NQF Level 4 certificate in management practice financial skills Building a cost conscious culture amongst non-financial managers
about the programme The training need The need to embed cost effectiveness and value in the delivery of public services has never been greater. Opportunities for efficiencies through strengthened financial management are substantial. To maximise success, public bodies must build financial awareness among all staff and create a culture where decisions are based on evidence and sound financial management. The challenge is for managers to develop the knowledge and skills to confidently create, monitor and control budgets and provide assurance on all areas of financial management within their remit. The qualification CIPFA s Certificate in Management Practice (Financial Skills) has been developed for non-financial managers across the public sector. The aim of this practical, work-based programme is to help participants improve the financial performance of their team and their organisation. Using public sector specific case studies and participants own examples they will learn about key financial documents such as balance sheets, income and expenditure, accounts and budgets. Participants who successfully complete nine modules and associated assessment will be awarded the Certificate in Management Practice (Financial Skills) which is equivalent to NQF Level 4. Who should attend? The Certificate is aimed at managers and budget holders with financial responsibility but little, if any, formal training. It is not designed for qualified accountants, or those wishing to undertake a professional accountancy qualification. It may, however, provide a useful foundation for further professional study. Cost The cost of the Certificate is 1,950 plus VAT. This includes all course materials, tuition and refreshments. An additional cost of 190 is payable for assessment. Accreditation and assessment In addition to completing the modular learning programme, participants will acquire practical experience of applying the learning in their own organisational environment. Participants are required to submit a portfolio that records evidence of learning during each module and aspects of work that substantiates their ability to undertake specific tasks. Course tutors will assist participants to assess the learning achieved in each module and how this can be transferred to the workplace. Each participant will also be required to submit a workbased project (circa 3,500 words). Further information and booking Visit cipfa.org/event Call 028 9026 6777 E-mail anna.mcdonnell@cipfa.org In-house delivery The Certificate can be tailored and offered on an in-house basis. This cost effective option will benefit public bodies that wish to raise the level of financial management across their organisation. Please contact Anna for further information and prices. As the Certificate specialises in public sector financial management, it is applicable to staff working at various levels in all public bodies in Northern Ireland including Central Government, NDPBs, Local Government, Health and Education. When and where The Certificate will be delivered from January 2014 to June 2014 at CIPFA s training facility in Belfast. Financial skills for the public sector - creating a cost conscious culture
module descriptions Risk Management Develop the knowledge and skills required to satisfy corporate governance risk reporting requirements, and demonstrate effective governance through systematic risk identification and evaluation. Identify threats to the organisation Consider risk and the wider business agenda Undertake risk identification and evaluation Assess risk mitigation Managing Small Projects Understand the fundamental principles and techniques needed to manage a small project. Understand a practical approach to defining and initiating a project, to plan how it should be monitored and controlled and to identify factors which can contribute to the success of a project. Describe a structured approach to management of small projects Set clear and realistic objectives for a project and understand the stages of the project life cycle Plan, organise and document a project in a logical manner Monitor and control a small project effectively and keep all relevant parties informed of progress Review and learn from strengths and weaknesses identified on completion of a project Fraud Awareness Many organisations fraud policies indicate that responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests primarily with line managers. Learn to assess and manage fraud risks and become aware of: How and why fraud occurs Types of fraud Preventing and detecting fraud How fraud investigations are conducted Delivering Efficiencies through Effective Contract Management Understand, identify and apply a range of techniques and frameworks to help drive down costs and ensure front line services are maintained with effective contract management: Understand critical success factors in good contract management Appreciate which aspects of a contract should be renegotiated Awareness of how to balance innovative thinking, align conflicting interests and change the behaviours of colleagues and contractual partners to achieve better service outcomes Budget Management and Control Undertake financial management activities and, in particular, effectively plan, monitor