Financial Analysis, Planning & Control

Management has become an essential component of operations across a wide range of organizations. Understanding financial analysis, planning, and control is critical for gaining insights into various organizational aspects, from quantitative calculations to broader operational practices. This program emphasizes the practical application of financial models and analytical techniques to evaluate both the strategic and operational positions of an organization. Effective financial analysis is vital for organizations aiming to optimize costs and generate additional value. Participants will gain knowledge of the financial business environment, strategic planning processes, management reporting, and decision-support mechanisms. The Financial Analysis, Planning & Control training course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process, diverse valuation methods, and the interpretation of financial information for strategic advantage. Key learning outcomes of this course include: Understanding the conceptual framework for financial and economic analysis and its role in decision-making. Examining the structure of financial statements and applying key financial tools and techniques to assess business performance. Projecting financial requirements and analyzing information to support planning and control functions. Evaluating investment decisions using time-adjusted measures, considering strategic perspectives, and addressing risk and uncertainty. Valuing businesses and exploring methods to enhance value through mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and reorganizations. Developing and monitoring key performance indicators, reporting on trends, and identifying the causes of unexpected variances.

Professionals working in accounting and finance Financial controllers, finance managers, financial systems analysts, senior accountants, financial accountants, management accountants Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), finance directors and strategic planners

Day 1: Foundations of Financial and Economic Decision-Making The Challenge of Financial and Economic Decision-Making Principles and Practice of Financial/Economic Analysis Understanding the Value-Creating Company Corporate Value vs. Shareholder Value Adopting a Dynamic Perspective of Business The Agency Problem and Corporate Governance Identifying Relevant Information and Data Structure and Nature of Financial Statements The Context of Financial Analysis and Decision-Making Day 2: Assessment of Business Performance Evaluating Business Performance Ratio Analysis for Performance Assessment Perspectives: Management, Owners, and Lenders Ratios as a System – Pyramids of Ratios Integration of Financial Performance Analysis Economic Value Added (EVA) Predicting Financial Distress – Z-score Model Day 3: Investment Decision Analysis Principles of Investment Decision-Making Applying Time-Adjusted Measures: NPV, IRR, MIRR Strategic Perspectives in Investment Analysis Integrating EVA and NPV Refinements in Investment Appraisal Equivalent Annual Cost (EAC) Sensitivity, Scenario, and Simulation Analysis NPV Break-even and Risk Management Day 4: Projection and Control of Financial Requirements Interrelationships in Financial Projections Preparing Operating Budgets Standard Costing and Variance Analysis Cash Forecasting and Cash Budgets Sensitivity Analysis in Financial Planning Dynamics and Growth of Business Systems Operating Leverage Financial Growth Plans and Modelling Day 5: Valuation and Value-Based Management Managing for Shareholder Value Perspectives on Shareholder Value Creation Evolution of Value-Based Methodologies Creating Value through Restructuring and Combinations Financial Strategy in Acquisitions Business Valuation Techniques Restructuring and Reorganizations