Course overview:

The Financial Understanding module begins with an overview of bookkeeping, followed by a detailed explanation of the main financial statements, cashflow forecasts, accounting standards, ratios and trends.  

The module aims to give students an in-depth understanding of the various financial statements regardless of their layout, and the ability to highlight trends or issues when dealing with prospects or clients in the asset based lending industry. 

The module includes: 

• The underpinning principles of financial reporting 
• The primary financial statements 
• Accounting standards/international accounting standards 
• Ratio and trend analysis, especially relevant to asset based lenders

Learning outcomes:

We have identified 10 Learning Outcomes and will result in you being able to: 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the components and uses, purpose and nature of accounting statements; 

2. Describe and understand the uses of, and users of, published financial statements; 

3. Understand and demonstrate how financial statements are prepared in accordance with regulatory and statutory requirements; 

4. Be able to interpret and explain the content of primary financial statements, and identify and explain the meaning of items which make up the financial statements; 

5. Show skill in using financial and accounting ratios to analyse and appraise an organisation’s financial position including a recognition of the limitations of such an approach; 

6. Explain the objective-setting process of a business within the context of the non-statutory financial statements; budgeting and forecasting, including cashflow forecasts; 

7. Understand the elements of a sound Business Plan and how this can be used as a monitoring tool alongside Organisational Strategic Planning and Forecasting Processes; 

8. Be able to relate the financial performance of a given organisation to its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, that is to be able to undertake SWOT analysis; 

9. To position the financial performance of a given organisation within its political, economic, sociological and technological environment, that is to effectively undertake PEST analysis; 

10. To demonstrate an ability to assess the relationship between the non-financial aspects of a business, and the financial performance of an organisation

Agenda 

LEVEL 

The module is primarily aimed at students operating at manager level and above, within their organisation. 

ASSESSMENT 

Students will receive a comprehensive workbook and study guide. Assignments will be set during the study period for students to submit for assessment and  at the end of the study period students sit a formal examination. 

STUDY TIME 

This module is designed to cover a 40-week study plan assuming a study time of approximately four hours per week. 

REGISTRATION 

Registration by 18th April 2024. Course will begin 25th April 2024 with examination in February 2025.