About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) This 4 half-day Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) course will address a variety of contract and loan structuring issues associated with geothermal energy projects as well as comparison with solar, wind and battery storage. The course is designed to investigate how various project finance techniques and contract structures can be used to achieve a competitive power prices while maintaining a satisfactory equity return. Distinctive project finance features of power facilities that depend on geothermal, wind, hydro or solar resources will be evaluated with financial models. The course will cover economic analysis of exploration and development of geothermal facilities and how to incorporate probability of failure and success into an IRR framework. Subsequent sessions will address the theory underlying liquidated damages for delay, and performance as well as design of other incentives that is inherent in different contract structures. Nuanced project finance issues associated with structuring debt for renewable projects will be discussed including under what conditions the DSCR drives debt capacity and when the debt to capital ratio is instrumental. The course will be taught with a combination of theoretical discussions, term sheet review and focused financial models. Training Objectives Evaluation of the economic risks that arise from uncertainty associated with drilling exploration wells and development wells for geothermal projects. Analyse the theoretical issues with computing LCOE for geothermal projects compared to other renewable and non-renewable resources and the importance of cost of capital for renewable projects; Understand differences in contract structures for renewable projects and dispatchable projects and how a single price structure can distort incentives for efficient construction and operation; Understand components of financing that influence the bid price required to meet a required rate of return on equity and can result in relatively low prices with reasonable returns. Understand the importance of debt sizing constraints and what strategies are relevant when the debt to capital constraint applies relative to when the debt service coverage ratio drives the debt size; Understand how to compute P50, P90 and P99 for different projects driven by resource risk; Understand the difference between mean reverting resource variation and estimation mistakes that do not correct as the basis for 1-year P90 and 10-year P90. Understand under what conditions debt sculpting can affect returns and how synthetic sculpting can be used to increase returns when the DSCR constraint applies. Understand the theory of credit spreads, variable rate debt and interest rates in different currencies and compute the implied probability of default that in inherent in credit spreads. Understand how to evaluate the costs to equity investors and the benefits to lenders for various credit enhancements including DSRA accounts, cash flow sweeps and covenants. Course Level Basic or Foundation Training Methods The VILT will be delivered online in 4 sessions comprising 4 hours per day, with 2 breaks of 10 minutes per day, including time for lectures, discussion, quizzes and short classroom exercises. Trainer Your expert course leader provides financial and economic consulting services to a variety of clients, he teaches professional development courses in an assortment of modelling topics (project finance, M&A, and energy). He is passionate about teaching in Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. Many of the unique analytical concepts and modelling techniques he has developed have arisen from discussion with participants in his courses. He has taught customized courses for MIT's Sloan Business School, Bank Paribas, Shell Oil, Society General, General Electric, HSBC, GDF Suez, Citibank, CIMB, Lind Lakers, Saudi Aramco and many other energy and industrial clients. His consulting activities include developing complex project finance, corporate and simulation models, providing expert testimony on financial and economic issues before energy regulatory agencies, and advisory services to support merger and acquisition projects. Our key course expert has written a textbook titled Corporate and Project Finance Modelling, Theory and Practice published by Wiley Finance. The book introduces unique modelling techniques that address many complex issues that are not typically used by even the most experienced financial analysts. For example, it describes how to build user-defined functions to solve circular logic without cumbersome copy and paste macros; how to write function that derives the ratio of EV/EBITDA accounting for asset life, historical growth, taxes, return on investment, and cost of capital; and how to efficiently solve many project finance issues related to debt structuring. He is in the process of writing a second book that describes a series of valuation and analytical mistakes made in finance. This book uses many case studies from Harvard Business School that were thought to represent effective business strategies and later turned into valuation nightmares. Over the course of his career our key course expert has been involved in formulating significant government policy related to electricity deregulation; he has prepared models and analyses for many clients around the world; he has evaluated energy purchasing decisions for many corporations; and, he has provided advice on corporate strategy. His projects include development of a biomass plant, analysis and advisory work for purchase of electricity generation, distribution and transmission assets by the City of Chicago, formulation of rate policy for major metro systems and street lighting networks, advocacy testimony on behalf of low income consumers, risk analysis for toll roads, and evaluation of solar and wind projects. He has constructed many advisory analyses for project finance and merger and acquisition transactions. Lastly, our key course expert was formerly Vice President at the First National Bank of Chicago where he directed analysis of energy loans and also created financial modelling techniques used in advisory projects. He received an MBA specializing in econometrics (with honours) from the University of Chicago and a BSc in Finance from the University of Illinois (with highest university honours). POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations
