Executive Mini Master in Advanced Financial Strategy and Analysis

Course Dates :

06/10/25

35

Course ID:

251006001003549LUEMT

Course Duration :

35 Studying Day/s

Course Location:

Course Category:

Executive Mini Masters

Subcategories: Construction Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Risk Management, Technical Skills Development, Leadership and Communication, Quality Assurance

Course Certified By:

* LondonUni - Executive Management Training

* Executive Mini Masters Certificate

Leading to
Executive Masters Certificate

Certification Will Be Issued From : From London, United Kingdom

Course Information

Introduction

The Executive Mini Master in Advanced Financial Strategy and Analysis is a comprehensive and intensive program designed for experienced professionals who seek to enhance their expertise in financial management and strategic decision-making. As businesses become increasingly complex and dynamic, the need for advanced financial acumen is paramount. This course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of financial strategy, planning, and analysis, ensuring they are prepared to make informed, data-driven decisions that support long-term organizational goals.

The financial landscape continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities emerging every day. Professionals in leadership roles must be adept at making strategic financial decisions, managing risk, and evaluating financial performance with precision. This program provides participants with a deep understanding of advanced financial concepts, alongside practical skills to implement and manage financial strategies effectively within their organizations. Through a combination of theoretical learning and case-based applications, participants will be prepared to tackle real-world financial challenges with confidence and expertise.

Throughout the course, participants will explore a wide range of financial topics, from strategic financial management to financial decision-making and budgeting. The emphasis is placed not only on the technical aspects of financial analysis but also on the strategic use of financial information to guide decision-making at the organizational level. This course is ideal for professionals looking to elevate their careers by mastering financial strategy and enhancing their ability to influence business outcomes.

Course Structure

The Executive Mini Master in Advanced Financial Strategy and Analysis is a 30-day intensive course, followed by 5 days dedicated to preparing a final thesis of 15,000 to 20,000 words. The course structure is designed to provide a deep dive into the key areas of financial management, ensuring participants are fully equipped to tackle the most complex financial challenges.

The course consists of the following core modules:

Strategic Financial Management
This module covers the strategic approach to managing financial resources in a way that aligns with the broader business strategy. Participants will learn how to make high-level financial decisions that contribute to organizational growth, sustainability, and competitive advantage.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
This module focuses on the techniques and tools required for financial forecasting, planning, and analysis. Participants will gain the ability to build detailed financial plans and use financial data to drive key business decisions.

Cost Management and Profitability Analysis
In this module, participants will learn how to analyze costs effectively, identify areas for improvement, and optimize profitability. This includes mastering cost allocation techniques and understanding the relationship between cost management and business success.

Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, purpose, and analysis of financial statements. Participants will learn how to interpret financial data to assess company performance, identify trends, and support strategic decisions.

Financial Decision-Making and Risk Management
Participants will explore the process of making informed financial decisions while assessing potential risks. This module addresses various financial risk management strategies and tools used to mitigate risks in dynamic business environments.

Budgeting and Forecasting for Managers
This module focuses on the development of effective budgets and forecasts. Participants will learn how to manage resources efficiently, predict future financial outcomes, and use budgeting as a strategic tool to align with organizational goals.

Conclusion

The Executive Mini Master in Advanced Financial Strategy and Analysis is a transformative program that offers practical and actionable insights into the world of strategic financial management. By completing this course, participants will acquire the advanced skills needed to lead financial initiatives, make strategic decisions, and drive organizational success. With a strong focus on real-world applications and a comprehensive curriculum, this course provides the perfect foundation for professionals aiming to elevate their financial expertise and become leaders in their fields.

