We are now delivering virtually!

Companies can’t push the pause button on capability building,
so the moment belongs to virtual learning.

Whether the development need is reskilling at the business-unit level or a company-wide aspirational transformation, companies can’t simply push the pause button on critical workplace learning, even as they move rapidly to put employee safety first.

Prior to COVID-19, Financial Training Australia’s delivery style was predominantly face-to-face as we find it maximises learning, engagement and fun. In the current pandemic environment, our services have not been able to continue in the same format. However, we are pleased to announce that we are offering our services virtually. FTA is monitoring the ever-changing situation in Victoria, Australia and internationally, and we look forward to resuming face-to-face learning as soon as feasible.

Our sessions have been restructured and redesigned to better suit the online delivery mode, without compromising on the quality of our education and outcomes. We welcome you to our digital community, where we connect and learn together, no matter where you are.

As always, when engaging with you, we take the time to understand your objectives and ensure the online training meets your specific needs.

Each of our service offerings have been converted to online delivery. Click on each of the service offerings listed below for more information. An example approach to Financial Acumen has been provided below.

An example approach to Financial Acumen, involving a blend of e-Learning and virtual sessions is set out below.

e-Learning

Our partners, Bonanza Education, have a unique approach to financial acumen by using the ‘Visual Language of Finance’ as well as gamification to make the training extremely engaging and fun! It is recommended to cover the fundamentals using this generic approach, and we propose that the completion of this e-learning is a prerequisite and treated as pre-course. It takes 1.5 – 2 hours to complete.

For some, the topic of finance can be viewed as daunting, so this program is helpful to give participants a basic introduction which they can complete at their own pace, thereby instilling confidence, before attending the program. It would also mean that less time can be spent during the virtual session on the basics and more time can be devoted to working with practical examples.

This eLearning could also be offered more widely as a stand-alone program – if you think it could benefit more members of your team.

Virtual Sessions

The e-learning is often followed by a series of 2 hour online sessions, consisting of presentations and group exercises – the latter to be completed in Zoom’s break-out rooms. While the specific details of the design would be tailored to your objectives, there are some example module topics listed below.

We use Zoom Pro as the platform rather than a webinar since this allows for more interaction and engagement. Break-out rooms will be used for group work.

Example Modules

Module 1 – Finance Basics

  • Introduction and recap of eLearning – (i.e. financial accounting terminology and concepts) interactive with polls etc. – 1 hour
  • Linking this to your organisation – what would the accounts look like? – 15 minutes
  • Break out rooms – groups 15 (possibly around what they see as the key business drivers, key financial challenges) – 20 minutes
  • Debrief and discussion of business drivers, challenges etc. for the business before linking it to the financial strategy
  • Summary and Conclusion
  • Assignment – E. g. Look at own P & L and be prepared to discuss key issues

 

Module 2 – Working Capital Management and Improving Profitability

  • Introduction and recap of previous module plus debrief of assignment
  • Presentation on impact on working capital/cash flow management
  • Break out rooms – groups 15 – what practical steps can they take to improve the management of stock and receivables (payables?) – 20 minutes
  • Debrief and agreement of what practical steps can be taken
  • Improving profitability – presentation of ‘1%ers’ – how even small positive changes can add up
  • Assignment – Implementation of 1%ers to improve profitability plus working capital management

Module 3 – Budgeting

  • Introduction and recap of previous module plus debrief of assignment
  • Explanation of budgeting including budgeting cycle, benefits, setting budgets, phasing forecasting etc.
  • Types of budgets (P & L, Cash and Capex) and ways to assemble (including zero based)
  • Budgeting games to avoid
  • Monitoring performance
  • Reporting through variance analysis and commentary writing
  • Assignment – Review of variance analysis commentaries

 

Module 4 – Monitoring Performance Through KPIs and Ratio Analysis

  • Introduction and recap of previous module plus debrief of assignment
  • KPIs and ratios – Liquidity, profitability, capital structure, investment
  • Relevant ratios for the business
  • Benchmarking
  • Setting KPIs and targets

 

Module 5 – Writing a Compelling Business Case

  • We have designed and run a one-day program on this subject which could be adapted

Please get in touch by heading to our Contact page, we would be happy to discuss the ideal solution for you and your team.