Enhancing Financial Planning with AI and ERP Systems and Essential Applications

Overview:

Introduction:

This training program is designed to enhance the financial planning skills by integrating the latest AI technologies and widely-used applications such as Microsoft Teams, Visio, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additionally, it offers comprehensive training on ERP systems with a focus on accounting setup and HR planning. It aims to equip participanst with the tools and knowledge to optimize financial structures, develop advanced financial models, and implement efficient financial systems and processes.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Utilize AI technologies to enhance financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Develop advanced financial models for advisory projects, including feasibility studies and sensitivity analyses.

• Implement and manage ERP systems focusing on accounting setup and HR planning.

• Design and streamline financial systems and processes.

• Use Microsoft Teams and Visio for effective collaboration and visualization of financial processes.

• Create dynamic reports and presentations using Excel and PowerPoint.

• Identify risk factors impacting long-term business growth and conduct market analysis.

Target Audience:

• Financial Planners and Analysts.

• Finance Managers and Directors.

• Accountants and Controllers.

• Business Analysts.

• Professionals involved in financial modeling and reporting.

• IT Professionals supporting finance and HR departments.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Integrating AI into Financial Planning:

• Overview of AI in Finance:

  • Understanding AI technologies and their applications in financial planning.

  • Trends and future directions of AI in the financial industry.

• AI Tools for Financial Analysis:

  • Introduction to AI software and platforms.

  • Implementing AI for budgeting and forecasting.

Unit 2:

Advanced Financial Modeling with Excel:

• Complex Financial Models:

  • Building multi-dimensional financial models.

  • Utilizing advanced Excel functions and formulas.

• Budgeting and Forecasting:

  • Techniques for accurate budgeting.

  • Scenario and sensitivity analysis.

• Data Visualization:

  • Creating dynamic dashboards.

  • Visualizing data trends and patterns.

Unit 3:

Effective Communication with PowerPoint:

• Designing Impactful Presentations:

  • Best practices for financial presentations.

  • Integrating data from Excel into PowerPoint.

• Storytelling with Data:

  • Crafting narratives around financial data.

  • Using visual aids to enhance understanding.

Unit 4:

Collaboration and Process Visualization with Microsoft Teams and Visio:

• Microsoft Teams for Finance Professionals:

  • Managing projects and communications.

  • Integrating Teams with other Microsoft applications.

• Process Mapping with Visio:

  • Designing financial process flowcharts.

  • Visualizing organizational structures and financial systems.

Unit 5:

ERP Systems: Accounting Setup and HR Planning:

• Introduction to ERP Systems:

  • Understanding the role of ERP in finance and HR.

  • Overview of leading ERP platforms.

• Accounting Module Setup:

  • Configuring accounting processes in an ERP system.

  • Managing financial transactions and reporting.

• HR Planning and Management:

  • Setting up HR modules for workforce planning.

  • Integrating HR data with financial metrics.

Unit 6:

Designing and Implementing Financial Systems and Processes:

• Financial Systems Design:

  • Principles of effective financial system architecture.

  • Aligning financial systems with organizational goals.

• Process Optimization:

  • Streamlining financial workflows.

  • Implementing process improvements and controls.

Unit 7:

Financial Modeling for Advisory Projects:

• Project Appraisals and Feasibility Studies:

  • Evaluating project viability.

  • Assessing financial returns and risks.

• Sensitivity Analysis:

  • Identifying key variables affecting project outcomes.

  • Modeling different scenarios.

• Operational Models:

  • Planning for ongoing operational costs and revenues.

Unit 8:

Forecasting and Risk Management:

• Advanced Forecasting Techniques:

  • Using statistical methods and AI for forecasting.

  • Long-term vs. short-term forecasting strategies.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation:

  • Identifying internal and external risk factors.

  • Developing risk management plans.

• Market Analysis and Benchmarking:

  • Analyzing market trends.

  • Comparing performance against industry benchmarks.

Unit 9:

Acting as an Interim Finance Manager:

• Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Understanding the duties of a finance manager during initial project phases.

  • Strategies for effective team leadership and management.

• Team Structuring and Recruitment:

  • Identifying staffing needs.

  • Best practices in recruiting and onboarding finance teams.

• Financial Leadership:

  • Communicating financial insights to stakeholders.

  • Aligning financial objectives with organizational strategy.

Unit 10:

Capstone Project: Designing an Integrated Financial Plan:

• Project Development:

  • Applying skills learned to create an integrated financial plan.

• Presentation and Feedback:

  • Presenting the plan using Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.

  • Receiving feedback from peers and instructors.

• Evaluation:

  • Assessing the effectiveness of the financial plan.

  • Reflecting on learning outcomes and areas for improvement.