Financial planning and analysis teams are expected to move beyond reporting what happened to explaining why it happened and what should happen next. This course equips finance professionals with modern FP&A practices, including driver-based planning, rolling forecasts, scenario modelling, variance analysis and effective business partnering. Participants also explore how advanced analytics, automation and AI tools improve forecast accuracy and speed. Practical work in spreadsheets and dashboards helps participants build models and insights that support better management decisions.
Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.
Traditional annual budgets are often outdated before they are approved. This course shows you how to build agile, driver-based planning processes, use analytics to improve forecasts and communicate insights that influence decisions. You will return with practical models and techniques you can apply in your own FP&A cycle.
The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.
The course combines expert explanation with hands-on spreadsheet modelling, dashboard exercises, demonstrations of analytics and AI tools, business partnering role plays and case studies from FP&A transformation projects.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
This course is suitable for:
Participants will develop competencies in:
A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.
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.
Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.
Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.
Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.
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.
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.
