Strategic Financial Planning And Forecasting: Driving Business Success

Introduction:

Strategic Financial Planning and Forecasting is crucial for aligning financial resources with organizational goals and driving sustainable growth. This comprehensive training course equips participants with the specialized knowledge and skills to develop robust financial plans and forecasts that support strategic decision-making. Participants will learn how to integrate financial analysis, scenario planning, and forecasting techniques to create actionable insights and drive business success. This course bridges the gap between traditional financial planning and strategic vision, empowering professionals to become valuable strategic partners.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for financial professionals involved in strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting, including:

• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Managers
• Financial Analysts
• Controllers
• Budget Managers
• Anyone involved in financial strategy and planning

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Strategic Financial Planning and Forecasting training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of strategic financial planning and forecasting.
• Align financial planning with organizational strategy and objectives.
• Develop robust financial forecasts using various methodologies.
• Conduct scenario and sensitivity analysis to assess financial risks and opportunities.
• Create comprehensive financial plans and budgets.
• Integrate financial modeling into strategic planning processes.
• Analyze financial performance and identify key drivers.
• Communicate financial insights effectively to stakeholders.
• Enhance their ability to make data-driven strategic decisions.
• Improve their efficiency and accuracy in financial planning and forecasting.
• Contribute to improved financial performance and organizational growth.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in financial planning.
• Become a more valuable and sought-after financial planning professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in financial forecasting.
• Learn how to use financial planning software and tools.

DURATION

5 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Financial Planning

• Introduction to strategic financial planning and its importance.
• The relationship between strategic planning and financial planning.
• Aligning financial goals with organizational strategy.
• Understanding the financial planning cycle.
• Key stakeholders in the financial planning process.

Module 2: Environmental Analysis and Forecasting Inputs

• Analyzing macroeconomic trends and industry outlook.
• Understanding competitive dynamics and market analysis.
• Identifying key drivers of revenue and costs.
• Gathering and evaluating internal and external data.
• Developing assumptions for financial forecasts.

Module 3: Forecasting Methodologies and Techniques

• Quantitative forecasting methods (time series analysis, regression analysis).
• Qualitative forecasting methods (scenario planning, expert opinions).
• Developing driver-based forecasting models.
• Building revenue and cost forecasts.
• Integrating operational and financial data.

Module 4: Developing Integrated Financial Statements

• Building pro forma income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Linking financial statements and ensuring consistency.
• Modeling working capital and capital expenditures.
• Forecasting financing activities and debt management.
• Developing dynamic financial statement models.

Module 5: Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis

• Developing scenario planning frameworks.
• Conducting sensitivity analysis on key assumptions.
• Analyzing the impact of different scenarios on financial performance.
• Developing contingency plans and mitigation strategies.
• Using scenario analysis for risk management.

Module 6: Budgeting and Financial Control

• Developing operating and capital budgets.
• Implementing budget control mechanisms.
• Variance analysis and performance reporting.
• Managing budget deviations and adjustments.
• Using budgets for performance evaluation.

Module 7: Financial Performance Analysis and KPIs

• Analyzing financial ratios and metrics.
• Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) for strategic goals.
• Developing financial dashboards and reports.
• Analyzing profitability, liquidity, and solvency.
• Using financial analysis for decision-making.

Module 8: Capital Budgeting and Investment Analysis

• Evaluating capital investment projects.
• Calculating net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period.
• Analyzing project risks and returns.
• Developing capital budgeting frameworks.
• Making informed investment decisions.

Module 9: Communicating Financial Plans and Insights

• Developing effective financial presentations and reports.
• Communicating financial information to different stakeholders.
• Using data visualization techniques.
• Presenting financial plans and forecasts to senior management.
• Building consensus and gaining buy-in for financial strategies.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.