and control budgets through an understanding of: The elements of good financial management Budget techniques The budgetary control cycle Variance analysis and reporting Budget monitoring mechanisms Control and financial decision-making Procurement for Budget Holders Understand the procurement function and adopt simple tools to manage budgets more effectively: Why is procurement important? Why not use whatever supplier you want to? How do you achieve better value for money? Quotations and tenders what s the difference? Do you always get what you expect from your suppliers? Managing Effective Relationships at Work Face-to-face communications in a formal environment can be stressful situations. This course will improve your interpersonal skills and performance: Create a positive impact in a variety of situations Undertake preparation and planning techniques to help you meet your objectives Develop effective questioning and listening techniques Confidently manage challenging relationships and resolve conflict under pressure. Financial skills for the public sector - creating a cost conscious culture
module descriptions Better Business Case Gain an in depth understanding of the preparation of a business case in accordance with Treasury Green Book guidance with particular reference to: Identifying options The concept of discounting Net present value Weighting and scoring Handling risk, uncertainty and optimism bias Reporting and review Effective Service Costing This module will give participants a basic understanding of costing techniques and how organisations can employ them to make savings and improve efficiency: Understand the importance of cost management Understand costs, analyse costs and understand how they behave Use cost information to make better informed decisions Public Sector Financial Management Techniques Understand the concepts and principles underpinning financial accounting in public sector organisations, and gain a working knowledge of accounting techniques: Introduction to the financial statements Resource accounting and budgeting in depth Accruals accounting v cash accounting Book-keeping Capital accounting and depreciation Costing module dates Choose nine of the following modules - those marked with an asterisk are compulsory Risk Management 5 February 2014 Managing Small Projects 6 March 2014 Fraud Awareness 20 March 2014 Delivering Efficiences through Effective Contract Management 8 April 2014 Budget Management and Control* 6 May 2014 Procurement for Budget Holders 15 May 2014 Managing Effective Relationships at Work 11 June 2014 Better Business Case 25 & 26 June 2014 Public Sector Financial Management Techniques* 9 September 2014 Effective Service Costing 10 September 2014 Financial skills for the public sector - creating a cost conscious culture
CIPFA is the leading professional accountancy body for the public services, whether in the public or private sectors. We are the leading provider of training to the public sector in areas such as accountancy, financial management, fraud awareness, internal audit, corporate governance and business planning. For further information on this qualification, or to receive this brochure in any other format, please contact: Anna McDonnell Business Support Officer T: 028 9026 6777 E: anna.mcdonnell@cipfa.org CIPFA Northern Ireland 3rd Floor, Lesley Exchange 2 22 East Bridge Street BELFAST, BT1 3NR T: 028 9026 6770 www.cipfa.org CIPFA Business Limited, the trading arm of CIPFA that provides a range of services to public sector clients. Registered in England and Wales no. 2376684.
Certificate in Management Practice - Financial Skills Booking Form E: anna.mcdonnell@cipfa.org W: cipfa.org/training Delegate Details Title:... Forename:... Surname:... Post Held:... Organisation:... Address:...... Postcode:... E-mail:... Tel:... Dietary/Access/Special Requirements:... Invoice Details (if different from above): Contact:... P/O Number:... Address:...... Postcode:... E-mail:... Payment Details Please tick the appropriate box below and complete the form overleaf Please invoice my organisation... plus VAT I enclose the appropriate fee of... plus VAT (cheques to be made payable to CIPFA Business Ltd - VAT Reg GB 627 3607 25) Modules Public Sector Financial Management Techniques and Budget Management and Control are compulsory. Choose seven of the following optional modules: Better Business Cases Risk Management Managing Small Projects Fraud Awareness Delivering Efficiencies through Effective Contract Management Procurement for Budget Holders Managing Effective Relationships at Work Effective Service Costing
Training Dates Risk Management 5 February 2014 Managing Small Projects 6 March 2014 Fraud Awareness 20 March 2014 Delivering Efficiences through Effective Contract Management 8 April 2014 Budget Management and Control* 6 May 2014 Procurement for Budget Holders 15 May 2014 Managing Effective Relationships at Work 11 June 2014 Better Business Cases 25 & 26 June 2014 Public Sector Financial Management Techniques* 9 September 2014 Effective Service Costing 10 September 2014 *those marked with an asterisk are compulsory modules Booking Please complete and return the booking form overleaf to: Anna McDonnell Business Support Officer CIPFA Northern Ireland 3rd Floor Lesley Exchange 2 22 East Bridge Street Belfast t: 028 9026 6770 BT1 3NR e: anna.mcdonnell@cipfa.org