Participants should have a foundational understanding of finance and business operations, as this course is tailored for those with experience in the field. If you are looking to strengthen your ability to manage complex financial situations and make informed, strategic decisions, this course will provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

Objectives

The objectives are:

To develop advanced financial management skills and a strategic approach to managing financial resources.
To equip participants with the tools and techniques necessary for financial planning, forecasting, and analysis.
To enhance participants' ability to analyze financial statements and use financial data to guide decision-making.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of cost management, profitability analysis, and their role in organizational success.
To deepen participants' knowledge of financial risk management and decision-making processes.
To provide participants with practical skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning within a managerial context.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for senior professionals, managers, and executives who are responsible for strategic financial decisions within their organizations. It is ideal for those in leadership roles such as financial managers, CFOs, and business consultants, who are looking to enhance their understanding of advanced financial strategies and analysis. The course is also well-suited for professionals aspiring to move into senior financial management roles and those seeking to refine their financial expertise to influence organizational growth and sustainability.

Training Method

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a 7” Tablet containing a copy of the presentation, slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Program Support

This program is supported by:
* Interactive discussions
* Role-play
* Case studies and highlight the techniques available to the participants.

Daily Agenda

Each course agenda will be as follows:
• Technical Session 08.30-10.00 am
• Coffee Break 10.00-10.15 am
• Technical Session 10.15-12.15 noon
• Coffee Break 12.15-12.45 pm
• Technical Session 12.45-02.30 pm
• Course Ends 02.30 pm

Part 2 / 7

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)

Day 1:
Foundations of FP&A

Overview of FP&A: Definition, scope, and significance in modern business.
Key components of financial statements and their interrelationships.
Introduction to budgeting frameworks and best practices.
Tools and technologies transforming FP&A workflows.


Day 2:
Budgeting and Forecasting Techniques

Step-by-step guide to creating zero-based budgets.
Rolling forecasts vs. static budgets: Pros and cons.
Leveraging Excel for advanced financial modeling.
Case study: Building a three-year financial forecast.


Day 3:
Performance Measurement and Variance Analysis

Understanding KPIs and their role in performance evaluation.
Conducting variance analysis to identify deviations and root causes.
Linking operational metrics to financial outcomes.
Group exercise: Diagnosing variances in a simulated business scenario.


Day 4:
Risk Management and Scenario Planning

Identifying and quantifying financial risks in uncertain environments.
Developing contingency plans through scenario analysis.
Sensitivity analysis techniques to assess impact variables.
Real-world example: Navigating supply chain disruptions during a pandemic.


Day 5:
Strategic Reporting and Communication

Crafting impactful financial dashboards and visualizations.
Communicating complex financial data to non-technical audiences.
Integrating ESG considerations into financial strategy.
Final project: Presenting a comprehensive FP&A report to peers and instructors.

Part 3 / 7

Cost Management and Profitability Analysis

Day 1:

Foundations of Cost Management

Introduction to cost management principles and frameworks.
Understanding cost behavior and cost allocation techniques.
Overview of fixed, variable, and mixed costs in business operations.
Exploring the role of cost management in decision-making and strategy formulation.

Day 2:
Advanced Costing Techniques

Activity-Based Costing (ABC): Concepts, applications, and benefits.
Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis for strategic decision-making.
Standard costing and variance analysis for performance evaluation.
Using marginal costing for pricing and profitability decisions.

Day 3:
Profitability Analysis Frameworks

Introduction to profitability analysis: Key concepts and methodologies.
Analyzing profitability across products, services, and business units.
Identifying and addressing underperforming areas using financial data.
Benchmarking profitability metrics and aligning with industry standards.

Day 4:
Strategic Integration of Cost and Profitability Management

Linking cost management practices to organizational goals.
Developing financial strategies to enhance competitive positioning.
Utilizing digital tools and predictive analytics for advanced profitability analysis.
Case studies: Successful cost and profitability management initiatives.

Day 5:
Practical Applications and Continuous Improvement

Developing cost management action plans tailored to organizational needs.
Monitoring and evaluating cost management and profitability initiatives.
Creating a culture of continuous improvement in cost efficiency.
Final review and group discussions to solidify learning outcomes.

