Business Intelligence & Analytics for Finance Professionals

In an intensely competitive landscape, finance professionals must evolve beyond traditional reporting roles to leverage cutting-edge Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA) systems. 

This course aims to equip participants with the tools and techniques that power modern finance functions, enabling them to generate pivotal business insights for C-Suite decision-making.

Highlights of the training include

• The critical role of the 21st-century finance function

• Comprehensive utilization of BI and BA tools by finance professionals

• Enhancement of business processes and performance through BI and BA

• Foundational and advanced techniques in statistical analysis and forecasting

• Mastery of data visualization and infographic creation

• Application of agile methodologies in BI and BA system development

Course Objectives

Participants will learn to:

• Contextualize financial insights for business process enhancement.

• Master the use of Business Intelligence and Analytics systems.

• Craft key financial and non-financial performance indicators

• Harness predictive analytics tools and techniques

• Create compelling graphics for data visualization and infographics.

Who should attend?

This course will benefit finance professionals involved in financial planning, performance reporting, or decision support. It is especially advantageous for:

• Finance professionals throughout an organization

• Central planning managers

• Budgeting and forecasting teams

• Commercial managers

• Strategic business partners in finance

Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

• Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.

• Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.

• Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.

• Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.

• Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.

• Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

Module 1:

Understanding Business Models and Business Processes

• Value creation for organizational stakeholders

• Evolving roles of finance professionals in the 21st century

• Insights into business models and processes

• Techniques for business process improvement and re-engineering

• An introduction to Business Intelligence and Analytics

• Foundations of Data-Driven Decision Management (DDDM)

• Financial metrics and shareholder value considerations

• Establishing key success factors and performance metrics

Module 2

The Essence of Business Intelligence and Analytics

• Frameworks for managing business performance

• Clarifying the objectives and scope of BI

• The evolution of BI systems

• Exploring the features, tools, and terminology of BI systems

• Defining and detailing the goals of Business Analytics (BA)

• Comprehending descriptive and predictive analytics

• Exploring the diverse sources and types of BI and BA tools

Module 3

Statistical and Predictive Analytics Principles

• Delineating statistical, descriptive, and predictive analytics

• Characteristics and design of business databases

• Fundamental concepts of distribution and probability theory

• Techniques for analysing time-series data

• Forecasting trends with moving averages and linear regression

• Monte Carlo simulations for predictive modelling in Excel

• Crafting ‘what-if’ scenarios for predictive analytics

Module 4

 Data Visualization and Infographics for Finance Professionals*

• Defining the continuum from data to insight

• Distinguishing between data visualization and infographics

• Employing charts and graphics for effective data representation

• Creating visuals and infographics tailored to non-financial stakeholders.

• Utilizing Excel and PowerPoint for dynamic data presentations

• The art of designing and using scorecards and dashboards

• Best practices for constructing dashboards and mashups in Excel.

Module 5

Implementing BI/BA Systems and Managing Change

• Embracing an agile methodology for systems development

• Actionable steps for designing and implementing agile BI/BA systems.

• Emphasizing the criticality of urgency in system deployment

• Proven tactics for facilitating organizational change.

• Strategies for mitigating resistance to new system implementations.