An intensive professional development training course on
Forecasting and
Analysing Cash Flow
Practical Skills to Boost Cash Flow
Why Choose this Training Course?
Cash is King! Since the dawn of the new century we have seen turbulent change in global markets and unprecedented volatility in commodity prices. Industries like the oil and gas sector have faced a rapid decline in output prices and face enormous pressure on their ability to maintain profit, cash flow and shareholder value. The ability to plan and manage business cash flow has never been more critical for the ability of the enterprise to survive and flourish.
This hands-on Forecasting and Analysing Cash Flow AZTech training course will focus on practical financial skills directly relevant for business cash flow management and optimisation; using powerful Excel based modelling tools delegates will build a range of functional skills, tools and techniques with which to plan, manage and improve their organisations cash flow.
This AZTech training course will feature:
- Comprehensive analysis of cost, profit and cash flow drivers
- In depth guide to optimising working capital
- Guide to sources of funding and capital structure
- Best practice in capital investment analysis
- Review of basic business forecasting methods
- Practical tips and guidance on building forecasting models
What are the Goals?
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Analyse the key drivers of business cash flow
- Provide practical advice on working capital optimisation
- Use effective tools to produce reliable forecasts
- Advise on capital investment appraisal decisions
- Build powerful cash flow forecasting models
Who is this Training Course for?
This training course will be of benefit to all staff involved in any of the many functions that have an influence on the organisation’s cash flows. The principles and practical techniques will be relevant to not only finance team members, but those from other key functional areas, including:
- Cost and management accountants
- Treasury department staff
- Managers and budget holders
- Procurement and supply chain professionals
- Receivables and payables team members
How will this Training Course be Presented?
This AZTech training course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. The course will follow a participative workshop format and will be focused on developing practical skills that delegates can apply in real life business situations on return to their own organisation. Each module includes a thorough review of the relevant theory before focusing on life-like business case studies to which delegates can apply the theory and practical skills using Excel tools and functions.
The Course Content
Day One: Business Finance Fundamentals
- Identifying and balancing stakeholder needs
- Financial statements - purpose and structure
- Measuring financial performance and strength
- The vital difference between profit and cash flow
- Identifying the drivers of business cash flow
- Cash flow ratio analysis and interpretation
Day Two: Analysing and Improving Operating Cash Flow
- Understanding cost behaviour
- Analysing the cost-volume-profit relationship
- Mastering the principles of gross margin and break-even
- Components and mechanics of the working capital cycle
- Analysing and optimising working capital
- Principles of cash optimisation
Day Three: Analysing Investment and Funding Cash Flows
- Operating a capital investment budget system
- Principles of capital investment decision-making
- Mastering discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis
- Sources and cost of business funding
- Funding strategy and optimal capital structure
- Analysing the impact of dividend strategy
Day Four: Fundamentals of Forecasting and Modelling
- Analysing time series sales data to inform forecasts
- Using Excel statistical analysis tools
- Moving average, linear regression and exponential smoothing methods
- Analysing and forecasting operational costs
- Minimising forecast error and bias
- Principles and best practice in financial modelling
Day Five: Financial Models for Cash Flow Forecasting
- Direct and indirect cash flow forecasts
- Steps in building a cash flow forecast model
- Using Excel to build the financial model
- Applying sensitivity analysis methods to the model
- Analysing the impact of risk on cash flow
- Expanding the model to include other key measures
The Certificate
- AZTech Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the course
