171 Courses

Duration 5 Days 30 CPD hours This course is intended for This introductory-level Python course is geared for experienced web developers new to Python who want to use Python and Django for full stack web development projects. Overview Working in a hands-on learning environment, guided by our expert team, attendees will learn to: Develop full-stack web sites based on content stored in an RDMS Use python data types appropriately Define data models Understand the architecture of a Django-based web site Create Django templates for easy-to-modify views Map views to URLs Take advantage of the built-in Admin interface Provide HTML form processing Geared for experienced web developers new to Python, Introduction to Full Stack Web Development with Python and Django is a five-day hands-on course that teaches students how to develop Web applications using the Django framework. Students will explore the basics of creating basic applications using the MVC (model-view-controller) design pattern, as well as more advanced topics such as administration, session management, authentication, and automated testing. This comprehensive, practical course provides an in-depth exploration of working with the programming language, not an academic overview of syntax and grammar. Students will immediately be able to use Python to complete tasks in the real world. The Python Environment Starting Python Using the interpreter Running a Python script Getting help Editors and IDEs Getting Started Using variables Built in functions Strings Numbers Converting among types Writing to the screen Command line parameters Flow Control About flow control Conditional expressions Relational and Boolean operators while loops Lists and Tuples About sequences Lists and list methods Tuples Indexing and slicing Iterating through a sequence Sequence functions, keywords, and operators List comprehensions Working with Files File overview The with statement Opening a file Reading/writing files Dictionaries and Sets About dictionaries Creating and using dictionaries About sets Creating and using sets Functions Returning values Function parameters Variable Scope Sorting with functions Errors and Exception Handling Exception overview Using try/catch/else/finally Handling multiple exceptions Ignoring exceptions Modules and Packages Creating Modules The import statement Module search path Creating packages Classes About OO programming Defining classes Constructors Properties Instance methods and data Class/static methods and data Inheritance Django Architecture Django overview Sites and apps Shared configuration Minimal Django layout Built in flexibility Configuring a Project Executing manage.py Starting the project Generating app files App configuration Database setup The development server Using cookiecutter Creating models Defining models Related objects SQL Migration Simplel model access Login for Nothing and Admin for Free Setting up the admin user Using the admin interface Views What is a view HttpResponse URL route configuration Shortcut: get_object_or_404() Class-based views Templates About templates Variable lookups The url tag Shortcut: render() Querying Models QuerySets Field lookups Chaining filters Slicing QuerySets Related fields Q objects Advanced Templates Use Comments Inheritance Filters Escaping HTML Custom filters Forms Forms overview GET and POST The Form class Processing the form Widgets Validation Forms in templates Automated Testing Why create tests? When to create tests Using Django's test framework Using the test client Running tests Checking code coverage

Financial reporting best practices involve adherence to accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. CFOs should stay informed about evolving accounting standards and regulatory changes. Regularly review updates from regulatory bodies such as the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to ensure compliance. Engage with industry associations and professional networks to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in financial reporting. By actively staying informed, CFOs can adapt their processes and policies to meet changing requirements. Regulatory compliance is a key aspect of financial reporting. How do CFOs navigate the landscape of regulatory requirements and ensure compliance within their organisations? Navigating the regulatory landscape requires a proactive and diligent approach. CFOs must develop a deep understanding of the relevant regulations, such as the Companies Act, UK GAAP, or IFRS, depending on the reporting framework. They collaborate with legal teams and auditors to interpret and apply the regulations correctly. Implementing strong internal controls, conducting regular compliance assessments, and engaging in external audits are essential steps to ensure compliance and mitigate potential risks. Compliance is an ongoing process. CFOs should establish a culture of compliance throughout the organization, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices, accuracy, and transparency in financial reporting. Training programs, internal communication, and regular compliance reviews help foster a compliance-conscious culture. By creating a framework that promotes adherence to regulations, CFOs establish a solid foundation for accurate and reliable financial reporting. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/the-intricacies-of-financial-reporting-and-compliance-in-the-uk/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Seminars Online Business Seminars #financial #compliance #reporting #uk #intricacies

