Public Financial Management for Non-Finance Managers Course

Introduction

Public Financial Management for Non-Finance Managers Course is designed to equip non-financial professionals in public institutions with essential knowledge and skills to understand, interpret, and manage financial information effectively. It bridges the gap between technical finance functions and operational management, enabling leaders and managers to make informed financial decisions that enhance accountability, efficiency, and value for public resources.

In many public sector environments, non-finance managers are required to make budgetary decisions without a strong financial background, leading to inefficiencies and resource mismanagement. This course addresses that challenge by simplifying complex financial concepts and translating them into practical tools. Participants will learn how public funds are allocated, spent, monitored, and reported within government systems.

A key focus of the program is budgeting and financial planning in the public sector. Participants will gain an understanding of how budgets are developed, approved, implemented, and controlled. The course emphasizes the importance of aligning budgets with institutional objectives and ensuring that financial planning supports strategic priorities and service delivery goals.

The course also explores financial reporting and accountability systems, enabling participants to interpret financial statements, track expenditures, and assess financial performance. It highlights the importance of transparency, audit processes, and compliance requirements in ensuring proper use of public funds. Participants will learn how to contribute effectively to financial oversight within their departments.

Another important aspect of the course is cost control and resource optimization. Participants will be trained on how to identify inefficiencies, manage operational costs, and improve value for money in public service delivery. The program also introduces tools for financial monitoring that help managers make data-driven decisions that enhance fiscal discipline.

Ultimately, the course empowers non-finance managers to actively participate in financial decision-making processes within public institutions. It builds confidence in handling budgets, interpreting financial reports, and engaging with finance professionals. Graduates will be better equipped to contribute to financial sustainability, accountability, and improved performance in public sector organizations.

Who Should Attend

• Senior managers in public institutions
• Department heads and program managers
• Project managers in government agencies
• Administrative officers in public service
• Human resource managers in government
• Procurement and supply chain officers
• Monitoring and evaluation officers
• Policy makers and public administration officials
• Local government administrators
• Development partners and donor program staff
• NGO managers working with public funds
• Technical officers with budget responsibilities

Duration

5 Days

Course Objectives

• Equip non-finance managers with practical knowledge of public financial management systems to enable effective participation in budgeting, planning, and financial decision-making processes within government institutions.
• Strengthen understanding of budgeting processes in the public sector, including formulation, approval, execution, and control of budgets aligned with institutional and national priorities.
• Develop competencies in interpreting financial reports and statements to assess financial performance, track expenditures, and support accountability in public sector organizations.
• Enhance ability to apply cost control and resource optimization techniques to improve efficiency and ensure value for money in public service delivery.
• Build skills in financial planning and forecasting to support strategic decision-making and ensure sustainable allocation of public resources across programs and departments.
• Equip participants with tools to understand audit processes, compliance requirements, and financial regulations governing public sector financial management systems.
• Strengthen capacity to monitor and evaluate financial performance using key indicators and reporting systems for improved transparency and accountability.
• Develop understanding of procurement and expenditure processes to ensure efficient use of public funds and compliance with procurement regulations.
• Enhance ability to collaborate effectively with finance professionals in designing and implementing financial strategies that support institutional objectives.
• Build leadership capacity to promote financial discipline, accountability, and ethical management of public resources within their respective institutions.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Public Financial Management

• Principles of public financial management
• Financial systems in government institutions
• Role of non-finance managers in PFM
• Overview of public sector budgeting cycle

Module 2: Budgeting in Public Sector

• Budget formulation processes
• Budget approval and execution systems
• Linking budgets to strategic plans
• Budget monitoring and control

Module 3: Financial Planning and Forecasting

• Revenue and expenditure forecasting
• Medium-term financial planning
• Scenario planning in public finance
• Resource allocation strategies

Module 4: Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Understanding financial statements
• Budget execution reports
• Variance analysis techniques
• Financial performance interpretation

Module 5: Cost Control and Efficiency

• Cost management principles
• Identifying inefficiencies in spending
• Value for money analysis
• Operational cost optimization

Module 6: Public Procurement and Expenditure

• Procurement processes and systems
• Expenditure tracking and control
• Procurement compliance requirements
• Supplier and contract management basics

Module 7: Audit and Compliance Systems

• Internal and external audit processes
• Financial compliance frameworks
• Audit reporting and follow-up
• Risk management in financial systems

Module 8: Financial Monitoring and Evaluation

• Financial performance indicators
• Monitoring budget implementation
• Evaluation of financial outcomes
• Reporting and accountability systems

Module 9: Risk Management in Public Finance

• Financial risk identification
• Fraud prevention mechanisms
• Control systems and safeguards
• Mitigating financial mismanagement risks

Module 10: Leadership in Financial Management

• Role of managers in financial governance
• Ethical financial decision-making
• Collaboration with finance departments
• Strengthening financial accountability culture

Training Approach

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion by Steady Development Center.

Training Venue

The training will be held online. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, tutorials and all required training manuals. Any other personal expenses are catered by the participant.
For registration and further enquiries, contact us on:

• Tel: +254 701 180 097
• Email: training@steadytrainingcenter.com

Tailor-Made Option

This course can be customized to suit the specific needs of your organization and be delivered on-line to any convenient location.

Terms Of Payment

Upon agreement by both parties’ payment should be made to Steady Development Center’s official account at least 3 working days before training begins to facilitate adequate preparation.

Our Upcoming Training Schedule