PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

Course Duration: 8 to 12 weeks (2 to 3 months)
Course Fee: 15,000 Kenyan Shillings
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:
This course provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in financial analysis, enabling students to interpret financial statements, evaluate financial performance, and make data-driven business decisions.

Week 1-2: Introduction to Financial Analysis

• Understanding Financial Analysis
  • Definition and Importance of Financial Analysis
  • Overview of Key Financial Statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement)
  • The Role of Financial Analysis in Business Decision-Making
• Fundamental Accounting Concepts
  • Understanding Debits and Credits
  • The Accounting Cycle
  • Basic Financial Ratios
• Practical Exercises: Analyzing sample financial statements

Week 3-4: Financial Statement Analysis

• Income Statement Analysis
  • Revenue, Expenses, and Profitability Metrics
  • Trend Analysis and Comparative Analysis
  • Gross Margin, Operating Margin, and Net Margin Calculations
• Balance Sheet Analysis
  • Assets, Liabilities, and Equity Components
  • Liquidity and Solvency Ratios
  • Analyzing a Company’s Financial Position
• Cash Flow Statement Analysis
  • Operating, Investing, and Financing Cash Flows
  • Understanding Cash Flow Ratios
  • Evaluating a Company’s Cash Flow Health
• Practical Exercises: Performing detailed analysis of financial statements

Week 5-6: Ratio Analysis and Interpretation

• Financial Ratio Categories
  • Profitability Ratios (e.g., ROA, ROE)
  • Liquidity Ratios (e.g., Current Ratio, Quick Ratio)
  • Efficiency Ratios (e.g., Inventory Turnover, Receivables Turnover)
  • Solvency Ratios (e.g., Debt to Equity, Interest Coverage)
• Interpreting Financial Ratios
  • Comparing Ratios Across Industries
  • Benchmarking Against Competitors
  • Using Ratios for Investment and Business Decisions
• Practical Exercises: Calculating and interpreting key financial ratios

Week 7-8: Advanced Financial Analysis Techniques

• Horizontal and Vertical Analysis
  • Comparative Analysis of Financial Statements Over Time
  • Common-Size Financial Statements
  • Identifying Trends and Patterns in Financial Data
• Break-Even and Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) Analysis
  • Calculating Break-Even Points
  • Understanding the Impact of Costs and Sales Volume on Profitability
  • Sensitivity Analysis and Scenario Planning
• Practical Exercises: Conducting advanced financial analysis using real or simulated data

Week 9-10: Financial Modeling and Forecasting

• Introduction to Financial Modeling
  • Building Financial Models Using Spreadsheets
  • Creating Pro Forma Financial Statements
  • Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis in Financial Models
• Forecasting Techniques
  • Time Series Analysis and Trend Forecasting
  • Regression Analysis
  • Cash Flow and Revenue Projections
• Practical Exercises: Developing basic financial models and forecasts

Week 11-12: Capstone Project and Professional Development

• Capstone Project
  • Conduct a Comprehensive Financial Analysis of a Real or Simulated Company
  • Prepare a Detailed Financial Report with Insights and Recommendations
  • Present and Defend Your Analysis
• Career Pathways in Financial Analysis
  • Building a Portfolio of Financial Analysis Work
  • Networking and Job Search Strategies in Finance
  • Continuing Education and Certification Opportunities (e.g., CFA, CPA)
• Practical Exercises: Final project development and career planning

Final Week: Course Review and Assessment

• Comprehensive Review of Key Concepts
• Final Assessment: Written and practical evaluation based on the capstone project and course content

Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Proficiency Certificate in Financial Analysis," demonstrating their ability to analyze financial data, interpret financial statements, and support strategic decision-making in a business environment.