Budgets and Managing Money
A comprehensive two-day workshop designed for managers and supervisors who need a working knowledge of finance and budgeting. This course covers fundamental financial concepts, the budgeting process, ratio analysis, investment evaluation, and strategies for getting budgets approved. Participants will build practical skills to prepare budgets of any type or size and make confident financial decisions.
What you'll learn
- Define basic financial terminology including bookkeeping, accounting, GAAP principles, and key budget types
- Prepare a budget of any type or size using a structured six-step process
- Apply ratio analysis tools such as current ratio, debt ratio, and return on investment to evaluate financial health
- Build a compelling business case to get a budget approved by decision-makers
- Compare investment opportunities using payback period, break-even analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI
Preview a lesson
Building a Case and Presenting Your Budget Preparing a great budget is only half the job—you also need to sell it. At some point you will face a budget committee or senior leadership review, and your ability to present confidently and handle tough questions can make or break your proposal. **Before the Presentation** **Know what to expect.** Find out who will attend, what format is expected (slides, handouts, summary), and whether others will also be presenting. **Double-check your budget.** Confirm it is in the proper format with all required elements complete. **Prepare a supporting notebook.** Organize all backup data so you are ready for detailed questions without overwhelming your audience. Consider creating hidden slides in your presentation deck for this purpose. **During the Presentation** **Go slowly.** Most people speak faster when nervous. Make a conscious effort to slow down and pause for questions. **Stay calm under pressure.** If you receive a tough question, take a breath, collect your thoughts, and consult your supporting materials. It is acceptable to say, *"I'll get you that information by [date]."* **Be transparent.** Do not bluff. Decision-makers respect honesty far more than a polished cover-up. **Do a Mock Presentation First** Find a trusted colleague to act as your audience. Present the full deck as you would to the budget committee. Ask for honest feedback: What
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Curriculum
The Fundamentals of Finance
4 lessons- textRecording Financial Transactions and Key Terminology
- textGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Budgeting Terms
- textYour Role in Company Finances
- quizModule 1 Quiz: Fundamentals of Finance
The Basics of Budgeting
3 lessons- textDefining a Budget and Why It Matters
- textTypes of Budgets
- quizModule 2 Quiz: Basics of Budgeting
The Budgeting Process
4 lessons- textSteps One and Two: Gather the Budget Package and Lay the Groundwork
- textSteps Three Through Six: Goal-Setting, Gathering Resources, Planning, and Executing
- textBudgeting Tips, Tricks, and Monitoring
- quizModule 3 Quiz: The Budgeting Process
Crunching the Numbers: Ratio Analysis
3 lessons- textIntroduction to Ratio Analysis
- textComparing Investment Opportunities
- quizModule 4 Quiz: Ratio Analysis and Investment Comparison
Getting Your Budget Approved and Applied
3 lessons- textBuilding a Case and Presenting Your BudgetPreview
- textISO 9001 and Its Impact on Budgeting
- quizModule 5 Quiz: Budget Approval and Application