On October 18, AWiB, in collaboration with ACCA Ethiopia, hosted the second session of its Finance for Non-Finance Managers workshop series. Building on the success of the first session, this workshop delved deeper into practical financial tools and concepts that help non-financial professionals make informed and strategic business decisions.

The session opened with a discussion on the role of financial literacy in effective management. Participants explored how understanding financial data enables better decision-making in key areas such as pricing, hiring, project approval, and business expansion, all of which have financial implications that must align with organizational goals.

Facilitators guided attendees through financial statement analysis, budgeting and forecasting, and cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis, highlighting how these tools can be applied to evaluate performance, control costs, and optimize resources. 

A major focus of the day was cash flow management, emphasizing the difference between cash flow and profit, and what constitutes an effective cash management system. Participants gained insights into working capital and treasury management, understanding the core functions of the treasury department, including liquidity oversight, investment decisions, and financial risk management.

The workshop concluded by underscoring that financial understanding goes beyond reading numbers, it’s about interpreting what they mean for long-term sustainability and success. Participants walked away equipped with a clearer perspective on how financial awareness enhances communication with finance teams and supports data-driven leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Financial literacy empowers managers to make sound, goal-oriented decisions.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis strengthen planning and performance tracking.
• Understanding cash flow versus profit ensures operational and financial stability.
• Cost-volume-profit and ratio analyses are essential for measuring growth and managing risk.
• Effective treasury and working capital management support liquidity and resource optimization.
• Every managerial decision has a financial dimension that influences organizational success.

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