Finance for Non-Financial Professionals

Not a finance person? Numbers seem like a different language? Dread the thought of cash flows, or budget decisions?

We can help.

Finance for Non-Financial Professionals will help you manage cash flows, make good financial decisions, and discuss statements with your finance and accounting colleagues. You’ll come out of the program understanding the principles, even if you felt clueless going in.

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.

Understanding numbers is crucial to making good business decisions. Don’t get left behind.

The program is designed specifically for individuals with little to no 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 is practical. As you explore each business case, you’ll compare the situation to your own firm’s financial issues. And you’ll return to the office with solutions. You'll be more effective at interacting with the accounting and financial groups using their capacities to your benefit.

Understand 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

Better manage 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

Learn how to use financial information to make good decisions

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

This is Not about Textbooks and Lectures

This isn’t your typical classroom. Our programs are designed with busy leaders in mind. We’re talking an engaging, interactive, and unique experience. Our real-world Case-Method of Learning is not about textbooks and lectures – it’s about learning by doing. You’ll walk away with new knowledge and ideas that you can immediately implement in your business.

Create Immediate Impact

Throughout the program, you’ll track your learning outcomes and pinpoint specific initiatives to implement. You’ll leave knowing exactly how you will apply your new knowledge and skills, and a self-developed implementation plan to start your impact once back in your workplace.