
Financial Literacy for Non-Financial Managers Outlines
Course ID: 2511240101187ESH

Course Dates : 24/11/25 Course Duration : 5 Studying Day/s Course Location: London, UK
Language: Bilingual
Course Category: Professional and CPD Training Programs
Course Subcategories:
Finance and Accounting
Leadership and Management
Sustainability and Environmental Practices
Accounting
Budgeting
Decision-Making
Finance
Risk Management
Strategic Planning
Sustainability

Course Information
Introduction
The ability to understand and navigate financial principles is no longer confined to accountants or finance professionals. In an increasingly data-driven and interconnected business environment, non-financial managers are often tasked with making decisions that have significant financial implications. Whether it involves budget allocation, cost analysis, or evaluating the financial health of a project, these responsibilities demand a solid grasp of financial literacy. For professionals in roles such as human resources, operations, marketing, or team leadership, mastering financial concepts can bridge the gap between strategic planning and execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
One of the primary challenges faced by non-financial managers is the disconnect between their expertise and the financial language used in decision-making processes. Misinterpretation of financial reports, inability to assess profitability metrics, or overlooking the implications of cash flow can lead to suboptimal decisions. According to Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard framework, integrating financial insights into operational strategies is critical for achieving sustainable growth. By addressing this knowledge gap, the course empowers participants to contribute meaningfully to cross-functional discussions, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making.
A notable example of the consequences of inadequate financial literacy comes from the 2008 financial crisis, where many organizations struggled due to poor risk assessment and lack of transparency in financial reporting. This underscores the importance of equipping non-financial managers with the tools to interpret financial statements, identify potential risks, and align their actions with broader organizational objectives. The course draws on lessons from such real-world scenarios to provide practical insights that resonate across industries.
From an organizational perspective, enhancing financial literacy among non-financial managers yields tangible benefits. It leads to improved resource allocation, better cost management, and enhanced accountability. Additionally, employees who understand financial principles are more likely to propose innovative solutions that drive efficiency and profitability. For individuals, mastering financial literacy opens doors to career advancement, enabling them to take on leadership roles that require a multidisciplinary skill set.
The curriculum is grounded in established theories and frameworks, including Porter’s Five Forces, which emphasizes the role of financial analysis in competitive strategy, and Warren Buffett’s principle of intrinsic value, which highlights the importance of understanding financial metrics. Participants will also explore trends such as the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, which underscores the growing need for financial acumen in evaluating sustainability initiatives.
Through interactive case studies, participants will analyze examples like the turnaround strategy implemented by Ford Motor Company during the 2008 recession, which relied heavily on financial restructuring and stakeholder communication. Such examples illustrate how financial literacy can transform challenges into opportunities, equipping non-financial managers with the confidence to tackle complex business problems.
Objectives
By attending this course, participants will be able to:
Analyze key components of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, to assess organizational performance.
Evaluate the financial health of projects or departments using metrics such as ROI (Return on Investment), NPV (Net Present Value), and break-even analysis.
Design realistic budgets and forecasts that align with organizational goals and constraints.
Apply cost-benefit analysis techniques to prioritize initiatives and optimize resource allocation.
Implement strategies for managing financial risks, including identifying and mitigating potential threats.
Interpret financial data to support evidence-based decision-making in cross-functional teams.
Develop action plans to integrate financial insights into operational workflows and improve overall efficiency.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
HR managers tasked with workforce planning and budgeting.
Marketing professionals responsible for campaign ROI and budget optimization.
Operations managers overseeing cost control and process improvements.
Team leaders seeking to enhance their decision-making capabilities.
Consultants advising clients on financial performance and strategy.
These groups will find the course valuable as it bridges the gap between their functional expertise and financial acumen, enabling them to contribute more effectively to organizational success. The course is suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, providing foundational knowledge while offering advanced applications for those with prior exposure to financial concepts.
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
Daily Schedule (Monday to Friday)
- 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM Technical Session 1
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Technical Session 2
- 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Technical Session 3
- 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM Lunch Break (If Applicable)
- Participants are expected to engage in guided self-study, reading, or personal reflection on the day’s content. This contributes toward the CPD accreditation and deepens conceptual understanding.
- 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM Self-Study & Reflection
Please Note:
- All training sessions are conducted from Monday to Friday, following the standard working week observed in the United Kingdom and European Union. Saturday and Sunday are official weekends and are not counted as part of the course duration.
- Coffee and refreshments are available on a floating basis throughout the morning. Participants may help themselves at their convenience to ensure an uninterrupted learning experience Provided if applicable and subject to course delivery arrangements.
- Lunch Provided if applicable and subject to course delivery arrangements.

Course Outlines
Foundations of Financial Literacy
Overview of financial statements and their components.
Key accounting principles and terminology.
Understanding assets, liabilities, and equity.
Case study: Analyzing a company’s annual report.
Day 2:
Financial Analysis and Metrics
Techniques for analyzing profitability, liquidity, and solvency.
Introduction to financial ratios and their interpretation.
Evaluating ROI, NPV, and payback periods.
Group activity: Assessing investment opportunities.
Day 3:
Budgeting and Forecasting
Principles of effective budgeting and forecasting.
Tools for creating realistic financial projections.
Strategies for variance analysis and corrective actions.
Workshop: Developing a departmental budget.
Day 4:
Cost Management and Risk Mitigation
Types of costs and their impact on decision-making.
Applying cost-benefit analysis to evaluate initiatives.
Identifying and managing financial risks.
Case study: Lessons from financial crises.
Day 5:
Integrating Financial Insights into Strategy
Aligning financial goals with organizational objectives.
Using financial data to drive operational efficiency.
Emerging trends in financial management (e.g., ESG).
Final project: Presenting a financial strategy proposal.