Financial Decision Making for Managers

 

In today’s data-driven business environment, managers are increasingly expected to interpret financial information, manage resources, and contribute to strategic decisions — regardless of their financial background. This 8-week programme equips professionals with the essential knowledge and confidence to use financial data as a tool for decision-making, planning, and performance management.

Taught by Brunel Business School’s experts in accounting, finance, and fintech, the programme takes a practical, accessible approach to core financial topics. Whether you’re managing budgets, approving investments, or involved in forecasting and planning, this programme helps you build financial fluency to lead more effectively.

The Brunel difference:

• Delivered by financial experts: Led by senior academics and practitioners in corporate finance, banking, and fintech
• Applied and accessible: Designed for professionals without formal financial training
• Focus on real-world tools: Learn budgeting, investment appraisal, risk analysis, and more
• Relevant for today’s economy: Includes international finance and the future impact of fintech
• AACSB-accredited and globally respected: Study with one of the UK’s leading business schools
• Flexible evening sessions: Learn alongside your role, with online or hybrid formats available 

Who is this programme for?

• Mid- to senior-level managers who influence financial decisions
• Entrepreneurs and business owners managing growth and cash flow
• Project managers responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning
• Professionals who want to strengthen financial literacy for leadership roles 

What you’ll learn

Week	Topic	Summary
1	Understanding financial statements and key ratios	Learn to read income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements, and apply key ratios to assess performance.
2	Budgeting and forecasting techniques	Develop accurate budgets and financial forecasts to support strategic planning.
3	Cost management and break-even analysis	Analyse cost structures and break-even points to support smarter resource allocation.
4	Investment appraisal methods	Use tools like NPV, IRR, and payback to evaluate investment decisions.
5	Corporate finance and borrowing decisions	Understand capital structure, funding options, and the risks and rewards of borrowing.
6	Currency and international finance	Examine the impact of currency risk and global finance on business operations.
7	Financial risk management	Identify and manage financial risks across projects and operations.
8	Fintech and the future of financial decision-making	Explore how financial technology is transforming strategy, access, and control.

 

Benefits

• Build confidence in participating in financial discussions and planning
• Learn to interpret financial data and align decisions with strategic goals
• Understand the financial tools needed to manage risk and maximise value
• Improve budgeting, forecasting, and investment evaluation skills
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in fintech and global finance

Learning outcomes

By completing this programmes, participants will:

• Confidently interpret financial statements and key performance indicators
• Apply budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis tools to their role
• Assess investment opportunities using standard appraisal techniques
• Understand financing decisions, currency risk, and global market impacts
• Identify financial risks and explore how fintech is shaping modern finance

Delivery format

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Schedule: One evening per week (18:30–20:30)
• Delivery: Online, in person, or hybrid
• Certificate: Brunel University London Certificate of Completion (minimum 70% attendance)

Growth and skills levy eligible

This programmes is aligned with Growth and Skills Levy funding requirements, enabling employers to invest in finance-related upskilling using available levy funds.