Finance & Accounting

Cash Flow and Working Capital Management

This course focuses on cash flow and working capital management, equipping participants with the skills to optimise liquidity, manage short-term financing, and enhance operational efficiency. Practical applications include forecasting cash flows, analysing working capital needs, and implementing effective management strategies.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Cash flow problems can severely impact business operations and financial health, making effective management crucial for sustainability and growth. Participants will learn to identify cash flow gaps, assess working capital requirements, and implement strategies to improve liquidity. This knowledge is vital for making informed decisions regarding investments, operational adjustments, and financing options. Mastering these skills ensures organisations maintain sufficient cash flow to meet obligations, invest in opportunities, and navigate economic uncertainties effectively. Additionally, understanding cash flow dynamics allows for better stakeholder communication and enhances strategic planning capabilities, which are essential in a competitive landscape.

Effective management of working capital is essential for maximising operational efficiency and profitability. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to develop actionable strategies for cash flow forecasting and working capital optimisation. This includes evaluating credit policies, managing inventory levels, and understanding the timing of cash inflows and outflows. Furthermore, participants will learn to analyse the impact of working capital decisions on overall financial performance and risk management. Ultimately, this course empowers professionals to make strategic decisions that enhance their organisation's financial resilience, operational agility, and long-term sustainability.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Cash forecasts that overlook timing and working-capital needs.
Receivables, inventory and payables managed in isolation.
Difficulty anticipating liquidity pressures and evaluating responses.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, simulations, and hands-on workshops to facilitate learning. Participants will analyse real-life scenarios to identify cash flow challenges and apply financial modelling techniques to forecast cash needs. They will engage in collaborative exercises to develop working capital strategies and cash management plans. Specific exercises include creating cash flow forecasts based on historical data and developing working capital optimisation plans tailored to fictional business scenarios. The output includes detailed cash flow projections, working capital management plans, and presentations, demonstrating their understanding and application of the concepts taught. This practical approach ensures that participants can directly apply their learning to their roles, enhancing their decision-making capabilities in cash flow and working capital management.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse cash flow statements to identify trends and issues affecting liquidity.
Calculate working capital requirements based on operational needs and financial metrics.
Design cash flow forecasts for both short-term and long-term financial planning.
Assess the impact of credit policies on cash flow and working capital management.
Prioritise cash flow management strategies to enhance liquidity and operational efficiency.
Construct a comprehensive working capital management plan tailored to specific business scenarios.
Evaluate financing options for working capital needs and their implications on cash flow.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Finance Managers responsible for cash management and liquidity.
Accountants involved in financial reporting and analysis.
Business Owners seeking to improve financial health and operational efficiency.
Financial Analysts focusing on operational efficiency and profitability.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Developing cash flow forecasting models for strategic planning.
Implementing effective credit control measures to enhance cash flow.
Optimising inventory management practices for cash flow improvement.
Evaluating financing options for working capital needs and liquidity.
Conducting liquidity analysis for informed decision-making.
Creating actionable working capital strategies to support business objectives.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Cash Flow Fundamentals

Applied activity: Participants will review a fictional company's cash flow statement to identify key trends and potential issues affecting liquidity. They will discuss findings in small groups, propose initial strategies for improvement, and prepare to present their recommendations.

Output: A summary report detailing identified cash flow issues and proposed strategies for improvement.

09:00–09:54Defining cash flow and its critical role in business operations and sustainability.
09:54–10:48Identifying sources and uses of cash in a business context.
10:48–11:00Exploring the cash conversion cycle and its components, including inventory and receivables.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Exploring the cash conversion cycle and its components, including inventory and receivables. (continued)
12:12–13:06Analysing cash flow statements using both direct and indirect methods for insights.
13:06–14:00Understanding the implications of cash flow on business growth and financial health.

Day 2Working Capital Analysis and Management

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a case study of a company facing working capital challenges. They will calculate key ratios, identify underlying issues, and propose actionable solutions to improve the working capital position, preparing to present their findings.

Output: A presentation outlining the analysis and proposed working capital management strategies.

09:00–09:54Defining working capital and its components: current assets and current liabilities.
09:54–10:48Calculating working capital ratios, such as the current ratio and quick ratio, and their significance.
10:48–11:00Assessing the impact of working capital on operational efficiency and profitability.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Assessing the impact of working capital on operational efficiency and profitability. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identifying common working capital challenges in various business scenarios.
13:06–14:00Exploring strategies for optimising working capital management to enhance liquidity.

Day 3Cash Flow Forecasting Techniques

Applied activity: In groups, participants will create a cash flow forecast for a fictional business using historical data and assumptions about future cash flows. They will present their forecasts to the class, explaining the rationale behind their assumptions and calculations.

Output: A detailed cash flow forecast document with supporting assumptions and justifications.

09:00–09:54Understanding the purpose and importance of cash flow forecasting in financial management.
09:54–10:48Exploring different forecasting methods: historical analysis, predictive modelling, and scenario-based forecasting.
10:48–11:00Developing cash flow forecasts for short-term operational needs and long-term strategic planning.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Developing cash flow forecasts for short-term operational needs and long-term strategic planning. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identifying key assumptions and variables that influence cash flow forecasting accuracy.
13:06–14:00Utilising software tools and templates for effective cash flow management and forecasting.

Day 4Implementing Effective Cash Management Strategies

Applied activity: Participants will develop a cash management strategy for a fictional company, considering its unique cash flow challenges and operational needs. They will present their strategy to the group, highlighting key components and expected outcomes.

Output: A comprehensive cash management strategy document outlining key recommendations.

09:00–09:54Exploring cash management techniques: maintaining cash reserves, investment strategies, and financing options.
09:54–10:48Assessing the role of credit policies in cash flow management and their impact on working capital.
10:48–11:00Identifying strategies for reducing cash flow gaps and improving overall liquidity.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying strategies for reducing cash flow gaps and improving overall liquidity. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding the impact of payment terms on cash flow and supplier relationships.
13:06–14:00Evaluating cash management tools and technologies to streamline processes and enhance visibility.

Day 5Integrated Cash Flow and Working Capital Management

Applied activity: Participants will work in teams to create an integrated cash flow and working capital management plan for a fictional company. They will incorporate all elements learned throughout the course and present their plan to a panel for evaluation.

Output: An integrated cash flow and working capital management plan, including performance metrics and implementation steps.

09:00–09:54Combining cash flow and working capital management for overall financial health and stability.
09:54–10:48Assessing the interdependencies between cash flow and working capital in decision-making processes.
10:48–11:00Developing an integrated financial management plan that aligns cash flow with working capital needs.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Developing an integrated financial management plan that aligns cash flow with working capital needs. (continued)
12:12–13:06Implementing continuous improvement practices in cash and working capital management.
13:06–14:00Measuring the effectiveness of cash flow and working capital strategies through key performance indicators.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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