Finance doesn't have to be a puzzle. And if you want to get anywhere with your career, it had better not be! Whatever your role, you have an impact on the financial wellbeing of the organisation you work for, whether you've got specific financial responsibilities or not. This thoroughly practical, fun and enjoyable one-day workshop will help unpuzzle finance for you. It's an ideal opportunity to master the terminology, get to grips with the concepts, learn how 'the finance department' works and understand the part you play. This course will help participants: Appreciate the role and importance of Finance within organisations Be able to recognise and describe some of the common items and jargon used Identify the elements of the Profit & Loss and the Balance Sheet Understand cashflow Make better decisions Manage budgets 1 Introduction Expectations Terminology Key financial principlesAccrualsConsistencyPrudenceGoing concern 2 The three main financial statements Profit & Loss accountIncomeCost of salesGross profitAdministrative expenses ('overheads')Net profit/(loss) for the financial year (the 'bottom line')P&L format Balance SheetTerminologyFixed AssetsCurrent AssetsCurrent LiabilitiesLong-term LiabilitiesCapitalB/S format Cashflow Statement Financial and management information systems 3 Budgets and forecasts Why budget? Types of budget - incremental or zero-based Budgeting for costs - fixed and variable Budgeting for income An eight point plan for budgeting for your department Case study: Small Brother Ltd Problems and solutions 4 Accruals Accruals - what and why? Prepayments 5 Open forum
Overview This course would be ideal for HR professionals who are looking to be more financially skilled. You will develop a deep understanding of the key financial concepts that are important in the boardroom. Learn how to break these concepts down to see what they mean for you in your role. Gain a deep understanding of the central areas of finance; how accountants think; how the numbers help you understand performance and set targets; budgeting and forecasting; and investment appraisal.
Overview The valuation of corporates is a fundamental skill required of a wide range of finance professionals including equity analysts, strategists, corporate finance executives, fund managers, PE/VC executives, and general bankers. The recent volatility of corporate valuations, combined with the emergence of new sectors, makes understanding the theory and practice of valuation essential. This practical course is taught using inter-active sessions that comprise lectures followed by short, practical, and interactive case studies and exercises to reinforce the concepts covered in each teaching session. Emphasis is placed on delegates gaining hands-on experience with various valuation techniques.
This qualification covers complex accounting and finance topics and tasks leading to students becoming confident with a wide range of financial management skills and applications. Course Overview This qualification covers complex accounting and finance topics and tasks leading to students becoming confident with a wide range of financial management skills and applications. Students will gain competencies in drafting financial statements for limited companies, recommending accounting systems strategies and constructing and presenting complex management accounting reports. Study the Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting to master complex accounting tasks and qualify for senior finance roles, as well as AAT full membership. The jobs it can lead to: • Accounts payable and expenses supervisor • Assistant financial accountant • Commercial analyst • Cost accountant • Fixed asset accountant • Indirect tax manager • Payroll manager • Payments and billing manager • Senior bookkeeper • Senior finance officer • Senior fund accountant • Senior insolvency administrator • Tax supervisor • VAT accountant Entry Requirements: Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths. Course Content: Applied Management Accounting (mandatory): This unit allows students to understand how the budgetary process is undertaken. Students will be able to construct budgets and then identify and report on both areas of success and on areas that should be of concern to key stakeholders. Students will also gain the skills required to critically evaluate organisational performance. Learning outcomes: • Understand and implement the organisational planning process. • Use internal processes to enhance operational control. • Use techniques to aid short-term and long-term decision making. • Analyse and report on business performance. Drafting and Interpreting Financial Statements (mandatory): This unit provides students with the skills and knowledge for drafting the financial statements of single limited companies and consolidated financial statements for groups of companies. It ensures that students will have a proficient level of knowledge and understanding of international accounting standards, which will then be applied when drafting the financial statements. Students will also have a sound appreciation of the regulatory and conceptual frameworks that underpin the preparation of limited company financial statements. Learning outcomes: • Understand the reporting frameworks that underpin financial reporting. • Draft statutory financial statements for limited companies. • Draft consolidated financial statements. • Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis. Internal Accounting Systems and Controls (mandatory): This unit teaches students to consider the role and responsibilities of the accounting function, including the needs of key stakeholders who use financial reports to make decisions. Students will review accounting systems to identify weaknesses and will make recommendations to mitigate identified weaknesses in future operations. Students will apply several analytical methods to evaluate the implications of any changes to operating procedures. Learning outcomes: • Understand the role and responsibilities of the accounting function within an organisation. • Evaluate internal control systems. • Evaluate an organisation’s accounting system and underpinning procedures. • Understand the impact of technology on accounting systems. • Recommend improvements to an organisation’s accounting systems. Business Tax (optional): This unit introduces students to UK taxation relevant to businesses. Students will understand how to compute business taxes for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. They will also be able to identify tax planning opportunities while understanding the importance of maintaining ethical standards. Learning outcomes: • Prepare tax computations for sole traders and partnerships. • Prepare tax computations for limited companies. • Prepare tax computations for the sale of capital assets by limited companies. • Understand administrative requirements of the UK’s tax regime. • Understand the tax implications of business disposals. • Understand tax relief, tax planning