Effective financial management is central to the success and sustainability of any business. The Certificate of Financial Management provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of financial management, focusing on how financial information informs strategic decision-making. You will develop a strong understanding of key financial concepts, terminology, and tools, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to engage with financial data and its role in business operations.
In this online financial management course you’ll learn how to analyse and interpret financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. These skills will enable you to assess financial health, identify potential issues, and evaluate business performance using ratios and other critical indicators. By learning to interpret financial information, you will be able to contribute effectively to discussions about growth, investment, and resource allocation.
This professional development program also explores essential planning and evaluation tools such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. You will examine a range of forecasting methods, learn how to build and monitor budgets, and understand strategies for managing costs, liquidity, and cash cycles. In addition, you will study investment appraisal techniques such as ROI, NPV, IRR, and the payback period, while also learning how to evaluate risks and financing options.
Whether you are managing a small enterprise, working in a corporate environment, or preparing for a leadership role, this course will equip you to make informed, responsible, and effective financial decisions.
Course Structure
Certificate of Financial Management
Unit 1: Introduction to Financial Management
- Introduction to financial management
- The role of financial management
- Key financial concepts and terminology
- Financial management and decision making
Unit 2: Understanding Financial Statements
- Understanding financial statements
- The balance sheet
- The income statement
- The cashflow statement
- How to interpret financial statements
- Understanding financial ratios
- Assessing financial health
Unit 3: Budgeting and Forecasting
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Purpose of budgeting in financial planning
- Fixed vs variable costs
- Break-even analysis
- Forecasting methods
- Trend analysis
- Straight-line forecasting
- Multiple linear regression
- Qualitative methods: delphi technique and market research
- Scenario planning
- Building a budget
Unit 4: Cash Flow Managememnt
- Cash flow management
- Cash flow and business survival
- Cash flow management strategies
- Cash flow cycles
- Managing receivables and payables
- Cash flow and liquidity strategies
Unit 5: Business Finance and Investment
- Business finance and investment
- Sources of finance
- Managing business loans
- Assessing investment opportunities
- Return on investment (ROI)
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Net present value (NPV)
- Internal rate of return (IRR
- The payback period
- Risk and sensitivity analysis
Unit 6: Costing and Pricing Strategies
- Costing and pricing strategies
- Understanding direct and indirect costs
- Costing methods
- Pricing strategies in competitive markets
- Aligning pricing with profit margins
Unit 7: Risk Management and Compliance
- Risk management and compliance
- Risk identification
- Risk management tools
- Compliance requirements
- Ethical financial management
Unit 8: Financial Decision-Making
- Financial decision-making
- Using data to support financial decisions
- Performance metrics and kpis
- Data-driven decision making
- Challenges and considerations
- Introduction to financial software
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
It was a good one, I feel like it gave me a good starting point in developing my knowledge and career. Tutors and overall communication were prompt and great.
Ashlyyn | Hawthorn East, VIC | Certificate of Financial Management
Great experience and sufficient knowledge
N. Al-Thaher, North Kellyville, NSW | Certificate of Financial Management
Good course to study, friendly and great tutor support
C. Brant, Bendigo, VIC | Certificate of Financial Management
I was satisfied with the course, I will most likely enrol in another course
A.Phillips-Jones, Halls Head, WA | Certificate of Financial Management
I enjoyed the structure for learning and the patience of the tutors.
- Angeles, Varsity Lakes, QLD | Certificate of Financial Management
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Financial Management Consultant
- Financial Management Accountant
- Finance Manager
- Practice Manager