he role of a CFO extends beyond day-to-day financial management and plays a pivotal role in preparing a business for an exit. The role of a CFO extends beyond day-to-day financial management and plays a pivotal role in preparing a business for an exit, whether it be through a merger, acquisition, or other strategic transaction. Here are some key points to consider: Financial Due Diligence: CFOs play a crucial role in conducting financial due diligence to assess the company’s financial health and identify any potential risks or issues. This involves reviewing financial statements, accounting practices, contracts, and other financial data to ensure accuracy and transparency. Valuation and Financial Modeling: CFOs work closely with the executive team, external advisors, and investment bankers to determine the company’s valuation. They develop financial models, assess growth projections, and analyze market comparables to arrive at a fair and realistic valuation range. Financial Documentation and Reporting: CFOs ensure that financial documentation and reporting are in order, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements. This includes preparing financial statements, management reports, and other financial disclosures necessary for the exit process. Negotiation and Deal Structuring: CFOs collaborate with legal and executive teams to negotiate the terms of the exit transaction. They provide financial insights and expertise to structure the deal in a way that maximizes value for the company and its stakeholders. Tax Planning and Optimisation: CFOs work closely with tax advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies for the exit transaction. They assess potential tax implications, explore tax-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations. Financial Communication and Investor Relations: CFOs play a critical role in communicating the financial aspects of the exit to internal and external stakeholders. They work with investor relations teams to ensure that key messages are effectively conveyed, providing transparency and clarity throughout the exit process. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/the-vital-role-of-cfos-in-business-exit-preparation/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Seminars Online Business Seminars #business #cfo #preparation #exit #vital

Ethics Matters: Corporate Governance and CFOs,” the podcast where we dive deep into the critical intersection of corporate governance. Sustainability and ESG reporting have gained significant attention in recent years. How do CFOs incorporate these considerations into their financial strategies and decision-making? CFOs recognise that sustainable practices and ESG considerations are not only ethical imperatives but also critical for long-term business success. We incorporate these considerations into financial strategies by assessing the environmental and social impacts of our operations, supply chains, and investment decisions. By incorporating ESG factors into our financial analyses, we make more informed decisions that align with our company’s values and stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, CFOs play a pivotal role in ESG reporting. We collaborate with cross-functional teams to collect relevant data, establish reporting frameworks, and communicate the company’s sustainability initiatives to stakeholders. This transparency fosters trust and accountability while allowing investors, customers, and the broader community to evaluate our commitment to sustainable practices. Board engagement is essential for effective corporate governance. How can CFOs contribute to building a strong relationship between the CFO and the board of directors? Building a strong relationship with the board of directors begins with open and transparent communication. CFOs provide timely and accurate financial information, strategic insights, and risk assessments to the board. We actively participate in board meetings, present financial reports, and engage in discussions about financial performance, strategic initiatives, and potential risks. By demonstrating our financial expertise and ethical leadership, we contribute to a healthy and productive relationship with the board. It’s also crucial for CFOs to provide independent perspectives and challenge conventional thinking when necessary. By offering well-informed insights and raising critical questions, we contribute to robust board discussions and decision-making. This collaborative approach fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and ethical considerations are thoroughly examined. I would encourage fellow CFOs to prioritise ethics and corporate governance as integral components of their roles. Embed ethical considerations into decision-making processes, ensure robust governance structures, and actively engage with stakeholders. By doing so, we can drive sustainable, responsible, and successful organizations. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/ethics-matters-corporate-governance-and-cfos/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Business Conferences #event #ethics #matters #cfos #corporategovernance