Part 4 / 7

Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements

Day 1:

Introduction to Financial Statements

Overview of financial statements and their importance in decision-making.
Understanding the structure and components of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
Key accounting principles and concepts that influence financial reporting.
Introduction to financial reporting standards and compliance requirements.

Day 2:

Analyzing the Balance Sheet

Evaluating assets, liabilities, and equity to assess financial position.
Analyzing liquidity and solvency through working capital and debt ratios.
Identifying trends and patterns in asset and liability management.
Practical exercises: Interpreting real-world balance sheets.

Day 3:

Interpreting the Income Statement

Assessing revenue, expenses, and profitability metrics.
Understanding cost structures and their impact on profit margins.
Analyzing operating and non-operating activities for a holistic view.
Case study: Evaluating the profitability of a real-world organization.

Day 4:

Understanding the Cash Flow Statement

Differentiating between operating, investing, and financing activities.
Analyzing cash flow trends to evaluate liquidity and financial stability.
The significance of free cash flow in organizational decision-making.
Workshop: Practical application of cash flow statement analysis.

Day 5:

Advanced Financial Analysis and Strategic Insights

Using financial ratios to measure efficiency, profitability, and solvency.
Benchmarking financial performance against industry standards.
Developing actionable recommendations based on financial analysis.
Final project: Presenting a comprehensive financial statement analysis.

Part 5 / 7

Financial Decision-Making and Risk Management

Day 1:

Foundations of Financial Decision-Making

Understanding the principles of financial management.
Analyzing financial statements and performance metrics.
Identifying key drivers of business success and sustainability.
Introduction to decision-making frameworks and tools.

Day 2:

Strategic Financial Planning

Budgeting techniques and forecasting methods.
Evaluating investment opportunities and financial metrics.
Developing comprehensive financial plans.
Balancing growth and liquidity in decision-making.

Day 3:

Risk Identification and Assessment

Types of financial risks and their impact on organizations.
Risk identification methods and tools.
Conducting qualitative and quantitative risk assessments.
Integrating risk analysis into financial decision-making.

Day 4:

Mitigating and Managing Financial Risks

Designing effective risk mitigation strategies.
Utilizing insurance, hedging, and diversification tools.
Monitoring and adapting to dynamic risk environments.
Case studies on successful risk management practices.

Day 5:

Financial Decision-Making in Practice

Applying financial tools to solve real-world problems.
Communicating financial decisions to stakeholders.
Evaluating outcomes and adjusting strategies.
Final group project: Building a comprehensive financial and risk management plan.

Part 6 / 7

Budgeting and Forecasting for Managers

Day 1:
Introduction to Budgeting and Forecasting

Overview of budgeting and forecasting: Concepts and significance
The relationship between budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy
Understanding financial statements and key metrics for budgeting
Identifying the types of budgets and their application in various industries

Day 2:
Developing a Budget

Steps in creating a detailed and effective budget
Setting financial goals and aligning budgets with organizational strategy
Cost estimation and resource allocation techniques
Budgeting methods: Incremental, zero-based, and flexible budgeting

Day 3:
Forecasting Techniques and Tools

Types of forecasting methods: Qualitative vs. quantitative
How to use historical data for accurate forecasting
Financial modeling techniques for forecasting
Introduction to forecasting tools and software

Day 4:
Analyzing Financial Performance

Techniques for variance analysis and identifying discrepancies
How to assess financial trends and adjust forecasts
Risk assessment in budgeting and forecasting
Adjusting budgets and forecasts for changing market conditions

Day 5:
Collaborative Budgeting and Forecasting

Cross-departmental collaboration for successful budgeting
Communicating budgets and forecasts to stakeholders
Monitoring and managing budgets post-implementation
Case studies and best practices for effective budgeting and forecasting

Executive Mini Masters
Thesis

Final Paper: 15,000 - 20,000 Words