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Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers

Better Decision-Making with Financial Acuity

Inquiring For
Total Work Experience

LAST DAY TO ENROL

DURATION

6 weeks, online

4-6 hours/ week

FOR YOUR TEAM

Enrol your team and learn with your peers

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is offering financial assistance to Ontario residents.

To learn more about OSAP, please refer to this Financial Aid Page.

Program Overview

The Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program from the Rotman School of Management enables mid-level to senior professionals from non-finance backgrounds to build strong financial literacy, understand core financial concepts and make more informed business decisions and investment choices. With financial insights informing strategic decisions and business performance, executives like you must adopt a structured approach to interpreting financial data and contributing effectively to business outcomes.
Led by renowned Rotman faculty, this 6-week virtual learning program blends live sessions, practical exercises and real-world applications to help you understand financial statements, evaluate investments and apply financial thinking in your role. You will emerge with the tools, confidence and financial acumen required to make sound decisions and drive measurable impact across your organization.

78%

of Fortune 100 CEOs come from a non-finance background.
SOURCE: FORBES

17%

The demand for finance skills will grow 17 percent by 2028.
SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

49%

of Canadians say they wish to know more about tools and resources available to get a better grasp on their finances.
SOURCE: Newswire

Learning Outcomes

This virtual learning program will enable you to:

  • Define the world of finance

  • Explain the cash flows and investor returns for different asset classes

  • Understand the information in the financial reports of organizations

  • Describe internal budgeting control performance evaluation and project analysis

  • Determine how to make big investment decisions based on costs and benefits

  • Specify investment options and their purpose

What you will learn in the Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program

The Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program is designed with the needs of busy mid-level to senior professionals in mind. You will learn through video lectures, live sessions, practical exercises and interactive discussions guided by Rotman faculty. The program curriculum combines foundational financial concepts, real-world applications and collaborative learning within a global peer group.

Use the key elements of financial markets to make investment decisions, explain factors that affect a market's efficiency, discuss how transparency and disclosure ensure integrity of financial markets, and determine the economic impacts of inflation.

Explain what the role of securities is in financing an organization, compare the rates of return of simple versus compound interest and compound interest, and calculate the expected present and future value of a fixed income.

Identify balance sheet and income statement account categories, and relate them to the financial performance of the organization. Assess the financial statements of an organization, including measuring key attributes to make cross-sectional and time series comparisons.

Distinguish between total variance, price variance, and quantity variance, and explain how you would prioritize a series of capital projects.

Identify the difference between an annuity and perpetuity, and appraise an investment project using the four investment decision rules.

Reflect on how market expectations move markets, and explain how the value of an option varies with each of the inputs needed for Black–Scholes option pricing.

Seamless Learning, Anywhere

Program Experience

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Try-it activities

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Playbook activities

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Polls

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Discussions

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Feedback sessions by program leaders

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Self-evaluation quizzes

Who is the Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program for?

The Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program from the Rotman School of Management is designed for mid-level to senior professionals from non-finance backgrounds who seek to build a strong foundation in financial concepts and literacy and contribute more effectively to business decision-making. It is ideal for you if you want to:

  • Communicate more efficiently across functional teams, especially with finance, to state the budgets expenditure of their team

  • Broaden their perspective on their understanding of business by learning about aspects of accounting and finances

  • Learn how to use financial statements and key performance indicators for a better understanding of their business and the financial decision-making process for their organization

Participant testimonials from the Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program

“The modules were very well designed. The office hours with Fadi were very good and practical. He always had real-life examples that help demystify the complex financial language. It was very good to have sessions with Walid and Wendy—extremely friendly! There is a lot of new information to apply in practice in order to continue to improve my financial acumen.”...
Osric Tening Forton
Chief Environmental Safeguards Officer
AFDB
“I found the mix of live and pre-recorded instruction to be very helpful. I also like the activities to test knowledge throughout the modules. I thought the level of instruction was also appropriate, and the content was interesting.”...
Tamara Nachmani
Associate General Counsel,
OPTrust
“The ability to review content as much as required in order to understand the key concepts. The live sessions were helpful as well in understanding the application to present-day scenarios.”
James Malizia
VP Corporate Security & IT,
Royal Canadian Mint
“I studied business administration many years ago, and some key terms I have not used professionally were good to revise again. Also, in my current role, I’m taking a much deeper financial role, doing forecasts, P&Ls, etc. This program made me understand that I was not considering some important factors in those considerations.” ...
Alexander Reid
Manager - Advanced Business Development,
Toyota
“The best part of this financial program was learning how to apply real-world tools like the Black-Scholes model to evaluate options and make informed investment decisions. It took abstract financial concepts and made them practical and actionable, especially as someone who tends to avoid risk.”...
Kenza El Kholti
Operations Project Leader,
Walter Surface Technologies

Faculty

ROT-FIAC-WALID HEJAZI - Faculty
WALID HEJAZI

Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy; Academic Director, Rotman Executive Programs

Walid Hejazi is a renowned expert in economic analysis and policy at the Rotman School of Management. He teaches in Rotman’s MBA, Executive MBA and custom executive programs, ...

