Financial Planning and Analysis: controlling and setting budgets

This DIXONTECH training equips professionals with the analytical tools and techniques required to plan, control, and manage budgets effectively. Participants will develop strong competencies in financial planning, variance analysis, and budget control processes that align with corporate strategy. The course focuses on integrating FP&A methodologies with modern budgeting approaches, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved financial performance.

TRAINING TOPICS

• FP&A Principles and the Role of Budgeting
• Budget Development and Control Techniques
• Cost Allocation and Variance Analysis
• Performance-Based and Rolling Budgets
• Forecasting, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

By the end of this training course, delegates will be able to:

• Prepare and manage corporate and departmental budgets
• Integrate FP&A tools into budgeting and control systems
• Analyze variances and optimize resource utilization
• Design flexible and rolling budget structures
• Improve financial decision-making through data insights
• Strengthen cost control and accountability mechanisms
• Align budgeting processes with strategic objectives

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO:

• FP&A and finance professionals
• Budget and planning officers
• Cost controllers and financial analysts
• Departmental and project managers
• Accountants and auditors
• Business performance specialists
• Managers responsible for budget preparation and oversight

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

This practical course combines expert-led sessions, group exercises, and real-life case studies. Participants will design and control budgets using Excel tools, analyze financial results, and evaluate performance metrics through variance and trend analysis. Workshops simulate real business budgeting environments to ensure immediate workplace application.

DAY 1

FUNDAMENTALS OF FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS (FP&A)

• Understanding the FP&A function and its objectives
• Linking strategic plans with financial planning
• The budgeting role within FP&A frameworks
• Budget cycles, time horizons, and structures
• The difference between planning, forecasting, and budgeting
• Integrating key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Case study: building a planning framework

DAY 2

BUDGET STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

• Types of budgets: operational, capital, and cash
• Top-down vs. bottom-up budgeting approaches
• Designing budget templates and formats
• Budgeting assumptions and standard cost bases
• Setting realistic targets and resource allocation
• Involving departments in collaborative budgeting
• Case study: developing an organizational budget plan

DAY 3

COST CONTROL AND VARIANCE ANALYSIS

• Understanding fixed, variable, and mixed costs
• Cost allocation across departments and projects
• Conducting variance analysis: price, efficiency, and volume
• Monitoring and controlling spending performance
• Applying flexible and static budget analysis
• Using Excel for variance reporting and visualization
• Case study: investigating unfavorable variances

DAY 4

ADVANCED BUDGETING APPROACHES AND FORECASTING

• Rolling budgets and continuous forecasting
• Performance-based and zero-based budgeting models
• Linking budgets to KPIs and performance outcomes
• Forecast updates and reforecasting techniques
• Scenario and sensitivity analysis in budgeting
• Budget dashboards for managerial review
• Workshop: forecasting budget adjustments

DAY 5

BUDGET CONTROL, REPORTING, AND STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT

• Designing effective budget control systems
• Reporting structure and budget accountability mechanisms
• Linking financial control to strategic management
• Decision support through FP&A analytics
• Communicating results to senior management
• Continuous improvement in budgeting processes
• Capstone project: developing a control and reporting framework