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Accounting & Finance - a practical guide

Course Overview

This course provides essential knowledge of the financial terms and concepts needed in today’s business world. It is designed for non-financial directors, executives, non-executive directors, and other personnel who require an understanding of financial jargon and who wish to make a more positive contribution to discussions and decisions involving finance and accounting.

The course gives a constructive and practical guide to accountancy terms and the key financial statements - the balance sheet, the profit & loss account and the cash flow statement. The interpretation of financial information using key financial ratios will also be explained. Costing and management accounting will be presented in straightforward terms as will investment appraisal techniques.

As part of the course materials, delegates will be provided with a credit risk assessment spreadsheet which calculates ratios and Z scores.

At the end of the course delegates will be able to:
  • Understand accountants’ jargon and the content of annual reports and accounts
  • Interpret the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation and assess its financial health and performance
  • Appreciate how their efforts contribute to the profitability, cash flow and value of the business
  • Take a more active role in the financial affairs of the organisation
The course is presented by Tony Skone ACMA, an excellent speaker with a clear and practical approach. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and has published widely in the field of finance and accounting.

Comments by Delegates

"Excellent coverage of accounts and very well prepared handouts, they will be very useful to take back to work." - J.C. Selcia Ltd

"Very good, well presented. Thanks" - A.D.M Grifols UK Ltd

Course Content

Finance & Accounting Elements
  • The business model
  • The sources and uses of finance
  • Equity and debt
  • Capital structure
  • Fixed and current assets
  • Working capital
  • Capital gearing
  • Depreciation
The Key Financial Statements
  • The profit & loss account
  • The balance sheet
  • The cash flow statement
  • The cash flow forecast
Shares
  • Rights issues
  • Share premium and revaluation reserves
  • UK statutory requirements
  • UK corporation tax
Interpretation of Financial Information
  • Vertical and trend analysis
  • Key financial ratios:
    • To assess profitability
    • To assess liquidity
    • To assess working capital control
    • To assess financing and investment
Costing and management accounting
  • Fixed and variable costs
  • Contribution
  • Cost, volume, profit analysis
  • Break-even, margin of safety and operational gearing
Investment appraisal
  • The valuation of companies
  • The time value of money
  • Economic Value Added
  • The valuation of companies
  • Share valuation

Course Dates and Locations

To book a course please click on the date to take you to the Booking Form.
 
Birmingham 28 February 2012
Leeds 13 March 2012
Central London* 15 May 2012

Course Fee
£369, *Central London £439 (+VAT) per person.

Reductions are available for companies booking multiple places on the same course (same date) as follows:
•  For 2 places take £60 off the booking total
•  For 3 places take £120 off the booking total
•  For 4 places take £240 off the booking total
•  For 5 places take £340 off the booking total

Course fee includes: course materials, full lunch and refreshments.

Tel: 01202 706222, Fax: 01202 706444, email: training@benchmark-group.co.uk
Reductions are available for companies booking multiple places on the same course (same date):
2 places £60 off the total
3 places £120 off the total
4 places £240 off the total
5 places £340 off the total