Financial Management for Effective & Sustainable Programmes – Practical Tools & Strategies for NGOs

Also see the 2013 course brochure

Course code: FM5
Course Title:
 Financial Management for Effective & Sustainable Programmes – Practical Tools & Strategies for NGOs
Duration: 2 weeks (10 days of training)
For: NGO managers (programmes and finance)
Fee basis:

Residential fee includes accommodation and breakfast for 12 nights and social programme .

Non-residential fee excludes accommodation and social programme.

Why is this course needed?

Everyone involved in working with NGOs shares the responsibility of making sure that their limited resources are used to help people effectively. Good practice in financial management will help NGO staff to use programme funds to maximum effect, now and in the future.

  • Good financial management is critically important for NGOs. You cannot achieve your goals without it.
  • Financial management is everyone's responsibility – trustees and programme managers as well as finance staff.
  • Good financial management depends on programme staff and finance staff working together and integrating good practice into their everyday work.
  • Effective use of resources depends on field staff making informed decisions.

These key messages are all addressed by the FM5 course.

Purpose

The purpose of this course is to build the capacity of NGO managers to manage resources in a cost-effective and accountable way, to achieve objectives and create an environment for good performance to take place.

In particular, the course will build the confidence and financial skills of NGO managers to:

  • implement robust and practical finance systems that promote integrity, transparency and accountability
  • make effective use of programme resources
  • plan for and manage resources and stakeholder relationships to build financial sustainability.

Who should attend?

This course is especially suitable for:

  • Non-finance managers of small to medium-sized who want to improve their knowledge of financial management and are committed to integrating financial management into programme management.
  • Finance staff of small to medium-sized interested in applying their skills and knowledge to implement appropriate finance systems and broaden their knowledge on strategic financial management issues.
  • Programme managers in international NGOs who advise and support local NGO partners.
     

Previous financial management experience or training is not a requirement for this course. A good standard of education and the ability to work comfortably in English is essential.


We recommend that you read this course outline carefully to make sure the content is relevant and meets your learning requirements. If you are not sure if this course is for you, please contact us.

Course Content

This ten-day course has three main themes:

1. Key skills for good financial management practice

The course starts with an overview of frameworks for good financial management and accountability. It takes a practical look at the ‘Building Blocks’ of financial management – financial planning, keeping accounts, internal controls and financial reporting & monitoring.

This part of the course includes an optional session on field accounting for those with limited experience in this area or a look at some typical accounting challenges for those with more advanced experience.

2. Managing for financial sustainability

This section looks at the more strategic aspects of financial management including risk assessment and scenario planning; building financing strategies and managing reserves.

3. Effective grant management

Throughout the course, we address the challenges of grant management and how to keep our donors happy.


On the final day, we will reflect together on the practical tools and key messages explored during the two weeks and look at how you plan to integrate ideas into your own work. The course closes at lunch time on day 10 with a final evaluation and feedback session.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Do
  • build activity-based project budgets, cashflow forecasts and funding grids for effective programme planning and implementation
  • prepare project accounts and simple financial reports [optional session]
  • analyse financial reports to inform and support programme management decisions
  • review grant contracts to ensure systems comply with donor rules
  • use Mango’s financial health check to identify strengths and weaknesses in financial systems
  • use the risk mapping technique to assess the financial risks facing their (or partner) NGOs
  • build a financing strategy to promote continuity and security of financial resources for their (or partner) NGOs, including how to build reserves and manage central support costs
Know:
  • describe the Seven Principles and the Four Building Blocks of financial management as frameworks for promoting robust financial systems
  • describe how to integrate financial management tools and techniques into field operations
  • identify internal risks and implement appropriate control procedures
  • outline the key requirements of successful grant management.
Feel:
  • appreciate the importance of good financial management systems in achieving NGO objectives, now and in the future
  • recognise the importance of being accountable to all stakeholders, including beneficiary communities, to ensure effective use of resources.

Venue and Social Programme

The training will be held at Harris Manchester College, Oxford – a delightful and historical College in the heart of Oxford City. Oxford is an hour away from London by train and conveniently located for London Heathrow Airport.

This is a residential course so overnight accommodation at the College (in comfortable student rooms with private bathroom) with breakfast is included in the course fee. 

An optional social programme is also included for residential participants:

  • Walking tour of Oxford
  • Weekend tour to a nearby famous stately home, Blenheim Palace
  • Two hosted evening meals in local pub/restaurants
  • Boating trip (known as ‘punting’) on the river
  • Gala night supper.

Training Approach

The Mango training approach is highly practical, participatory and often fun!

We focus on real issues and help participants to use the tools covered, rather than just discuss them.  We work especially hard to de-mystify financial concepts to overcome the fear of finance.

“Mango training really does take the fear out of finance!”

We train in small groups to meet the needs of individual participants and use a variety of learning methods to stimulate interest and meet different learning styles.  Participatory techniques include interactive presentations, practical problem-solving activities, case studies and quizzes.

Courses are supported by extensive materials for participants to take away and apply after the course, including a detailed course manual.  We also offer a free follow-up service by email or phone to all Mango trainees.

How to Book

All courses can be booked online or by completing a booking form and sending it to the training team. Full terms and conditions are also available on our website, as well as the latest calendar, current availability and course fees.

You are also welcome to telephone us with enquiries on +44 (0)1865 423818.

Course Fees

The residential course fee includes:

  •  12 nights' accommodation in student rooms at Harris Manchester College
  •  breakfast every day
  •  a hot 3-course lunch during the ten days of training (not at the weekend)
  •  all events in the optional social programme
  •  all tuition
  •  comprehensive course handbook and all materials
  •  course certificate
  •  photograph.


It is also possible to attend the course on a non-residential attendance basis (ie where you make your own accommodation arrangements). Please enquire for more details.