ROT-FIAC-WENDY ROTENBERG-Faculty
WENDY ROTENBERG

Professor, Accounting and Finance, Rotman School of Management


Wendy Rotenberg’s teaching and research interests include financial management, corporate restructuring and international accounting and finance.

Decorative image relating to certificate of completion

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the six-week virtual e-learning program, you’ll earn a digital certificate of completion from the Rotman School of Management. This virtual e-learning program counts toward a Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate.

Note: All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Rotman School of Management

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is offering financial assistance to Ontario residents

The Ontario Student Assistance Program is now offering funding for micro-credentials, including Rotman Executive Programs. This new resource is part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping learners access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs through loans and grants. This funding is available for Ontario residents only with additional requirements.

Learn about OSAP funding for Ontario residents as well as the full details of the program by downloading our brochure.

FAQs

The Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program from the Rotman School of Management is designed as a finance course for non-finance managers that helps professionals build financial literacy, understand financial concepts and interpret financial data for better business decisions. It provides a strong foundation in financial management, financial analysis and financial reporting, enabling participants to connect finance with overall business strategy and organizational performance.

The Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers course covers key financial concepts, including balance sheet, cash flow statement and three major financial statements, along with ratio analysis, financial reporting and time value of money. You will learn to interpret financial statements, analyze financial performance and make financial decisions related to investment, budgeting and capital allocation. The program also helps you use financial information to support strategic allocation decisions and improve future performance.

A strong financial acumen program should help professionals build finance skills, interpret financial data, and apply financial concepts to solve real-world business challenges. It should also strengthen capabilities in financial management, accounting, budgeting, capital allocation, and investment concepts to support more effective business and investment decisions across organizations.

The Building Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Managers program from the Rotman School of Management combines foundational financial concepts, applied learning, and real-world business examples to help managers and executives build expertise in financial reporting, investment evaluation, and financial decision-making. Participants learn how to interpret financial statements, evaluate opportunities, and apply financial thinking to support organizational growth and improve business performance across different contexts.

The program cost for this financial acumen course is available on the program page. It includes access to course content, resources and a certificate upon completion.

Yes, a finance acumen for non-financial managers course can significantly improve your ability to make better business decisions. By understanding financial data, cash flow, cost structures and investment opportunities, you gain the confidence to contribute to strategy, manage budgets and communicate more effectively across teams and companies.

This non-financial managers program is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds, including marketing, management, operations and strategy roles. No prior finance background is required as the program builds foundational financial literacy and skills step by step.

Professionals can build financial skills by learning core financial terms, understanding financial statements and applying financial analysis to real-world scenarios. This program provides practical tools, case studies and interactive learning to help you gain knowledge and work directly with financial information in your role.

When selecting a financial acumen program, consider factors such as curriculum, faculty, practical applications and access to resources. A strong program should cover financial reporting, cash flow, investment and financial management while helping you apply concepts to business decisions and organizational goals.

Training for roles involving financial decision-making requires understanding financial data, financial performance and investment decisions. This program equips you with the skills in budgeting, capital allocation and financial analysis, enabling you to support strategic decisions within your organization.

A financial acumen program is designed to help professionals understand finance, accounting and financial management concepts without requiring deep financial expertise. It focuses on applying financial knowledge to business contexts, improving decision-making and supporting organizational growth.

A finance acumen for non-financial managers course is ideal for managers, executives and professionals who want to improve their financial literacy and contribute more effectively to business decisions. It is especially useful for those working in non-finance roles and are looking to interact with financial data, budgets and performance metrics.

Choosing the right finance course depends on your career goals, the skills you want to build and how you plan to apply financial concepts in your role. Look for programs that offer practical learning, industry-relevant content and opportunities to build confidence in using financial information for real-world business challenges.

How do I know if this program is right for me?

After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.

Are there any prerequisites for this program?

Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.

Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.

What is the typical class profile?

More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.

What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

How much time is required each week?

Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.

How will my time be spent?

We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:

  • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty

  • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule

  • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics

  • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities

  • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers

  • Completing your final project, if required

The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.

What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

More than 350,000 learners across 80 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.

How do I interact with other program participants?

Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.

What type of certificate will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.

The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.

Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.

How long will I have access to the learning materials?

You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.

Do I need to be online to access the program content?

Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.

What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

  • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).

  • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.

I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.

How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.

Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.

How can I obtain a W9 form?

Please connect with us via email for assistance.

Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?

Program fees for Emeritus programs with The Rotman School of Management may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.

What is the program refund and deferral policy?

For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 985 616 5261 (US) / +44 127 959 4639 (UK) / +65 3138 5295 (SG)

Flexible payment options available.

Last Day to Enrol