This course delivers essential financial expertise tailored to the unique responsibilities of NEDs. You will gain the skills to evaluate company performance, contribute to strategic discussions, and provide informed advice at the board level. Key topics include:
Board-Level Finance
Are you confident in your understanding of business finance? Can you analyse board report financials and assess business performance effectively?
Enrol in module - £600 Incl VAT
Enrol in full Certified NED Programme - £4,194 Incl VAT
Finance plays a crucial role in shaping business strategy and governance, making financial literacy a vital skill for all Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). This module course equips you with the essential financial knowledge and tools to navigate today’s complex corporate landscape. Through this course, you will build a strong foundation in financial principles, gain insights into strategic decision-making, and enhance your ability to oversee financial performance. Join us to deepen your expertise and address the key financial concepts and challenges shaping boardroom discussions today.
This course can be undertaken individually; however, it also forms part of the Ofqual-regulated ILM Level 6 Certified Non-Executive Director Qualification Programme. Upon completion, participants have the option to carry this award forward towards full programme completion.
Course Details
Topics Covered
- Financial Accounting Concepts.
- Interpreting Management Accounts.
- Accessing Sustainability-Linked Debt and Grants.
- Sustainability Reporting.
What are the Benefits?
This module provides you with the financial expertise and insights needed to approach the complexities of board-level decision-making with confidence.
- Financial Fluency: Develop a strong understanding of the essential accounting concepts used across organisations, empowering you to interpret and leverage financial information with confidence.
- Sustainability Insight: Learn how to assess financial factors related to ESG implementation—a key consideration for modern businesses focused on sustainable, long-term growth.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Build the confidence to make informed, data-driven decisions at the board level by evaluating financial data and assessing its implications for your company’s performance.
- Practical Knowledge: Translate theory into practice by tackling real-world financial challenges, from understanding management accounts to securing sustainability-linked debts and grants for your organisation.
Who is this Module Course For?
Executives and leaders aspiring to secure their first board appointment or transition from management to governance roles.
- Business leaders and senior executives who want to gain a deeper understanding of financial concepts and their implications on business strategies.
- New NEDs seeking to enhance their financial expertise in the context of modern business challenges, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.
- Seasoned NEDs looking to evaluate sustainability initiatives and ensure their organisation’s long-term financial health.
- Aspiring NEDs and board members who want to better manage their organisation’s financial resources.
The Facilitator
Will James
Area of expertise
Facilitator
About Will
Will James FCMA MBA is an experienced Management Accountant who has worked for large and often international companies in a number of sectors in a range of roles – including the London Stock Exchange, Royal Bank Of Scotland, Santander, HBOS, Lloyds, Aviva, Nationwide & BNP Paribas. He is known for being commercial whilst ensuring ‘people considerations’ and risks are taken seriously.
At a recent presentation he said “every choice ultimately impacts the numbers”. The 1st half of his career was spent in a range of Finance Leadership roles delivering Business Partnering – FP&A, decision support and value maximisation. Hence, he has a good grounding in how businesses work and of working across business functions (e.g. Sales/Marketing, IT, HR). A big passion is end-to-end processes (also known as joined up thinking) and avoiding sub optimisation.
After one annual budget too many and using his passion for end-to-end process efficiency, Will transitioned into Finance Transformation/Change. He’s led the delivery of a variety of projects: new ERP, mergers, offshoring and process improvement. In addition he’s set-up or reengineered Global Business Services/Finance Shared Services. Known for a hands-on, practical and pragmatic approach, Will uses influencing skills and logic to add value via collaboration across the business and its supply chain to deliver sustainable results. Another passion is CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).
Will has been deeply involved since passing all his professional exams 1st time, holding a number of Area Board and other roles. This was recognised in 2024 when he was presented with a Bronze Medal by CIMA. Will is an elected Member of Council (“NED”). After a varied career, Will is ‘giving something back’ via Charity Trustee/Board Member/Treasurer roles.