The budget and the forecast are two common tools used by controllers and CFOs across almost every industry. However, are we really getting the most out of these tools? Or are we merely replicating whatever was done last year? In this course, we will use examples and illustrations to demonstrate various budgeting and forecasting techniques. We will discuss traditional approaches, as well as newer approaches such as flexible budgeting, in an effort to show how companies can gain more value. This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Learning Objectives
After attending this presentation you will be able to...
- Recall the difference between a forecast and a budget
- Identify the difference between top-down and bottom-up budgeting
- State the key elements of a flexible budgeting approach
- Identify key cost drivers
- State how behavioral biases may affect the budgeting process
- Identify how headcount efficiency may be measured
- Determine scenario planning
- Recognize best practices and controls for managing budget changes
Major Topics
The major topics that will be covered in this class include:
- Purpose of Financial Statement Analysis
- Comparing Actuals vs. Expectations & Benchmarking
- Case Studies 1 & 2
- Ratio Analysis
- Case Study 3
- Analysis of Statement of Cash Flows
- Case Studies 4 & 5
- Other Uses of Ratios
