Global Learning for Operational Leaders
Classroom
15 sessions
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Online / Live
15 sessions
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Introduction
Course overview
Month and year-end closings are the ultimate processes of finance where the efforts spent during the period materialize in accurate and timely reports. It is important that such valuable information is developed at a cost that is justified by the benefits gained. Hence, organizations need to always identify inefficiencies in the closing process and apply continuous improvement. This course provides several tools for process analysis and improvements related to closing the books quickly and efficiently.
What you will achieve
Learning objectives
- Describe the different types of closing and list the main activities in the closing cycle
- Utilize assessment tools to pinpoint the disconnect between finance and internal users
- List the steps needed to carry on process improvements in finance and identify the need for closing process redesign
- Practice using process maps to identify closing inefficiencies and present improvement recommendations
- Apply best practices and enhance the monthly closing procedures
Who should attend
Target audience
- Accountants, finance managers, financial controllers, management accountants, general ledger accountants, accounts receivable and accounts payable accountants, senior accountants and assistant accountants.
- Target Competencies
- Process analysis
- Closing procedures
- Analytical skills
- Process mapping
- Applying month-end and year-end closing best practices
Methodology
Learning approach
- This course focuses on exercises, case studies, and individual and group presentations based on the issues and challenges facing the participants.
Course content
Course outline and key learning areas
Module 1
Fast closing defined
- Importance and benefits of fast close
- Hard, soft and virtual close
- Elements of soft close
- Vision of 'finance and accounting' function
- Activities and purposes of finance and accounting
Module 2
The finance function as an added value
- Usefulness of financial information
- Defining the finance function stakeholders
- Disconnect between finance and internal users
- Tools to identify needs assessment and report user satisfaction
Module 3
Redesign of the finance function
- The paradigm shift
- Top information deficiencies
- Tools to identify the need for a redesign
- Reasons for process redesign
- Three steps to carry on process improvement and finance function redesign
Module 4
Planning the fast close process
- Setting up a plan for a fast close
- Pre-close process and activities
- Implementing the plan and staying in control
- Finance process redesign tools and techniques
- Cost and cycle time charts
- Process maps and value analysis
- Identifying process bottlenecks
- Organizing fast close resources needed
- Shifting close activities
- Selecting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Module 5
Applying best practices in the close process
- Enhancing the operating cycle
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does Fast Closing Monthly and Year-End Accounts (F08) cover?
This course covers Accounting and Finance through a structured five-day outline focused on practical application, discussion, and implementation planning.
When is the next available session?
The next scheduled session starts on 12 - 16 October 2026, with additional classroom dates and mirrored Online / Live options listed in the course schedules section.
Who should attend this course?
Accountants, finance managers, financial controllers, management accountants, general ledger accountants, accounts receivable and accounts payable accountants, senior accountants and assistant accountants., Target Competencies, Process analysis
Is bilingual course delivery available?
Yes. All course materials and presentations are provided in English, while bilingual explanation and discussion support may be available depending on the selected location and trainer availability. For example, when attending a course in Istanbul, you may request a Turkish-speaking trainer to explain the English course content in Turkish. Arabic explanation support may also be requested at this location. Other languages are available in selected cities. You can choose your preferred language support as an optional preference during registration.
How can I register for a session?
Use any Register button next to the available course dates to open the participant registration page and submit your booking request for the selected session.
Is this course available online as well as classroom-based?
Yes. The course detail page includes both classroom sessions and Online / Live sessions, with online options aligned to the same course dates for easier planning.
Where are classroom sessions delivered?
Current classroom venues include Istanbul, Rome, Munich, Barcelona, Paris, Frankfurt.
How long is the training programme?
The programme runs for five days, with up to five training hours per day, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Each programme includes a total of 25 accredited training hours.
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