Talent Management and Succession Planning,” the podcast where we explore the critical aspects of attracting and retaining top finance talen Talent management is the lifeblood of any organisation, and finance departments are no exception. In a competitive business landscape, attracting and retaining top finance talent can make a significant difference. Highly skilled and motivated professionals drive innovation, improve financial performance, and contribute to strategic decision-making. By investing in talent management, CFOs ensure their organisations have the right people in the right roles, which is vital for sustainable growth and success. Talent management also enables CFOs to build a culture of continuous learning and development. By nurturing the skills and capabilities of finance professionals, we create an environment that fosters innovation and adaptability. This is crucial in today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where finance teams need to keep pace with evolving technologies, regulations, and industry trends. Talent management provides a foundation for building a resilient and agile finance function. Succession planning is an integral part of talent management. How do CFOs approach succession planning, particularly in finance leadership roles? Succession planning is a proactive approach to ensure a smooth transition of leadership roles. CFOs need to identify high-potential individuals within their finance teams and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. This includes mentorship, training programs, and exposure to cross-functional experiences. By preparing a pipeline of future finance leaders, CFOs can mitigate the risks associated with unexpected departures or retirements, ensuring continuity and stability in finance leadership. Additionally, succession planning should encompass diversity and inclusion. CFOs recognize the importance of building diverse finance teams that reflect the broader talent pool. By providing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity, we foster a culture of belonging and tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas. Diverse teams drive innovation and improve decision-making, contributing to the overall success of the organisation. How do CFOs create a talent development culture within their finance teams, and what initiatives can be implemented to foster continuous growth? CFOs can create a talent development culture by prioritizing learning and development initiatives. This includes offering ongoing training programs, supporting professional certifications, and providing access to resources that enhance technical and soft skills. CFOs should encourage finance professionals to take ownership of their own development and provide opportunities for them to stretch their capabilities. This may involve cross-functional projects, exposure to different areas of the business, or participation in industry conferences and networking events. Additionally, mentorship and coaching programs play a crucial role in talent development. CFOs can pair experienced finance leaders with up-and-coming talent, fostering knowledge transfer, and providing guidance and support. Encouraging regular feedback and performance discussions helps finance professionals understand their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling targeted development plans. By creating a culture that values continuous learning and growth, CFOs empower their finance teams to reach their full potential. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/talent-management-and-succession-planning/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Classes Online Business Classes #leadership #development #successionplanning #employees #talentmanagement

The Fintech Frontier: Why FDs Need to Know About Fintech,” the podcast where we delve into the world of financial technology There are numerous areas where fintech can make a significant impact. For example, payment processing and reconciliation can be streamlined through digital payment solutions and automated tools. Data analytics and artificial intelligence can enhance financial forecasting, risk management, and fraud detection. Blockchain technology can revolutionize supply chain finance and streamline processes involving multiple parties. By understanding the capabilities of these fintech solutions, FDs can identify areas for improvement and select the right technologies to optimise their financial operations. Additionally, fintech can greatly enhance financial reporting and analysis. Advanced data analytics tools can extract meaningful insights from vast amounts of financial data, enabling FDs to make data-driven decisions and identify trends and patterns. Automation of repetitive tasks, such as data entry and reconciliation, reduces the risk of errors and frees up valuable time for FDs to focus on strategic initiatives. The adoption of cloud-based financial management systems also provides flexibility, scalability, and real-time access to financial data, empowering FDs to make informed decisions on the go. With the rapid pace of fintech advancements, how can FDs stay up to date and navigate the evolving fintech landscape? Continuous learning and engagement with the fintech community are key. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars and workshops, and engage with fintech startups and established players. Networking with professionals in the field, joining fintech-focused associations, and following relevant publications and blogs can help FDs stay abreast of the latest fintech developments. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and adaptability is crucial in navigating the ever-changing fintech landscape. I would also encourage FDs to foster partnerships and collaborations with fintech companies. Engage in conversations with fintech providers to understand their solutions and explore potential synergies. By forging strategic partnerships, FDs can gain access to cutting-edge technologies and co-create innovative solutions tailored to their organisation’s unique needs. As we conclude, do you have any final thoughts or advice for our FD audience regarding fintech? Embrace fintech as an opportunity, not a threat. Seek to understand its potential and how it can align with your organisation’s goals and strategies. Be open to experimentation and pilot projects to test the viability of fintech solutions. Remember that fintech is a tool to enhance and optimize financial processes, and as FDs, we have a crucial role in driving its effective implementation. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/the-fintech-frontier-why-fds-need-to-know-about-fintech/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Business Conferences #event #fintech #knowledge #fds #frontier

An M&A specialist is a senior CFO with a proven track record of overseeing and implementing mergers and acquisitions. An M&A specialist is a senior CFO with a proven track record of overseeing and implementing mergers and acquisitions. They may be hired on a full-time basis and carry a full CFO workload or can be recruited on a part-time or interim basis to focus on a specific merger or acquisition. This flexibility is ideal for start-ups and SMEs who don’t have the budget to recruit a full external team to oversee an M&A or to hire a full-time CFO. The CFO is a link between both companies engaged in the M&A, acting as the eyes and ears for both the board and CEO. Their financial skills enable them to identify potential M&A opportunities and incorporate risk management into their strategy to get the most value out of their deal. Most companies evolve their approach to mergers and acquisitions organically, especially those who rely on an M&A specialist instead of having a dedicated team that works solely on M&A. The CFO is responsible for considering any potential acquisitions, crunching the numbers involved, and ensuring due diligence. They’ll be responsible for determining the value of a potential M&A and presenting it to the company’s board and leadership team to determine whether to make the purchase. An M&A specialist is responsible for gathering the data – including both positive and negative factors – to present an objective look at the other organisation and the potential value the acquisition could bring. CFOs will spend most of their time getting to grips with the numbers involved, long before presenting the M&A proposal to the board. This exercise also requires them to have real-time insight into their own company’s performance, value, and finances to paint a wider picture. An M&A specialist will take the critical steps of ensuring that the numbers presented to them are correct. CFOs who don’t specialise in M&As will still have the skill set required to oversee the process but may lack the efficiency and unique insight of an M&A specialist. Companies that are exploring the option of a merger or being acquired by another company may also decide to recruit an M&A specialist to prepare their accounting. The organisation will want to ensure they present the correct numbers to get the correct valuation and prevent any delays further in the process if incorrect numbers pop up. Getting on top of the data early can enable CFOs to plan accordingly. Most will want to provide extra time within their strategy for any potential hiccups along the way. Spending more time on the data early on can speed up the process while still ensuring due diligence is met. Visit our website to learn more https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/mergers-and-acquistions-specialist/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Networking Online Business Networking #finance #insights #cfo #mergers #acquisitions

Technology and innovation and its profound impact on financial operations Technology adoption indeed comes with risks, particularly around data security and privacy. As CFOs, we must ensure robust cybersecurity measures and adhere to strict data protection regulations. It requires ongoing investment in secure systems, staff training, and proactive monitoring to mitigate risks and protect sensitive financial information. Change management is also crucial. The adoption of new technologies requires proper planning, training, and cultural adjustments. As CFOs, we need to foster a culture that embraces innovation and continuous learning. Clear communication about the benefits and objectives of technology adoption is essential to gain buy-in and drive successful implementation. Fantastic insights! Now, let’s discuss the future. What emerging technologies do you foresee shaping the future of finance functions? One area that holds immense potential is blockchain technology. Its decentralised and transparent nature has the potential to streamline financial transactions, enhance auditability, and revolutionize supply chain finance. We’re closely monitoring blockchain’s development and exploring pilot projects to leverage its benefits. I agree, blockchain is a game-changer. Additionally, as the internet of things (IoT) expands, we anticipate new opportunities and challenges. CFOs will need to adapt to the influx of real-time data from interconnected devices, leveraging this information to optimize financial processes, enhance risk management, and improve operational efficiencies. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts or advice for our CFO audience? Embrace technology and view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Invest in understanding the technological landscape and its implications for finance. Stay curious, adapt, and be open to change. Technology will continue to evolve, and as CFOs, we must evolve with it. Absolutely. Collaboration is key. Engage with IT teams, industry peers, and external experts to stay informed about the latest technological advancements. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can collectively navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and drive innovation within our organisations. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/technology-and-innovation-and-its-profound-impact-on-financial-operations/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Science & Tech Conferences #technology #innovation #financial #impact #operations

Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This introductory-level course is great for experienced technical professionals working in a wide range of industries, such as software development, data science, marketing and advertising, finance, healthcare, and more, who are looking to use the latest AI and machine learning techniques in their day to day. The hands-on labs in this course use Python, so you should have some familiarity with Python scripting basics. Overview Working in an interactive learning environment, led by our engaging OpenAI expert you'll: Understand the capabilities and products offered by OpenAI and how to access them through the OpenAI API. set up an OpenAI environment on Azure, including creating an Azure virtual machine and configuring the environment to connect to Azure resources. Gain hands-on experience building a GPT-3 based chatbot on Azure and implement advanced natural language processing capabilities. Use the OpenAI API to access GPT-3 and generate high-quality text Learn how to use Whisper to improve the quality of text generation. Understand the capabilities of DALL-E and use it to generate images for unique and engaging visuals. Geared for technical professionals, Quick Start to Azure AI Basics for Technical Users is a fun, fast paced course designed to quickly get you up to speed with OpenAI?s powerful tools and functionality, and to provide hands-on experience in setting up an OpenAI environment on Azure. Guided by our AI expert, you?ll explore the capabilities of OpenAI's GPT-3, Whisper and DALL-E, and build a chatbot on Azure. It will provide you with the knowledge and resources to continue your journey in AI and machine learning and have a good understanding of the potential of OpenAI and Azure for your projects. First, you?ll dive into the world of OpenAI, learning about its products and the capabilities they offer. You'll also discover how Azure's offerings for AI and machine learning can complement OpenAI's tools and resources, providing you with a powerful combination for your projects. And don't worry if you're new to Azure, we'll walk you through the process of setting up an account and creating a resource group. As you progress through the course, you'll get the chance to work with OpenAI's GPT-3, one of the most advanced large language models available today. You'll learn how to use the OpenAI API to access GPT-3 and discover how to use it to generate high-quality text quickly and easily. And that's not all, you'll also learn how to build a GPT-3 based chatbot on Azure, giving you the opportunity to implement advanced natural language processing capabilities in your chatbot projects. The course will also cover OpenAI Whisper, an OpenAI tool that can improve the quality of text generation, allowing you to create more coherent and natural language content. And you will learn about OpenAI DALL-E, an OpenAI tool that can generate images, giving you the ability to create unique and engaging visuals to enhance your content and projects. Introduction to OpenAI and Azure Explore OpenAI and its products, as well as Azure's offerings for AI and Machine Learning, allowing you to understand the tools and resources available to you for your AI projects. Explore OpenAI and its products Explore Azure and its offerings for AI and Machine Learning Get Hands-On: Setting up an OpenAI environment on Azure Walk through the process of setting up an OpenAI environment on Azure, giving you the hands-on experience needed to start building your own projects using OpenAI and Azure. Create an Azure virtual machine and installing the OpenAI SDK Configure the OpenAI environment and connecting to Azure resources Explore OpenAI GPT-3 Learn about GPT-3, one of OpenAI's most powerful language models, and how to use it to generate high quality text, giving you the ability to create natural language content quickly and easily. Review GPT-3 and its capabilities Use the OpenAI API to access GPT-3 Get Hands-on: Building a GPT-3 based chatbot on Azure Learn how to build a GPT-3 based chatbot on Azure, giving you the opportunity to learn how to implement advanced natural language processing capabilities in your chatbot projects. Setup an Azure Function and creating a chatbot Integrate GPT-3 with the chatbot OpenAI Whisper Explore Whisper, an OpenAI tool that can improve the quality of text generation, allowing you to create more coherent and natural language content. Explore Whisper and its capabilities Use Whisper to improve the quality of text generation OpenAI DALL-E Explore DALL-E, an OpenAI tool that can generate images, giving you the ability to create unique and engaging visuals to enhance your content and projects. Explore DALL-E and its capabilities Use the OpenAI API to access DALL-E What?s Next: Keep Going! Other ways OpenAI can impact your day to day Explore great places to check for expanded tools and add-ons for Azure OpenAI Where to go for help and support Quick Look at Generative AI and its Business Implications Understanding Generative AI Generative AI in Business Ethical considerations of Generative AI

