Management

Purchase this course for €125

125

mins

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18

Modules

Course Description

Financial health is the backbone of every successful organisation, yet budgeting and forecasting remain some of the most misunderstood and challenging areas for leaders and teams. This practical masterclass is designed to demystify the process, providing participants with the skills and insights needed to create robust budgets, generate accurate forecasts, and adapt to changing market conditions with confidence.Through a mix of real-world examples, strategic best practices, and hands-on exploration of modern tools and technology, you'll gain the knowledge to anticipate challenges, avoid common mistakes, and align your financial planning with long-term business goals.

Introduction

Can you briefly walk us through the key components of a well-structured budget

Can AI or machine learning improve forecasting accuracy If so, how

Are there any red flags that indicate a forecast might be unreliable

Why are both budgeting and forecasting crucial for financial health in an organisation

What�s your Number 1 piece of advice for someone just starting to build a forecasting model

What software or tools do you recommend for budgeting and forecasting, and why � can you show a live demonstration

What is the fundamental difference between budgeting and financial forecasting

What industries require especially complex forecasting models, and why

What forecasting methods do you find most reliable, and when should each be used

What are some of the biggest mistakes organisations make when creating budgets

Real world example ~ Here is a company ~ these are their numbers, this is what a good budget forecast looks like, here are the

How should different departments collaborate during the budgeting process

How often should companies revisit and revise their budgets or forecasts

How often should companies revisit and revise their budgets or forecasts

How has technology changed the way we approach financial forecasting in the last 5�10 years

How do you align your budget with broader business strategy and KPIs

How do you account for unexpected variables (e.g., market crashes, inflation spikes) in your financial forecasts

Have you ever had a major forecasting error What did you learn from it

Conclusion

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Introduction

Can you briefly walk us through the key components of a well-structured budget

Can AI or machine learning improve forecasting accuracy If so, how

Are there any red flags that indicate a forecast might be unreliable

Why are both budgeting and forecasting crucial for financial health in an organisation

What�s your Number 1 piece of advice for someone just starting to build a forecasting model

What software or tools do you recommend for budgeting and forecasting, and why � can you show a live demonstration

What is the fundamental difference between budgeting and financial forecasting

What industries require especially complex forecasting models, and why

What forecasting methods do you find most reliable, and when should each be used

What are some of the biggest mistakes organisations make when creating budgets

Real world example ~ Here is a company ~ these are their numbers, this is what a good budget forecast looks like, here are the

How should different departments collaborate during the budgeting process

How often should companies revisit and revise their budgets or forecasts

How often should companies revisit and revise their budgets or forecasts

How has technology changed the way we approach financial forecasting in the last 5�10 years

How do you align your budget with broader business strategy and KPIs

How do you account for unexpected variables (e.g., market crashes, inflation spikes) in your financial forecasts

Have you ever had a major forecasting error What did you learn from it

Conclusion

What you will Learn

> Understand the core differences between budgeting and forecasting, and why both are critical to organisational successIdentify common budgeting mistakes and learn strategies to stay agile during uncertain economic times

> Apply reliable forecasting methods and account for unexpected variables such as market crashes or inflation spikes

> Explore the latest software, technology, and AI tools that enhance financial accuracy and adaptability

> Align financial planning with broader business strategies and KPIs

> Gain practical insights from real-world case studies and avoid forecasting pitfalls

Who should attend?

This masterclass is ideal for finance professionals, business leaders, department heads, and decision-makers who are directly involved in budgeting and financial planning. It is also valuable for professionals in fast-changing industries where accurate forecasting is crucial. Whether you are new to financial modelling or seeking to refine existing processes, this course will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to strengthen your organisation's financial resilience and strategic planning.

Gerard Keating

FCCA, MBA, Finance Professional and Lecturer

Gerard is a business advisor and educator who helps organisations and professional students to expand their knowledge, improve their skills and develop their potential. He is a qualified Chartered Certified Accountant and holds an MBA with Distinction from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Gerard has over 25 years+ experience working in Financial and General Management in a number of industry sectors including Private Education, Advertising, Marketing, Media, Technology, Luxury Ground Transportation, Construction, Oil and NGOs. Gerard lectures on a part time basis with several private colleges in Dublin, teaching QQI Level 8 to Business and Accounting students as well as evening Diploma courses in Finance and Business Applications.

Gerard Keating

Gerard Keating