Mango Training Course Outline
Course code:
ES2 [formerly FM11]
Course Title:
Building on the basics
Duration:
2 days
For:
Those who have previously attended Mango’s
Getting the basics right (ES1) course
Purpose
This workshop is to refresh key skills and build the confidence of learners to:
•
self-assess their NGO’s financial management systems and implement
action plans that will integrate robust practice into programmes, with
remote follow-up support from Mango.
Target Audience
This course is for NGO staff and trustees who have previously attended
Mango’s Getting the basics right (ES1) course.
As the workshop has a strong self-assessment and action planning theme, we
strongly recommend that two people attend, ideally representing both
programme management and finance functions.
We recommend that you read this course outline carefully to make sure the
content is relevant and meets your learning requirements. If you have any
questions please do contact us.
Course Content
The final content of the workshop will be decided in consultation with those
attending, according to their operational challenges and interests. Key
workshop content includes:
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•
Reaching the standard – using Mango’s Finance Health Check to assess
current practice
•
Accounting essentials – making sure everyone who needs financial
information gets it
•
Budget management essentials – writing great budgets and using budget
comparison reports for decision making
•
Protecting our resources – designing internal controls to keep our staff
and assets safe
•
Problem solving and action planning ‘surgery’ – identifying challenges,
practical solutions and actions to implement robust financial management
practice
•
Follow up support – post workshop remote support from a Mango trainer,
including tailored advice on specific challenges during implementation of
the action plan.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Do:
Know:
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•
Assess strengths and weaknesses in their NGO’s financial
management systems using the standards set out in Mango’s
self-assessment Finance Health Check
•
Resolve accounting, budget management and internal control
challenges facing their NGOs using key tools and principles
revisited on the workshop
•
Use the learning from the self-assessment process and
workshop content to create a timed action plan for
strengthening and integrating good financial management
practice into programmes
•
Describe the minimum standards for the ‘Four Building Blocks’
to ensure robust financial management practice in NGO
programmes
•
Explain the critical role played by the Chart of Accounts in
budgets, accounting records and financial reports
•
Describe the key differences between cash and accruals
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accounting and how accounting methods have an impact on
the data in financial reports
Feel:
•
Outline top tips for budgeting and budget management to
ensure effective use of project resources
•
Explain how the ‘Four Internal Control Actions’ help to protect
staff and NGO assets to ensure resources are always used for
the purpose intended
•
Appreciate the importance of integrating good financial
management practice into programmes to achieve their NGO’s
mission and objectives.
Training Approach
Mango’s training approach is highly practical, participatory and often fun! We
focus on real issues and help participants to use the techniques covered,
rather than just discuss them. We work hard to de-mystify financial concepts
to overcome the fear of finance.
“Mango training really does take the fear out of finance!”
We work with small groups to meet the needs of individual participants. We
use a variety of learning methods to stimulate interest and meet differing
learning styles of participants – including illustrated presentations, group
exercises and discussions, case studies and practical problem-solving
activities.
Courses are supported by extensive materials for participants to take away
and apply after the course. We also offer a free follow-up service by email or
phone to all Mango trainees.
How to Book
This course is currently only available as an in-house or group training event.
Please visit our website to plan your training or contact the training team at
training@mango.org.uk for more information.
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Building on the basics
PROGRAMME GUIDE
Day
Module:
Topics to be covered:
Day 1
Welcome and Overview
•
Introductions and expectations
•
Programme overview and approach
Key elements of good
practice in financial
management
•
The Four Building Blocks and Seven
Principles of Financial Management
•
Mango’s Finance Health Check – are
you reaching the standard?
Accounting essentials
•
Getting organised with coding
structures
•
Supporting documents – why we need
them
•
Different accounting methods and their
reporting outputs
•
Financial statements revisited
•
Financial planning in practice – what
you need for operations and long-term
planning
•
What makes a good budget?
•
Using budget monitoring reports for
programme management
•
Reporting on donor budgets
•
The Four Internal Control actions – how
they protect you and your resources
•
The Procurement Procedure –
Delegated authority and separation of
duties in action
•
Minimum standards checklist
•
Call to action
Budget management
essentials
Day 2
Internal Control Systems
Summary and reflection
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Day
Module:
Topics to be covered:
Practical workshops
•
Learners to select two practical
sessions from:
o Chart of accounts development
o Budgeting skills
o Policies and procedures
development
o Budget management skills
o Preparing for audit
Surgery session and
action planning
•
Key financial management challenges
facing your NGO – solutions and
actions
Summary and Close
•
Summary of key learning
•
Evaluation
•
Certificates
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