opportunities and agent’s responsibilities in reporting taxation to HM Revenue & Customs. Personal Tax (optional): This unit provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the three most common taxes that affect taxpayers in the UK: Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax. With this knowledge students will be equipped to not only prepare the computational aspects of taxes, where appropriate, but also appreciate how taxpayers can legally minimise their overall taxation liability. Learning outcomes: • Understand principles and rules that underpin taxation systems. • Calculate UK taxpayers’ total income. • Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by UK taxpayers. • Calculate Capital Gains Tax payable by UK taxpayers. • Understand the principles of Inheritance Tax. Audit and Assurance (optional): This unit aims to give a wider understanding of the principles and concepts, including legal and professional rules of audit and assurance services. The unit will provide students with an awareness of the audit process from planning and risk assessment to the final completion and production of the audit report. Students will also get a practical perspective on audit and assurance, with an emphasis on the application of audit and assurance techniques to current systems. Learning outcomes: • Demonstrate an understanding of the audit and assurance framework. • Demonstrate the importance of professional ethics. • Evaluate the planning process for audit and assurance. • Review and report findings. Cash and Financial Management (optional): This unit focuses on the important of managing cash within organisations and covers the knowledge and skills to make informed decision on financing and investment in accordance with organisational policies and external regulations. Students will identify current and future cash transactions from a range of sources, learn how to eliminate non-cash items and use various techniques to prepare cash budgets. Learning outcomes: • Prepare forecasts for cash receipts and payments. • Prepare cash budgets and monitor cash flows. • Understand the importance of managing finance and liquidity. • Understand the way of raising finance and investing funds. • Understand regulations and organisational policies that influence decisions in managing cash and finance. Credit and Debt Management (optional): This unit provides an understanding and application of the principles of effective credit control systems, including appropriate debt management systems. Students will be introduced to techniques that can be used to assess credit risks in line with policies, relevant legislation and ethical principles. Learning outcomes: • Understand relevant legislation and contract law that impacts the credit control environment. • Understand how information is used to assess credit risk and grant credit in compliance with organisational policies and procedures. • Understand the organisation’s credit control processes for managing and collecting debts. • Understand different techniques available to collect debts. DURATION 420-440 Hours WHATS INCLUDED Course Material Case Study Experienced Lecturer Refreshments Certificate
Overview This course in Public Sector Accounting and Budgeting training seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive briefing on the fundamental principles and key functions in the continuously developing sphere of public sector finance. Non-financial public sector employees and managers are regularly required to both provide input to the budget process and respond to information presented in departmental financial reports.
This qualification delivers a solid foundation in finance administration and core accounting skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers. Course Overview This qualification delivers a solid foundation in finance administration and core accounting skills, including double-entry bookkeeping, basic costing and an understanding of purchase, sales and general ledgers. Students will also learn about accountancy related business and personal skills and be introduced to the four key themes embedded in the qualification: ethics, technology, communications and sustainability. The jobs it can lead to: • Account administrator • Accounts assistant • Accounts payable clerk • Purchase/sales ledger clerk • Trainee accounting technician • Trainee finance assistant Entry requirements: Students can start with any qualification depending on existing skills and experience. For the best chance of success, we recommend that students begin their studies with a good standard of English and maths. Course Content: Introduction to Bookkeeping: This unit provides students with an understanding of manual and digital bookkeeping systems, including the associated documents and processes. Students will learn the basic principles that underpin double-entry bookkeeping systems. Learning outcomes: • Understand how to set up bookkeeping systems. • Process customer transactions. • Process supplier transactions. • Process receipts and payments. • Process transactions into the ledger accounts. Principles of Bookkeeping Controls: This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from studying Introduction to Bookkeeping and explores control accounts, journals and reconciliations. Students will develop the ability to prepare the value added tax (VAT) control accounts as well as the receivables and payables ledger accounts. They’ll use the journal to record a variety of transactions, including the correction errors. Students will be able to redraft the initial trial balance, following adjustments. Learning outcomes: • Use control accounts. • Reconcile a bank statement with the cash book. • Use the journal. • Produce trial balances. Principles of Costing: This unit gives students an introduction to the principles of basic costing and builds a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for more complex costing and management accounting tasks. Students will learn the importance of the costing system as a source of information that allows management to plan, make decisions and control costs. Learning outcomes: • Understand the cost recording system within an organisation. • Use cost recording techniques. • Provide information on actual and budgeted cost and income. • Use tools and techniques to support cost calculations. The Business Environment: This unit provides knowledge and understanding of key business concepts and their practical application in the external and internal environment in which students will work. Students will gain an understanding of the legal system and principles of contract law and an appreciation of the legal implications of setting up a business and the consequences this may have. This unit will also give an understanding of how organisations are structured and where the finance function fits. Learning outcomes: • Understand the principles of contract law. • Understand the external business environment. • Understand the key principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethics and sustainability. • Understand the impact of setting up different types of business entity. • Understand the finance function within an organisation. • Produce work in appropriate formats and communicate effectively. • Understand the importance of information to business operations. DURATION 170-190 Hours WHATS INCLUDED Course Material Case Study Experienced Lecturer Refreshments Certificate
