects of the success of any organisation, and both activities are critical management activities regardless of the type of organisation being managed. Planning and controlling are interrelated to each other, whereas planning sets the goals for the organisation and controlling ensures their accomplishment.

This Financial Analysis, Planning & Control training course aims to provide delegates with a clear insight into the decision-making process, planning and interpreting financial information. The delegates with the skills to apply financial analysis techniques relevant to strategic planning in organisational contexts. Also, this course discusses the financial business environment, strategic planning and the controlling process. Moreover, it highlights the role of the budget as a controlling mechanism. Delegates will leave with a clear understanding of the use of financial statements and tools and techniques of financial analysis that assist managers in support of more informed and better decision-making.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Understand the types, use and role of financial statements
• Know the types of financial analysis
• Evaluate the financial health and performance of the organisation
• Assess strategic and operational positions of the organisation
• Know how to predict bankruptcy
• Comprehend the strategic planning framework
• Understand the controlling process
• Know the budget process
• Learn how to set and control budget

Training Approach

This training course is driven by a blended learning approach and draws on various adult learning techniques such as action learning, experiential exercises, group discussions, video case studies, role play and self-reflection activities. The resulting variety helps delegates stay engaged throughout the course, feel challenged and draw quick wins for their development. It also ensures delegates are exposed to ample opportunities to apply what they learn to the real-world challenges they face in the workplace.

The Attendees

This training course would be relevant to all those involved in interpreting corporate financial reports from private and public sectors, commercial businesses, and government and not-for-profit organisations.

This training course will be valuable to professionals, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Financial Officers, Controllers, and Accountants
• Treasurers, Corporate Planning and Business Development Professionals
• Sales and Marketing Professionals
• Managers from any other Non-financial areas willing to understand the Financial Aspects of Analysis, Planning, and Control
• Middle and Junior Management as a useful element in their career advancement

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

• What are Financial Statements?
• Types of financial statements
• Balance Sheet Components
• Income Statements Components
• Cash Flow Statement
• Statement of Owners’ Equity
• How financial statements are related?

DAY TWO: FINANCIAL ANALYSIS I

• Importance of Financial Analysis
• Types of Comparisons
• Types of Analysis
• Analysis of Liquidity
• Analysis of Profitability
• Analysis of Assets Efficiency

DAY THREE: FINANCIAL ANALYSIS II

• DuPont Analysis
• Cash Conversion Cycle Analysis
• Cash Flow Analysis
• Prediction of Bankruptcy
• Limitations of Ratios Analysis

DAY FOUR: STRATEGIC PLANNING

• The importance of Strategic Planning
• Mission, Vision, Strategy, Goals and Objectives
• PESTEL Analysis
• SWOT Analysis
• Choosing the Best Strategy

DAY FIVE: CONTROLLING PROCESS

• The Planning-Controlling Link
• Types of Control
• Budget Approaches and Budgeting Methods
• Process of creating the Budget
• Budgetary Slack
• Variance Analysis