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MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance

Welcome to Program: Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management by MTF Institute

Financial Analysis and Management with concentration in Finance Business Partnership in IT, Startups, SAAS, Product Management.

Welcome to the new course "Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management" with concentration in Finance Business Partnership in IT, Startups, SAAS, Product Management.

Read more

Welcome to Program: Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management by MTF Institute

Financial Analysis and Management with concentration in Finance Business Partnership in IT, Startups, SAAS, Product Management.

Welcome to the new course "Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management" with concentration in Finance Business Partnership in IT, Startups, SAAS, Product Management.

This course focused as to general terms and functionalities of financial analysis, and to practical cases of finance management and role of finance business partner in Startups, IT, product and service companies, also focused to the role of finance manager in AGILE / SCRUM vertically integrated teams with their own Profit and Loss center and integrated finance function. You will see modules about Financial Analysis, Financial Modelling, Profit and Loss analysis, Financial Management at IT and product related teams.

Course provided by MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance

MTF is the global educational and research institute with HQ at Lisbon, Portugal, focused on business & professional hybrid (on-campus and online) education at areas: Business & Administration, Science & Technology, Banking & Finance.

MTF R&D center focused on research activities at areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Big Data, WEB3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, Metaverses, Digital Transformation, Fintech, Electronic Commerce, Internet of Things.

MTF is the official partner of: IBM, Intel, Microsoft, member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

MTF is present in 215 countries and has been chosen by more than 698 000 students.

Course Authors:

1. Dr. Alex Amoroso is a seasoned professional with a rich background in academia and industry, specializing in research methodologies, strategy formulation, and product development. With a Doctorate Degree from the School of Social Sciences and Politics in Lisbon, Portugal, where she was awarded distinction and honour for her exemplary research, Alex Amoroso brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

In addition to her doctoral studies, Ms. Amoroso has served as an invited teacher, delivering courses on to wide range of students from undergraduate level to business students of professional and executives courses. Currently, at EIMT in Zurich, Switzerland, she lectures for doctoral students, offering advanced instruction in research design and methodologies, and in MTF Institute Ms. Amoroso is leading Product Development academical domain.

In synergy between academical and business experience, Ms. Amoroso achieved high results in business career, leading R&D activities, product development, strategic development, market analysis activities in wide range of companies. She implemented the best market practices in industries from Banking and Finance, to PropTech, Consulting and Research, and Innovative Startups.

Alex Amoroso's extensive scientific production includes numerous published articles in reputable journals, as well as oral presentations and posters at international conferences. Her research findings have been presented at esteemed institutions such as the School of Political and Social Sciences and the Stressed Out Conference at UCL, among others.

With a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to driving positive change, Alex Amoroso is dedicated to empowering learners and professionals for usage of cutting edge methodologies for achieving of excellence in global business world.

2. Dr. Joao Martins is seasoned manager and entrepreneur, with over 30 years’ experience in top management positions in the telecommunications and IT sectors. Starting in an academic environment, where he obtained his PhD in Engineering and an MBA at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, quickly evolved to C-suite positions in the corporate environment, both in large corporations and in start-ups.

He is currently a director and start-up shareholder in an IT integrator in Lisbon, focused on cybersecurity. With a passion for education, he also an invited Professor at Nova Information Management School, teaching Knowledge Management and Financial Analysis to graduate and undergraduate students.

3. Industrial Expert: Max Kalyuzhnyi, experienced entrepreneur and CFO

With over 10 years of experience in finance, investing, and entrepreneurship, I am the founder of Domicile0, a self-service platform that enables tax compliance in a borderless world. I am also an ACCA member, a CFA level III candidate, fellow of Antler entrepreneurship program and a resident of Startup Lisboa, a leading incubator for early-stage startups in Portugal.

In addition to Domicile0, I am a co-owner and former CFO/B2B of Yasno live, one of the largest online therapy marketplaces in the world, with over 30,000 active clients and 300 B2B partners. I helped Yasno grow its revenue, expand its market, and secure funding from reputable investors. I am passionate about building solutions that improve the well-being and mobility of people across the globe.

Financial analysis is the process of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance-related entities to determine their performance and suitability. It involves using various tools and techniques to assess the financial health of an organization, forecast future trends, and support decision-making.  

Key aspects of financial analysis include:

Assessing profitability: Evaluating a company's ability to generate profits over time, considering revenues, costs, and expenses.

Analyzing liquidity: Determining an organization's capacity to meet its short-term financial obligations and maintain sufficient cash flow.

Examining solvency: Assessing a company's long-term financial stability and ability to repay its debts.

