Accounting for Non-Accountants

Numbers drive decisions in every organisation, yet many managers feel uneasy when the financial statements land on the table.

5 daysFoundation8 modules

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Overview

About this course

Numbers drive decisions in every organisation, yet many managers feel uneasy when the financial statements land on the table. This five-day course explains accounting in plain language, from the accounting cycle to the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement.

Through practical examples and short exercises you will learn to read the figures, calculate key ratios, understand the difference between profit and cash, and use budgets and cost information to make better decisions. You will finish ready to hold confident conversations with your finance team.

What you'll learn

Explain the purpose of accounting and the main financial statements
Read an income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement with confidence
Distinguish between profit and cash and explain why both matter
Follow the accounting cycle from transaction to reported figures
Calculate and interpret key ratios for profitability, liquidity and efficiency
Use budgets and simple cost information to support management decisions
Ask informed questions of finance colleagues and auditors

Curriculum

8 modules

The role of accounting in an organisation
Users of financial information
Key terms every manager should know
Accounting principles in plain language

Transactions and source documents
The idea of double entry
Journals, ledgers and the trial balance
From records to reports

Revenue and expenses
Gross profit, operating profit and net profit
Accruals and timing
Reading an income statement

Assets, liabilities and equity
Current and non-current items
Working capital
Reading a balance sheet

Operating, investing and financing activities
Why profit is not cash
Spotting cash pressure early

Profitability ratios
Liquidity ratios
Efficiency and gearing ratios
Comparing periods and benchmarks

Fixed and variable costs
Break-even in practice
Preparing and monitoring a budget
Explaining variances

Internal controls and approvals
What auditors look for
Presenting financial information to others
Course review and case study

Who it's for

Managers, team leaders and professionals with no finance background who need to understand and use financial information.

Before you start

No formal prerequisites. Bring curiosity and a willingness to practise.

Diplomas

Part of these Alalamia diplomas

Let's plan your next step together.

Tell us the course or certification you have in mind and we'll send the outline, upcoming dates, fees and private-team options.

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