This online budgeting and forecasting course is essential professional development, whether you are in the finance industry or are from a non-financial background. A clear understanding of budgeting and forecasting governs the successful planning and decision-making tasks required of managers and is critical to business strategy.
The Certificate of Budgeting and Forecasting is an online professional development course that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to prepare, document and manage budgets and forecasts to meet organisational objectives.
This online budgeting and forecasting course will teach you how to prepare operational budgets and introduce you to cash flow budgets and financial analysis and reporting. You will also learn how to forecast estimates and monitor budgeted outcomes and use a range of tools and techniques to successfully manage budgets and forecasting.
On completion of this course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to confidently fulfil professional goals and meet the expectation of organisations.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Prepare operational budgets
- Budget objectives
- Annual planning
- Consultation and involvement
- Forecasting
- Cost reduction and measures
- Waste minimisation
- Operations analysis
- Cash expenditure and revenue items
- Responsibility accounting
- Budgets as controls
- Cash flow budgets
- Capital budgets
- Cost analysis and reporting
- Break even analysis
- Preparation of a revenue budget
- Profit and loss reports
- Financial cost analysis
- Internal and external budget factors
- Accrual versus cash accounting
- Rules of accounting
- Five basic bookkeeping principles
- The principle of recording
- The principal of control
- Clarifying budget information
- The consultation processes
- Budget objectives and strategies
- Budget discussion format
- Negotiations
Unit 2 - Manage budgets and forecasts
- Prepare budget
- Budget objectives
- Types of budget
- Sales and expenditure budgets
- Master budget
- Cash budgets
- Production budgets
- Materials budgets
- Labour budgets
- Overhead budgets
- Statement of performance
- Financial budgets
- Capital budgets
- The cash flow budget
- Budgeted statement of financial position
- Reporting expenditure
- Items relevant to a budget
- Performance indicators
- Variable and fixed expenditure
- Contribution margin
- Breakeven point analysis
- Highlighting milestones
- Milestones and performance indicators
- Forecasting data
- Qualitative forecasting
- SWOT analysis
- Assumptions and parameters
- Estimates of cash flow, costs and revenues
- Cash receipts forecast
- Industry averages
- Statistics and research
- Financial risk and protection strategies
- Revenue controls
- Expense controls
- Cash flow controls
- Capital controls
- Presenting data
- Service budget format
- Capital budgets
- GST
- The budgeted statement of cash flows
- Statement of financial position
- External reporting
- Budget calendar
- Market growth and development
- Non for profit (NFP) projects
- Budget variances
- Variance reporting
- Review budget processes
- Rolling budgets
- Budget audit
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
A good way to gain additional knowledge online
S.Brooks, Elwood VIC | Certificate of Budgeting and Forecasting | October 2020
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 30 hours. Twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
Yes! The cost for printed materials for this course is $50 per unit. Total cost for optional printed materials is: $100.00. Printed materials are optional and not required to complete the course. Everything you need to complete the course is provided online via our e-learning system.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Budget Analyst
- Forecasting Analyst
- Cost Administrator
- Commercial Analyst
- Financial Controller
- Assistant Accountant