Evaluating efficiency: Measuring how effectively a company utilizes its resources to generate revenues and manage expenses.

Forecasting future performance: Projecting financial outcomes based on historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors.

Financial analysis and management, especially when focused on business partnership, are crucial for the success of any company, but particularly for those in the dynamic and fast-paced tech industry. This field goes beyond traditional accounting and reporting, delving into the strategic application of financial insights to drive business decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately, create value.

What is Business-Oriented Financial Analysis and Management?

Business-oriented financial analysis and management involve utilizing financial data and tools to understand a company's performance, identify trends, predict future outcomes, and guide strategic decision-making. It's about translating numbers into actionable insights that support business goals.

Key aspects include:

  • Analyzing financial statements and reports: Understanding the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow and other form of documents and statement to assess the company's financial health.

  • Evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs): Tracking metrics like revenue growth, profitability margins, customer acquisition cost (CAC), and customer lifetime value (CLTV) to measure performance and identify areas for improvement.

  • Forecasting and budgeting: Projecting future financial performance and allocating resources effectively to support growth initiatives.

  • Investment appraisal: Evaluating the financial viability of new projects and investments, considering factors like return on investment (ROI) and risk.

  • Risk management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks, such as market volatility, credit risk, and operational risks.

Why is Developing Internal Expertise Important?

Developing internal expertise in financial analysis and management offers significant advantages for companies:

  • Improved decision-making: Employees with strong financial acumen can make more informed decisions that align with the company's financial goals.

  • Enhanced performance: By understanding financial drivers and metrics, teams can focus on activities that improve profitability and efficiency.

  • Increased accountability: Financial awareness promotes a culture of accountability, where individuals understand the financial impact of their actions.

  • Stronger financial partnerships: Developing internal expertise enables better collaboration between finance and non-finance teams, leading to more effective financial strategies.

  • Competitive advantage: Companies with strong financial management capabilities are better equipped to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and outperform competitors.

How Does This Benefit Careers?

Developing financial analysis and management skills can significantly enhance career prospects for both experts and managers, including those in non-financial roles:

  • Increased value: Employees with financial expertise are highly valued by employers, as they can contribute to strategic decision-making and drive business success.

  • Career advancement: Financial skills can open doors to new opportunities and leadership roles, as they demonstrate a broader understanding of the business.

  • Improved communication: Financial literacy enables better communication with finance teams and stakeholders, leading to more effective collaboration.

  • Entrepreneurial success: For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, financial management skills are essential for building and growing a successful business.

  • Personal financial management: The principles of financial analysis and management can also be applied to personal finances, leading to better financial well-being.

In conclusion, developing expertise in financial analysis and management, with a focus on business partnership, is invaluable for both companies and individuals in the tech industry. It empowers informed decision-making, drives performance, and unlocks new opportunities for growth and success.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Accounting methods
  • Accounting standards
  • Main financial statements
  • Financial ratios
  • Valuation principles
  • Using the dcf approach
  • Fundamentals of financial analysis
  • Leveraging excel for financial insights
  • Core financial analysis techniques
  • Valuation & forecasting
  • Advanced analysis techniques
  • Extra section: how to write professional financial reports
  • Unit economics
  • Sales funnels
  • Funnels and conversions
  • Financial business partnership
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
Onboarding to the learning process
Welcome to MTF
Introduction and Fundamentals of Financial Analysis
Read more
ACCOUNTING METHODS
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
MAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL RATIOS
VALUATION PRINCIPLES
USING THE DCF APPROACH
Financial Statements Key Terms
Income Statements Key Terms
Balance Sheets Key Terms
Financial Analysis and Modeling
Module Introduction

