Practical Finance for Non-Finance Professionals

Finance has become an increasingly important area of study due to its critical role in strategic decision-making and business success. This programme, titled "Practical Finance for Non-Finance Professionals," is designed to introduce participants to fundamental financial concepts and tools that are essential for evaluating business performance and making informed decisions. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of financial statements, key financial metrics, budgeting, investment decision-making, and risk management, which are essential for aligning financial insights with organisational goals and driving sustainable business growth.

The programme will cover a range of topics, including financial statement analysis, key financial metrics, cost management, budgeting, investment decision-making, and financial risk management, structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial principles for business decision-making. Over two days, participants will learn to interpret financial data, assess business performance, make informed strategic investment decisions, and manage financial risks effectively. The programme is designed as an interactive in-person workshop. It requires no prior financial knowledge, making it suitable for business executives, non-finance managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders looking to enhance their financial acumen.

Incentives available for groups and teams of four or more attending open enrollment programs

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This programme is designed for professionals who play a critical role in shaping business outcomes, yet may not have a formal background in finance. It is ideally suited for:
- Business executives and senior managers from non-finance functions (operations, marketing, human resources, engineering, project management, legal, IT, and more); and/or
- Department heads, business unit leaders, and entrepreneurs who make or influence decisions with financial implications; and/or
- Managers from corporate management, SMEs, and startups who are responsible for budgets, cost management, or investment decisions; and/or
- Professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibilities who need to strengthen their financial acumen.
No prior financial knowledge is required.
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand key financial statements and their role in assessing business performance.
- Analyse financial metrics and ratios to evaluate business efficiency and financial health.
- Apply cost management and break-even analysis to support pricing and profitability decisions.
- Develop effective budgets and financial forecasts aligned with business strategy.
- Evaluate investment opportunities using ROI, NPV, IRR and other financial measures.
- Identify and manage financial risks, including credit, market and operational risks.
- Communicate and integrate financial insights into strategic decisions to support long-term organisational success and profitability.
Participants also receive a Monash University Certificate of Completion and a digital badge.
This two-day programme is structured around eight focused modules, designed to build confidence and competence in applying financial concepts to real business decisions:
Module 1: Introduction to Practical Finance for Non-Finance Professionals
Understand the importance of financial literacy and its role in executive decision-making.
Module 2: Understanding Financial Statements
Analyse balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements to evaluate business performance.
Module 3: Key Financial Metrics and Ratios
Evaluate profitability, liquidity, leverage, and activity ratios to assess organisational efficiency and financial health.
Module 4: Cost Management and Break-Even Analysis
Distinguish between fixed and variable costs, calculate break-even points, and optimise pricing strategies.
Module 5: Budgeting and Forecasting
Develop realistic budgets and financial forecasts aligned with business objectives.
Module 6: Financial Intelligence and Strategic Decision-Making
Explore the application of key financial principles to shape and support business strategy.
Module 7: Investment Decision-Making and Risk Management
Assess investment opportunities, evaluate returns, and effectively mitigate financial risks.
Module 8: Action Planning and Financial Communication
Translate financial insights into strategic actions and communicate financial data clearly to stakeholders.
Dr Ravichandran Subramaniam
Senior Lecturer
Department of Finance, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia

A Chartered Accountant (Malaysia) and CPA Australia with a PhD in Finance from Universiti Malaya, Dr Subramaniam brings more than a decade of industry experience from senior internal audit roles in Malaysian financial institutions and a multinational corporation. His expertise spans corporate governance, sustainable finance, auditing, and financial technology, with a strong focus on regulation and risk. He is also an HRD Corp-accredited trainer.

Session 2-1-1 Block

2026 Session

1 -2 December 2026

START:: 1st December at 9 a.m.
END:: 2nd December at 5:30 p.m.
FORMAT:: In-person at Monash University, Bandar Sunway Campus, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Practical Finance for Non-Finance Professionals