Professional Diploma in Finance for Non-Financial Managers
Develop your practical understanding of business finance and become a financially fluent manager. As you transition into management roles, up your game when it comes to dealing with financial concepts and using financial insights to make sound business decisions.
Why UCD Professional Academy?
- Valuable, trusted qualification
- Industry expert lecturers
- Flexible live online learning

Secure your place with a 5% deposit and continue your professional development.
Course Information
Choose a start date below
Location
Supported learning with live, online lectures
Duration
30 hours: Evening class: 3 hours per lesson, once a week for 10 weeks
Timetable
Online evening course: 6.30pm - 9.30pm Thursday evenings.
Course Type
Live online learning
Location
Supported learning with live, online lectures
Duration
30 hours: Evening class: 3 hours per lesson, once a week for 10 weeks
Timetable
Online evening course: 6.30pm - 9.30pm Wednesday evenings.
Course Type
Live online learning
Location
Supported learning with live, online lectures
Duration
30 hours: Evening class: 3 hours per lesson, once a week for 10 weeks
Timetable
Online evening course: 6.30pm - 9.30pm Wednesday evenings.
Course Type
Live online learning
Location
Supported learning with live, online lectures
Duration
30 hours: Evening class: 3 hours per lesson, once a week for 10 weeks
Timetable
Online evening course: 6.30pm - 9.30pm Wednesday evenings.
Course Type
Live online learning
Location
Supported learning with live, online lectures
Duration
30 hours: Evening class: 3 hours per lesson, once a week for 10 weeks
Timetable
Online evening course: 6.30pm - 9.30pm Wednesday evenings.
Course Type
Live online learning
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Industry-focused courses recognised by top companies worldwide
We offer ambitious professionals the opportunity to stay competitive and relevant in the changing workplace. With flexible learning that slots easily into your busy life, access industry-focused courses that deliver job-ready skills. Our courses are developed and delivered by experienced industry experts.
98 of our students say they would take another course with us

Fit professional advancement into your busy career and life
As an alternative to on-campus learning, we deliver all instructor-led courses via an easy-to-use online study environment. This facilitates student-teacher interaction with live lectures delivered straight to your computer. Our friendly Student Services team is on hand to answer your questions and fix any technical issues you may have.
96 of our alumni would recommend us to friends and family
Course overview
Learning outcomes and course content
Knowledge of business finances isn’t the reserve of accounting professionals. An understanding of financial concepts and terminology will make you a better manager and an asset to your organisation.
What will I learn?

Have you recently moved into a management role? This practical and accessible course covers the key concepts you will need in your management role, including how finance affects every layer of an organisation, how reporting works, and how to interpret financial figures. It will give you the confidence to communicate knowledgeably at any level and use financial reports and insights to improve outcomes for your organisation.

Financial Accounting Function & Concepts
Financial Accounting Function & Concepts
Explore the function of accounting and the conceptual models that underpin the financial function.
- Accounting constructs
- Context of accounting in business
Financial Statements
Financial Statements
Study the statutory financial statements - their use, importance, and function. Understand the legal and regulatory framework that guide their preparation and distribution.
- Balance sheet
- Profit & Loss account
- Statement of changes to equity
- Cash flow statements
Cash Flow Statement
Cash Flow Statement
Examine the cash flow statement in depth and explore its purpose in illuminating the financial affairs of a firm.
- The importance of cash flow
- Managing cash flow
Budgeting
- Short term planning and control
- Budgeting methods
- Budgeting tools
Investment Appraisal
Investment Appraisal
Review investment appraisal techniques and discover their application in investment decision-making.
- Making strategic decisions
- Non-discounted cash flow
- Discounted cash flow
- Evaluating investment and capital expenditure
Working Capital Management
Working Capital Management
Define working capital and its role in achieving an organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Managing working capital
- Methods and techniques
Interpreting Financial Statements
Interpreting Financial Statements
Learn to interpret the financial statements and derive insights into an organisation’s performance.
- Ratio analysis
- Categories of ratios
- Limitations of ratios as a tool
Capital Structure
Capital Structure
Identify the different funding structures of organisations and assess the relative merits of debt and equity in the funding mix.
- Financing operations
- Funding methods: debt vs. equity
Costing
Costing
Explain the different costing techniques used by firms and appraise the benefits of breakeven analysis.
- Costing methods
- Breakeven analysis
Company Valuations
Company Valuations
Learn to determine the different methods of valuing a firm including non-trading entities.
- Valuation methods and techniques
Have questions about this course?
Find out how this industry-focused course will give you the job-ready skills and knowledge to advance your career.
Is this course right for me?
You do not need to have any prior financial experience as this course will give you a strong foundation in business finances. It is ideal for early to mid-career managers in any area of the organisation.
You may be:
• Someone looking to apply for a management role
• Someone in a management role
• A business owner or entrepreneur
• A recent graduate
How will this course help with my career?
In management, career advancement depends on results. The importance of good financial management in business cannot be overstated, as without it even long-established businesses will fail. You need to be someone who makes insight-driven decisions and can see the bigger picture. A successful track record will be vital as you go for promotions and move up the ladder. A qualification in business finance is a great addition to your CV and can help you negotiate a more competitive salary.
What is the online learning experience like?
Our online experience is designed to be just as interactive, supportive, and inspiring as the UCD Professional Academy campus experience.
Online courses can be accessed from any computer or laptop with an internet connection.
Live lectures are delivered using Zoom. During these lectures, your teachers will use technology interactively to ensure an engaging learning experience. When appropriate, students will be encouraged to activate their microphones so that they can ask questions and communicate with other students.
What is the student experience like?
Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Student Portal, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.
How is this course assessed?
If you are studying an online course, your assessment will also be submitted online.
This course is assessed through a written assignment – a case-study project to be submitted after the end of the course. You will have two weeks following the end of the course to complete and submit the final assignment. The written project is generally around 3,000 words (that’s about 5 pages of a standard Word document).
What are the benefits of a Professional Diploma?
A Professional Diploma is a relatively short, practical course that gives learners up-to-date skills in a professional area. They are suitable for learners wishing to advance their professional skills and career prospects rather than their academic credentials.
With their tight focus and duration, these diplomas are stand-alone qualifications and not referenced to NFQ levels or university degree/diploma courses. They are not generally accepted for transfer credit onto academic courses but are widely recognised and valued by employers.
How do I get my Diploma?
Your UCD Professional Academy Diploma will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You can also add this qualification to your LinkedIn profile.
This Professional Diploma is not on the National Framework of Qualifications as a credit-bearing course. This is not unusual for professional courses of this nature, where the need is for fresh and actionable skills immediately applicable in the workplace.
What payment options are available?
A place on any of our programmes can be secured with a 5% deposit.
For full-time (bootcamp) programmes, the balance must be paid in full before course commencement.
For part-time programmes students will be required to pay 50% of the fees before the start of the course, with the remaining balance due within 30 days of the course commencing.
Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/
Pricing
Professional Diploma in Finance for Non-Financial Managers
As you move up the career ladder, business finance knowledge becomes indispensable. This qualification will help demonstrate your financial literacy.