Overview This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required by Non-Accounts Managers to understand Finance and Accounting processes they face in their daily work schedule. The main objective of this course is to highlight accounting, understand the framework of accounting, and stages of accounts and also to elaborate rules and principles of accounting. With a lot of Case studies and open discussions with live examples, participants will gain detailed knowledge to understand their company from a financial perspective and also to help manage financial matters. At the end of the course, you will learn how to apply financial techniques, understand financial reports and annual reports, the relationship between accounting and finance thereby gaining knowledge of the use of debits and credits and last but not least to identify limitations of financial statements. At the end of this training course, participants will: Be able to Record Transactions in the Accounting System Understand the Format and Contents of Financial Statements Use Accounting Information to Interpret and Evaluate a Business Make Efficient and Profitable Decisions, based on Cost Information Apply Budgetary Control Techniques to ensure that Targets are Achieved
Overview Financial Analysis and Decision Making specifies a financial outline to support the life cycle approach of managing tedious projects over a long time scale. This course includes the advanced level of accounting structures which are required to insert knowledgable information in order to make decisions or to support the decision-making process where accounting and financial information overlaps other decision-making processes. In order to manage the growth of the organisation and measure the profitability it is very important to do a financial analysis. This course will take you through different models of accounting and finance which is helpful for the decision-making process thereby helping ensure sustainable growth and success.
What do engineers and project managers need to know of finance? 'Nothing - leave it to the accountants!' No, no, no! Engineers must be conversant with the terminology and statements that accountants use. Technical expertise in projects, service delivery, production or other areas can only really be harnessed if the managers understand the accounting and reporting that drives businesses. This course gives the necessary understanding to project, production and technical managers. It develops their skills in understanding financial and management accounting. Accountants may not always like it but a major part of their work is to be the 'servants of business' and to gather, compile and present your figures. So you must understand the figures - they belong to you, your processes or projects. There are many reasons for maintaining accurate accounts. This course focuses on the strategic issues (those over-used words) - what figures reveal about the drivers of business and what they reveal about the day-to-day issues that accountants bother you with. The course will enhance your understanding of finance and of the accounting issues which affect your projects, production and technical areas of business. This course will help you: Understand the business world in figures - make sense of what the accountants are telling you Appreciate what drives business - and how this affects your role in your part of the business Relate your activities to the success of the business - through figures Gain the skills to advance in management - financial awareness is a 'must have' if you are to progress in your career 1 What do accountants do? The finance function, types of accountant, financial v management accounting and the treasury function Understanding the role of the finance function and how the information you provide may be used 2 The basic financial statements Balance sheets and income statements (P&L accounts) What they are, what they contain and above all what they can reveal - how to read them The accounting process - from transactions to financial statements What underpins the statements - accounting systems and internal controls 3 Why be in business - from a financial perspective The driving forces behind financial information Performance measures - profitability, asset utilisation, sales and throughput, managing capital expenditure 4 Accounting rules - accounting standards Accounting concepts and the accounting rules: accruals, 'going concern' - substance over form and other 'desirable qualities' Accruals - why the timing of a transaction is so important to the finance function Depreciation and amortisation - the concepts and practice Accounting standards - the role of International Financial Reporting Standards 5 Cash The importance of cash flow - working capital management Cash flow statements - monitoring overall cash flows Raising cash - levels of borrowing, gearing Spending cash - an outline of capital expenditure appraisal 6 Budgeting Why budget? - good and bad practice Determining why budgets play a key role and should not be simply an annual ritual Justifying your budgets - the link between the strategic plan and day-to-day budgeting - alignment of company culture Budgets as motivators - the importance of the right culture Techniques to improve budgeting - whether day-to-day or capital budgeting 7 Costing The type and detail of costing very much depends on your business - eg, manufacturing piston rings is quite different from the construction of a power plant Issues with overhead allocation Accounting for R&D 8 Reading financial statements Annual financial statements - why they are produced, what's in them and what you should look for Learning what a set of accounts reveals about a company's current situation, profitability and future prospects 9 Performance measurement - analytical reviews and ratio analysis ROI/ROCE Profitability, margins and cost control Sales - asset turnover Efficiency (asset / stock turnover, debtor / creditor days) 'City' measures Investment (interest / dividend cover, earnings per share, dividend yield)