Business Intelligence & Analytics
for Finance Professionals

Course Introduction

This Oxford Management Centre Business Intelligence and Analytics for Finance Professionals online training course will highlight how, in a world where firms face intense competition for both customers and investors, the key challenge for today’s finance professional is to step-up and support the value creation process by moving from a narrow reporting role to embrace and exploit the full opportunities provided by today’s Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA) systems. This Data Management & Analytics online training course will focus on the tools and techniques used by world-class finance functions to provide the critical business insights C-Suite executives need for effective data driven decision management. 

This online training course will highlight:

• The Vital Role of the 21^st Century Finance Function
• How Finance Professionals can fully exploit BI and BA tools
• Using BI and BA to improve business processes and performance
• Principles and Practice in Statistical Analysis and Forecasting
• Practical Skills for Data Visualization and Info-graphics
• Applying Agile Methods to BI and BA Systems Development

Objectives

This Business Intelligence and Analytics for Finance Professionals online training course will explain and practically demonstrate how finance professionals can make effective use of Business Intelligence and Business Analytics techniques to optimize the information and insights presented to managers and senior executives in the context of data driven decision management.

At the end of this online training course, you will learn to:

• Frame financial insights in the context of business process improvement
• Exploit the tools of Business Intelligence and Analytics systems
• Develop financial and non-financial key performance measures
• Apply the tools and techniques of predictive analytics
• Design powerful graphics for data visualization and phonographic

Training Methodology

This online training course will utilize a variety of proven online learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension, retention of the information presented. The training course is conducted online via an Advanced Virtual Learning Platform in the comfort of any location of your choice

Organisational Impact

The organization will gain through the development and application of capabilities and skills in key areas of communicating key financial insights to decision-makers; specifically benefits will include:

• Improved awareness of key business performance measures
• Greater financial insights from fully exploiting BI and BA systems
• Better integration of financial and non-financial performance measures
• Upgraded data visualization and info-graphics
• Raised awareness of modern Agile approach to systems development
• Enhanced results from data driven decision management

Personal Impact

Delegates will benefit from the expansion of their knowledge and application of up to date Business Intelligence and Business Analytics tools and techniques; benefits will specifically include: 

• Ability to frame financial insights in the context of business process and performance
• Up to date knowledge of leading edge BI and BA tools and systems
• Practical skills in statistical analysis and predictive analytics
• Greater levels of involvement in management decision-making
• Raised awareness of modern Agile and Scrum approach to system development
• Effective methods for systems implementation and change management

Who Should Attend?

This Business Intelligence and Analytics for Finance Professionals online training course will significantly raise the skills and effectiveness of any finance professional engaged in financial planning, performance management reporting or decision making support in any organization using modern Enterprise Resource Planning systems supported by Business Intelligence and Business Analytics tools.  

This online training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit: 

• Finance Professionals across the organization
• Head Office Planning Managers
• Budgeting and Forecasting Teams
• Commercial Managers
• Finance Strategic Business Partners

Course Outline

DAY 1

Understanding Business Models and Business Processes 

• Creating Value for Key Organizational Stakeholders
• The Role of the 21^st Century Finance Professional
• Business Models and Business Processes
• Business Process Improvement and Re-engineering
• Introduction to Business Intelligence and Business Analytics
• Introduction to Data Driven Decision Management (DDDM)
• Key Financial Measures and Shareholder Value Drivers
• Key Success Factors and Key Performance Measures

DAY 2

Purpose and Principles of Business Intelligence and Business Analytics 

• Implementing a Business Performance Management Framework
• The Definition and Purpose of Business Intelligence (BI)
• History and Development
• Features Tools and Terminology of BI Systems
• The Definition and Aims of Business Analytics (BA)
• Understanding Descriptive and Predictive Analytics
• Sources and Types of BI and BA Tools

DAY 3

Principles of Statistical and Predictive Analytics  

• Defining Statistical, Descriptive and Predictive Analytics
• Business Database Features and Design
• Principles of Distribution and Probability Theory
• Time Series Data Analysis
• Trend Analysis and Forecasting using Moving Averages
• Trend Analysis and Forecasting using Linear Regression
• Analysis and Forecasting with Monte Carlo Simulation in Excel
• Predictive Analytics using ‘what-if’ Forecasts

DAY 4

Data Visualization and Info-graphics for Finance Professionals 

• Defining Data, Information and Insight
• Comparing Data Visualization and Info-graphics
• Using Charts and Graphics for Data Visualization
• Designing Visuals and Info-graphics for Non-financial Users
• Using Excel and Power point for Data Visualization
• Designing and Using Scorecards and Dashboards
• Practical Tips for Building Dashboards and Mashboards in Excel

DAY 5

BI / BA – Implementing Systems and Managing Change 

• An Agile Approach to Systems Development
• Practical Steps in Agile BI / BA Systems Design and Implementation
• The Importance of Urgency
• Effective Steps to Achieving Change
• Overcoming Resistance to Change