Course: Finance for non-financials

In this executive course you learn the fundamentals of finance and accounting: how organizations record economic events in the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.

You discover how these three statements are connected and what they reveal about performance and financial position. You then learn to use this information for decision-making: assessing profitability, weighing risks and understanding what drives value creation.

The course combines short lectures with practical examples, group exercises and case discussions based on real company data.

This course is intended for professionals without a formal financial background who need financial knowledge in their work. Think of:

• Managers and professionals in non-financial roles
• Project leaders and entrepreneurs whose decisions influence costs, revenues and investments
• Anyone seeking a compact and solid introduction to finance

You don’t need to be a financial expert. Just someone who wants to make better decisions based on financial information.

After completing this course you can:

• Read and analyze financial statements and use them as input for your decisions
• Ask critical questions about forecasts and business cases
• Participate more effectively in conversations where financial considerations play a role
• Assess the financial consequences of projects, contracts and strategic choices

Practical skills:

• You understand how the three main statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) are connected You know what financial ratios tell you about an organization’s performance and health
• You can evaluate investments using tools such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and payback period
• You understand which financing options exist and how they influence risk, return and valuation

Session 1: Understanding Financial Statements

Focus: the basics of financial reporting

• Discover the role of the finance function in organizations
• Learn the structure and key components of the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement
• Understand the difference between accrual and cash accounting
• Practice: analyze real annual reports and recognize the most important items

Session 2: Financial Analysis and Cash Flow

Focus: assessing performance and financial health

• Learn how to analyze financial statements to assess performance
• Discover what key ratios signal about efficiency and profitability
• Understand how the cash flow statement is constructed and interpreted
• Practice: use cash flow information for realistic decisions

Session 3: Time Value of Money & Investment Decisions

Focus: evaluating investments using financial tools

• Learn the principle of the time value of money
• Evaluate investment projects using NPV, IRR and payback period
• Translate investment analyses into accessible communication
• Practice: assess concrete investment proposals and compare alternatives

Session 4: Financing & Valuation

Focus: understanding financing options and value creation

• Get an overview of financing options (equity, debt)
• Understand what drives the cost of capital
• Learn the concepts behind company valuation and value creation
• Practice: investigate how financing choices influence risk and return

The content aligns with the latest insights from finance and management accounting. You work with realistic company data and cases from different sectors, so you can apply the knowledge directly in your own work context.

Please note: the course language is English.

The sessions take place in the city center of Utrecht. The exact location will be announced after registration. This course is only offered on location.

The instructors providing professional education from Utrecht University possess strong subject-matter expertise and are actively engaged in relevant, up-to-date research within their fields. They combine academic depth with sharp practical insight, enabling them to fully understand the professional context of the participants.

Our instructors’ excellent teaching skills are specifically tailored to how professionals learn: practice-oriented, interactive, and immediately applicable. Moreover, they place great value on collaboration and create a learning environment where dialogue, knowledge exchange, and co-creation are central.

Great that you’re interested in this course! Leave your interest via the yellow button and be the first to receive an email as soon as registration is possible.

HBO/university working and thinking level is assumed. The course is open to a maximum of [number] participants. Prior knowledge in finance or accounting is not required. However, we expect participants to be motivated to apply financial knowledge in their work.

Certificate of participation

After successfully completing this course, you will receive an official certificate from Utrecht University as proof of your participation and professional development in finance for non-financial professionals.