Finance & Accounting

Cash Forecasting & Financing, Investment, Business Valuation, and Risk

This course provides working professionals with essential skills in cash forecasting, financing strategies, business valuation techniques, and risk management. Participants will learn to make informed financial decisions that enhance organisational stability and growth, applying practical tools and methodologies relevant to their roles.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Cash flow management is critical for organisational sustainability and growth. Professionals often face challenges in predicting cash needs, securing appropriate financing, and accurately assessing business value, which can significantly impact strategic decisions. This course addresses these issues, equipping participants with the skills to forecast cash flows accurately, evaluate financing options effectively, and assess the financial health of their organisations. By mastering these competencies, participants will be better positioned to support their organisations in maintaining liquidity, optimising capital structure, and achieving financial goals in a competitive landscape. Additionally, they will learn to communicate financial insights to stakeholders, enhancing their influence within the organisation.

Understanding investment opportunities and associated risks is vital for maximising returns and minimising losses. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to analyse financial data, assess business valuations, and implement effective risk management strategies. These capabilities are essential for informed decision-making in dynamic business environments. By developing a comprehensive understanding of financial metrics and risk profiles, participants will be equipped to navigate complex financial landscapes, make strategic choices that drive organisational success, and present their findings effectively to stakeholders. This course prepares professionals to confidently tackle financial challenges and contribute to their organisation's overall strategy.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, simulations, and hands-on workshops to reinforce learning. Participants will engage in group discussions to analyse real-world financial scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. Specific exercises include creating cash flow forecasts, developing financing proposals, and conducting business valuations. Key outputs include cash flow forecasts, financing proposals, and risk assessment reports, which demonstrate their understanding and application of the subject matter. By collaborating on these tasks, participants will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are directly applicable to their roles, ensuring that they leave the course with actionable insights and tools.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse cash flow patterns to forecast future cash needs accurately using historical data.
Calculate financing options and their implications for business operations to optimise capital structure.
Assess business valuation methods to determine fair market value for investment decisions.
Identify and evaluate investment opportunities based on risk and return metrics to enhance portfolio performance.
Prioritise risk management strategies to mitigate financial exposure and protect assets effectively.
Construct comprehensive cash flow forecasts using industry-standard tools and techniques for informed decision-making.
Develop a financing proposal that aligns with business objectives and stakeholder expectations to secure necessary funding.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Financial analysts responsible for cash management and forecasting.
Investment managers evaluating potential investment opportunities.
Business development professionals involved in financing and valuation.
Risk managers assessing and mitigating financial risks within organisations.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Proficient in cash flow analysis and forecasting techniques.
Skilled in evaluating financing options and their impacts.
Competent in applying business valuation methodologies effectively.
Able to identify and manage financial risks systematically.
Experienced in constructing detailed financial models for decision-making.
Capable of conducting investment analysis with a focus on risk assessment.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Fundamentals of Cash Forecasting

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional company's historical cash flow statements to identify trends and forecast future cash needs using selected forecasting methods, considering seasonal variations and unexpected expenses. They will also discuss the implications of their forecasts on operational decisions and liquidity management.

Output: A detailed cash flow forecast report for the next quarter, including assumptions and justifications.

09:00–09:54Introduction to cash flow concepts and their importance in business operations and financial planning.
09:54–10:48Methods for cash flow forecasting: direct and indirect approaches explained with examples.
10:48–11:00Identifying and categorising cash inflows and outflows effectively for accurate forecasting.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying and categorising cash inflows and outflows effectively for accurate forecasting. (continued)
12:12–13:06Tools and software for cash flow management and forecasting, including Excel and financial software.
13:06–14:00Common pitfalls in cash forecasting and strategies to avoid them, ensuring reliability in predictions.

Day 2Financing Strategies for Businesses

Applied activity: Using a fictional case study, participants will create a financing proposal for a startup seeking investment, considering various financing options, their costs, and potential impacts on ownership and control. They will also assess the risks associated with each financing method and present their recommendations.

Output: A comprehensive financing proposal document that outlines the recommended strategy.

09:00–09:54Overview of financing options: debt vs. equity and their implications for business operations and control.
09:54–10:48Evaluating the cost of capital and its relevance to financing decisions and overall strategy.
10:48–11:00Understanding key financial ratios and their impact on financing choices and risk assessment.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Understanding key financial ratios and their impact on financing choices and risk assessment. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing a financing proposal for a specific business need, including risk assessment and stakeholder analysis.
13:06–14:00Case studies on successful financing strategies and lessons learned from real-world applications.

Day 3Business Valuation Techniques

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a business valuation for a fictional company using multiple valuation methods, considering industry benchmarks and market conditions. They will prepare to present their findings to a mock board of directors, justifying their chosen valuation approach and its implications for investment.

Output: A valuation report summarising the findings, methodologies used, and recommendations.

09:00–09:54Introduction to business valuation and its significance in mergers, acquisitions, and investment decisions.
09:54–10:48Different valuation methods: discounted cash flow (DCF), market comparables, and asset-based approaches explained.
10:48–11:00Factors influencing business value, including market conditions, financial performance, and competitive landscape.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Factors influencing business value, including market conditions, financial performance, and competitive landscape. (continued)
12:12–13:06Conducting a valuation analysis for a fictional company using selected methods and industry benchmarks.
13:06–14:00Presenting valuation findings to stakeholders effectively, including recommendations and potential implications.

Day 4Investment Analysis and Risk Assessment

Applied activity: Participants will evaluate a set of fictional investment opportunities, assessing their risk and potential return. They will apply risk assessment frameworks to recommend the best option based on their analysis, considering both qualitative and quantitative factors.

Output: An investment analysis report with recommendations and justifications.

09:00–09:54Understanding investment risk and return dynamics in various market conditions and economic scenarios.
09:54–10:48Tools for analysing investment opportunities, including risk-adjusted return metrics and portfolio theory.
10:48–11:00Evaluating the risk profile of various investments and their alignment with business strategy and goals.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Evaluating the risk profile of various investments and their alignment with business strategy and goals. (continued)
12:12–13:06Developing a risk assessment framework for investment decisions to enhance decision quality and accountability.
13:06–14:00Case studies on investment failures and lessons learned to inform future strategies and risk management.

Day 5Integrated Financial Decision-Making

Applied activity: In groups, participants will develop an integrated financial strategy for a fictional company, combining cash forecasting, financing, valuation, and risk management insights. They will ensure a holistic approach to financial planning and prepare to present their strategy to stakeholders, addressing potential questions and concerns.

Output: A strategic financial plan presentation to stakeholders, including a summary of key decisions and justifications.

09:00–09:54Bringing together cash forecasting, financing, and valuation into a cohesive financial strategy.
09:54–10:48Developing a comprehensive financial strategy for a fictional company that integrates all learned concepts effectively.
10:48–11:00Integrating risk management into financial decision-making processes to safeguard assets and optimise outcomes.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Integrating risk management into financial decision-making processes to safeguard assets and optimise outcomes. (continued)
12:12–13:06Collaborative problem-solving in financial scenarios to enhance team dynamics and strategic thinking.
13:06–14:00Preparing for stakeholder presentations and discussions to communicate financial strategies effectively and persuasively.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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