Duration 4 Days 24 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is geared for experienced skilled Java developers, software developers, data scientists, machine learning experts or others who wish to transtion their coding skills to Scala, learning how to code in Scala and apply it in a practical way. This is not a basic class. Overview Working in a hands-on learning environment led by our expert instructor you'll: Get comfortable with Scala's core principles and unique features, helping you navigate the language confidently and boosting your programming skills. Discover the power of functional programming and learn techniques that will make your code more efficient,maintainable, and enjoyable to write. Become proficient in creating dynamic web applications using the Play Framework, and easily connect to databases with the user-friendly Slick library. Master concurrency programming with Akka, empowering you to build scalable and fault-tolerant applications that excel in performance. Enhance your testing skills using ScalaTest and ScalaCheck, ensuring the reliability and quality of your Scala applications, while having fun in the process. Explore the fascinating world of generative AI and GPT technologies, and learn how to integrate them into your projects,adding a touch of innovation and intelligence to your Scala solutions. If your team requires different topics, additional skills or a custom approach, our team will collaborate with you to adjust the course to focus on your specific learning objectives and goals. Discover the power of Scala programming in our comprehensive, hands-on technical training course designed specifically for experienced object-oriented (OO) developers. Scala is a versatile programming language that combines the best of both OO and functional programming paradigms, making it ideal for a wide range of projects, from web applications to big data processing and machine learning. By mastering Scala, you'll be able to develop more efficient, scalable, and maintainable applications. Fast Track to Scala Programming for OO / Java Developers is a four day hands-on course covers the core principles of Scala, functional programming, web application development, database connectivity, concurrency programming, testing, and interoperability between Scala and Java. Additionally, you'll explore cutting-edge generative AI and GPT technologies, learning how to integrate them into your Scala applications for intelligent suggestions or automation. Throughout the course you?ll explore the latest tools and best practices in the Scala ecosystem, gaining valuable knowledge and experience that can be directly applied to your day-to-day work. With 50% of the course content dedicated to hands-on labs, you'll gain practical experience applying the concepts you've learned across various projects, such as building functional web applications, connecting to databases, designing modular components, and implementing concurrency. Upon completing the course, you'll have a solid understanding of the language and its features, empowering you to confidently apply your new skills in data science and machine learning projects. You'll exit well-prepared to create efficient, scalable, and maintainable Scala applications, regardless of the complexity of your projects. Introduction to Scala Scala features and benefits Comparing Scala with Java and other OO languages Installing Scala and setting up the development environment Object-Oriented Programming in Scala Classes and objects Traits, mixins, and inheritance Companion objects and factories Encapsulation and polymorphism Functional Programming Basics Pure functions and referential transparency Higher-order functions and currying Immutability and persistent data structures Pattern matching and recursion Having Fun with Functional Data Structures Lists, sets, and maps in Scala Folding and reducing operations Stream processing and lazy evaluation For-comprehensions Building Web Applications in Functional Style Introduction to Play Framework Functional web routing and request handling JSON handling with Play-JSON Middleware and functional composition Connecting to a Database Introduction to Slick library Database configuration and setup Querying and updating with Slick Transactions and error handling Building Scalable and Extensible Components Modular architecture and design patterns Dependency injection with MacWire Type classes and type-level programming Implicit parameters and conversions Concurrency Programming & Akka Introduction to Akka framework and Actor model Actor systems and message passing Futures and Promises Supervision and fault tolerance Building Confidence with Testing Introduction to ScalaTest and ScalaCheck Unit testing and property-based testing Test-driven development in Scala Mocking and integration testing Interoperability between Scala and Java Calling Java code from Scala Using Java libraries in Scala projects Converting Java collections to Scala collections Writing Scala code that can be called from Java Using Generative AI and GPT Technologies in Scala Programming Overview of GPT and generative AI Integrating GPT with Scala applications Use cases and practical examples