An engaged learning platform is provided which will have delegates participating on an interactive level with each other and the facilitator. This course is designed to teach delegates practical skills about the preparation and monitoring of budgets, using basic functions in Excel and probing questioning techniques. The required skills for this module will be practiced through simulated case studies and group discussions. Each competency will be evaluated through case studies as well as a post course evaluation.

Our ultimate goal is to provide the delegates the necessary training and practical exposure to proof a competent skills level. This involves, in-class discussions and exercises, post course work as well as evaluation and feedback. The delegate therefore needs to obtain successful sign off on this skill as "Competent". After attending the course, delegates will have gained a basic understanding of the competencies mentioned below. The following related Logbook Tasks as part of a formal training programme may be considered for sign-off: o Strategic planning o Fixed and flexible budgets o Historical and Zero based budgets o Scenario planning and forecasts of future results o Financial advice taking economic events into consideration o Prepare a budget for an entity with clearly documented assumptions o Perform a sensitivity analysis on prepared budgets and varying key assumptions to document a range of possible outcomes o Document actual performance against budget, investigate and document reasons for variance and make recommendations to address variances. Other course benefits include: o professional skills development (writing and reporting skills) o drafting recommendations which are reasonable and relevant o time management o critical and strategic thinking and o individual feedback by an accredited SAICA Assessor.

The aim of the course is to test both technical and professional competency skills. The more sufficient evidence submitted, the more likely the delegate will receive positive feedback and a final sign-off as competent The assessment is based on the following approach: On the day of the course: a) during the morning session, the relevant theory and basic principles will be presented and discussed with examples b) additional information in the form of a course book will be provided to complete the examples and practise the principles c) during the afternoon session, a post course assessment will be completed based on the theory and examples completed during the course of the morning and d) the post course assessment will be completed in the form of a PoE file (Portfolio of Evidence) and needs to be submitted as agreed upon by the facilitator. After the course: a) the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) will be assessed by an accredited Assessor; and b) feedback will be given in writing with the applicable rating applied.

Trainees who wish to require basic practical experience in preparing and analysing budgets.

Delegates must bring laptops with Excel loaded and calculators to the course. All other material and stationery will be provided.