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