In an era of increasing complexity and stakeholder demands, effective board oversight of risk, audit, and finance is the cornerstone of sustainable corporate performance and trust. This training course is meticulously designed to equip board members and senior executives with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to discharge their fiduciary duties with confidence and precision. We will move beyond a superficial understanding of reports to a hands-on approach, exploring how to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and ensure that the organization's governance, risk management, and financial controls are robust and effective. This program is an essential resource for professionals who are committed to steering their institutions toward a future of enduring integrity and value.

This intensive five-day program delves into the intricate world of board responsibilities, providing participants with a deep understanding of how to translate oversight principles into tangible actions and outcomes. You will learn to critically analyze financial statements, assess enterprise-wide risks, and oversee the internal and external audit functions with a strategic mindset. Through a combination of interactive case studies, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the confidence and expertise to lead with authority and purpose. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to act as a more effective guardian of the organization, building a dynamic institution that can outmaneuver the competition and shape its own destiny.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Board members and directors
• Audit committee members
• CEOs and senior executives
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• General counsels and legal professionals
• Senior internal auditors and inspectors
• Risk managers and compliance officers
• Corporate governance officers
• Heads of department and division leaders
• Strategic planners and policy advisors

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of effective board governance and oversight
• Grasp the components of a robust enterprise risk management framework
• Analyze and interpret a company's financial statements with a critical eye
• Develop a strategy for overseeing the internal and external audit functions
• Apply key financial metrics and ratios to assess organizational health
• Assess and mitigate the financial and reputational risks associated with business decisions
• Interpret key performance indicators to measure organizational success
• Apply lessons from global case studies on board failures and successes
• Enhance personal leadership skills for effective board communication and decision-making

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundations of Board Oversight

• The role of the board of directors and their fiduciary duties
• The distinction between governance and management
• The importance of a clear and compelling board charter
• Understanding the key components of a corporate governance framework
• The impact of a well-governed board on performance

Module 2: Financial Acumen for the Board

• The methodology of a comprehensive financial statement analysis
• Identifying the key drivers and barriers to financial performance
• The importance of a data-driven mindset
• Understanding the role of a leader in modeling cultural values
• The challenges of challenging existing assumptions

Module 3: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

• The principles of enterprise risk management
• The role of a leader in building and empowering these teams
• The importance of a test-and-learn approach
• The art of delegation and autonomy
• Managing a diverse and multi-disciplinary team

Module 4: The Audit Committee's Role

• The principles of the audit committee's oversight
• The role of a leader in designing agile and flexible processes
• The importance of a clear and consistent communication style
• The challenges of bureaucratic roadblocks
• The strategic use of cross-functional teams

Module 5: Internal Controls and Governance

• The impact of organizational structure on innovation
• The role of a leader in designing agile and flexible processes
• The importance of a clear and consistent communication style
• The challenges of bureaucratic roadblocks
• The strategic use of cross-functional teams

Module 6: Strategic Planning and Financial Performance

• The psychology of change and resistance
• Developing a structured change management plan
• Communicating effectively during times of transition
• Managing a team through uncertainty and disruption
• The role of a leader in sustaining momentum

Module 7: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

• The principles of measuring innovation success
• Using key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress
• The role of a dashboard for innovation oversight
• The importance of a reward and recognition system
• The link between cultural values and compensation

Module 8: Case Studies in Board Oversight

• Analyzing a company that successfully transformed its culture
• Examining a company that failed to create an innovative culture
• The role of a leader in a technology disruption
• The impact of a new culture on a company's valuation
• A deep dive into a real-world case study

Module 9: The Board's Future-Focused Role

• The importance of a leader as a strategic visionary
• The role of a leader in communicating and inspiring
• The need for continuous learning and adaptation
• Building a strong innovation team
• A strategic roadmap for your leadership journey

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.