Program Overview

Not a finance person? Do numbers seem like a different language? Dread the thought of cash flows or budget decisions? Finance for Non-Financial Professionals is designed specifically for individuals with little financial background. It starts with the basics and builds a foundation. You won’t feel “behind” your classmates. You’ll be comfortable asking questions and participating in class discussions. 

The program helps you manage cash flows, make good financial decisions, and discuss statements with your finance and accounting colleagues. Through case studies and exercises, you become the decision-maker. Understand how to connect financial implications to strategy. Work with Ivey faculty to better understand your own organization’s statements. Determine the key questions you should ask when you return to the office. As you explore each business case, you’ll compare the situation to your firm’s financial issues. Understanding the numbers is crucial to making good business decisions and enhancing leadership impact.

Who Will Benefit

Finance for Non-Financial Professionals is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers by learning finance and accounting basics.

This program is open to individuals at any stage of their career and all organizational levels who wish to improve their decision-making with sound financial and accounting analysis.

What You Learn

Applying the basics of financial statements

• Become a pro at interpreting the income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements of your own firm.
• Gain insight into the relevance and limitations of key financial statements in annual reports.
• Get familiar with financial ratios and key performance measures.

Managing efficient day-to-day cash flows and working capital

• Understand cost measurement and cost behaviour.
• Make effective capital budgeting decisions by incorporating relevant cash flows, cost of capital, sensitivity analysis and qualitative factors.

Using financial information to make good decisions

• Identify key economic and industry factors, risks and opportunities, and financial implications.
• Understand the time value of money concepts.
• Get familiar with hurdle rates and return-on-investment requirements.

Return on Investment

Participant Testimonials

Fees

$5,390 - $5,490 CAD

The program fee covers program materials, meals, and hotel accommodations for programs held at our Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre. Program sessions offered in Toronto and Calgary include program materials, breakfast, and lunch; participants are responsible for accommodations and meals outside of program hours. Program fees are tax-exempt.

Applications must be submitted no later than 14 days before the start of the program.

FAQs

What funding resources are available?

Organizations and participants in Canada may benefit from the Canada Job Grant or the Canada Training Credit to offset a portion of program fees. Visit our Funding Resources page to learn more.

What is the application process?

On the program page, select 'Apply Now' and choose your preferred start date. Submit the program application form and select a payment method. Once your application is approved, you will be billed directly or receive an invoice. Payment of program fees is due within 30 days of receipt of invoice and no less than 15 days before the program start date.

How should I prepare before attending the program?

Our Program Managers will contact all registered participants prior to the program start date with instructions to join our online Learning Management System. Once logged in, you will be able to create a class profile, view other participants' profiles, and access a list of assigned pre-reading, cases, and activities. Plan to review and complete preparation work in advance of each class session.