Please, look to attached file

Module Overview
Core Financial Analysis Techniques Lesson 1
Introduction to Financial Analysis: Adding Value to Decisions
Leveraging Excel for Financial Insights
Exercise 1 Horizontal & Vertical Analysis
Core Financial Analysis Techniques Lesson 2
Exercise 2 Sensitivity & Scenario Analysis
Core Financial Analysis Techniques Lesson 3
Exercise 3 Product Profit Analysis
Exercise 4 Unit Economics
Financial View to Unit Economics
Why Unit Economics Matter for Financial Managers in Ecommerce and Beyond
Core Financial Analysis Techniques Lesson 4 Annual Budget
Exercise 5 Budget Variance Analysis
Valuation & Forecasting
Stress Tests
Monte Carlo Simulations
Rolling Financial Projections
Detecting Financial Red Flags
Financial Reporting
Next Steps
Profit and Loss Analysis
Understanding the Fundamentals of Profit and Loss Analysis
Deconstructing the P&L Statement for a Specific Business Line
Cost Allocation and its Impact on Business Line Profitability
Analyzing Revenue Streams and Drivers for a Specific Business Line
Cost Behavior Analysis for a Specific Business Line
Profitability Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Benchmarking and Comparative Analysis of Business Line Performance
Forecasting and Budgeting for a Specific Business Line
Strategic Decision-Making Based on Business Line P&L Analysis
Case Studies in Business Line P&L Analysis
Case Study: Unit Economics Management for Financial Managers
1-Intro lesson (about unit economics and metrics)
2-Revenue_and_Growth. Vanity metrics vs Important metrics
3-Funnels_and_conversions
4a - Unit economics -- overview
4b - Key metrics of unit economics (CPA, ARPU, CAC, ARPPU, C1)
5a - Case study - SaaS Funnel
5b - Case study - Promocode launch
LTV, Churn and retention rates
Cohorts (PL vs UE, absolute _ relative cohorts)
Cohorts (LTV for specific period, forecast)
How to choose important metrics
Recap
Business-Oriented Financial Management
Financial Management Fundamentals for Tech Companies
The Role of the Financial Business Partner in IT and SaaS
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) in Startups
Product Profitability Analysis: Metrics and Frameworks
Budgeting and Forecasting for Product Development
Cost Management Strategies for IT and SaaS Projects
Investment Appraisal and ROI for Technology Initiatives
Financial Risk Management in the Tech Industry
Building a Financial Partnership with Product Teams
Case Studies in Financial Management for Tech Companies
Interactive Part, Next Steps and Answers to Questions
Interactive Part
Congratulations with finishing from MTF
Bonus Section: Next Steps

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management with these activities:
Review Accounting Principles
Solidify your understanding of fundamental accounting principles to better grasp financial statement analysis.
Browse courses on Accounting Principles
Show steps
  • Review key accounting concepts and terminology.
  • Practice applying accounting principles to sample transactions.
  • Take a practice quiz on accounting fundamentals.
Review 'The Lean Startup'
Understand how financial principles apply to lean startup methodologies and agile development.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the concepts of validated learning and minimum viable product (MVP).
  • Consider how financial metrics can be used to track progress and make decisions in a lean startup.
  • Discuss the book's concepts with a colleague or mentor.
Review 'Financial Intelligence for IT Professionals'
Gain a practical understanding of financial concepts relevant to IT and tech companies.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to financial statements and KPIs.
  • Identify key takeaways and how they apply to your current role or company.
  • Discuss the book's concepts with a colleague or mentor.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Excel Financial Modeling Exercises
Enhance your Excel skills for financial modeling and analysis.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with Excel financial modeling exercises.
  • Practice building financial models for different scenarios.
  • Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Analyze a Public Company's Financials
Apply financial analysis techniques to a real-world scenario to deepen your understanding of financial statements and ratios.
Show steps
  • Select a publicly traded company in the IT or SaaS sector.
  • Download the company's annual report (10-K) from the SEC website.
  • Analyze the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
  • Calculate key financial ratios and interpret their meaning.
  • Write a brief report summarizing your findings and conclusions.
Create a Financial Dashboard
Visualize key financial metrics to improve understanding and communication of financial performance.
Show steps
  • Choose a data visualization tool (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI).
  • Identify key financial metrics relevant to a specific business line or product.
  • Gather the necessary data from financial statements or internal databases.
  • Create charts and graphs to visualize the metrics.
  • Design a dashboard layout that is clear and easy to understand.
Prepare a Presentation on Financial Business Partnership
Develop your communication skills by presenting the role of a financial business partner in IT and SaaS companies.
Show steps
  • Research the responsibilities and skills of a financial business partner.
  • Create a presentation outline covering key topics.
  • Develop visually appealing slides with clear and concise information.
  • Practice your presentation and solicit feedback from peers.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management.
Introduces the Lean Startup methodology, which emphasizes validated learning, rapid experimentation, and iterative product development. It's highly relevant for understanding how financial analysis and management can be applied in a startup environment. The book provides a framework for making data-driven decisions and optimizing resource allocation. It is especially useful for those interested in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) in startups and product profitability analysis.
Provides a practical guide to understanding financial statements and key financial metrics, specifically tailored for IT professionals. It bridges the gap between technical expertise and financial literacy, enabling better communication and collaboration with finance teams. The book is particularly useful for understanding how IT projects impact the bottom line and for making informed investment decisions. It serves as a valuable reference for those new to financial analysis in a tech context.

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