Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers
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Print- Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers – Learn the fundamentals of accounting and finance to interpret financial data, prepare statements, and apply planning principles for better decision-making.
- Cash is King – Understand and improve cash flow by analyzing reports, forecasting needs, and evaluating funding strategies to strengthen financial stability.
- Financial Analysis and Planning for Non-Financial Managers – Use financial statements and performance ratios to assess operations, guide planning, and align decisions with organizational goals.
In any organization, financial knowledge is a powerful asset—regardless of your job title. This three-course Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers is designed to give managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals the practical financial understanding they need to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and contribute to long-term success.
You’ll begin by learning the seven steps in the accounting cycle, building a solid foundation in financial terminology, statements, and processes. Next, you’ll shift focus to cash flow—where financial decisions are felt daily—exploring how to manage working capital, shorten the cash cycle, and secure internal or external funding. Finally, you’ll develop advanced skills in financial analysis and planning, using profitability and performance metrics to guide goal setting, budgeting, and resource allocation in your area of influence.
Whether you work in operations, HR, marketing, or leadership, this certificate will give you the confidence to use financial data strategically—and speak the language of business.
Certificate Learning Outcomes
- Understand core accounting concepts and the role of financial statements in decision-making.
- Apply the seven steps of the accounting cycle and explain the purpose of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
- Manage and interpret cash flow, including identifying sources of funding, projecting needs, and improving the cash cycle.
- Analyze financial performance using key ratios and profitability metrics.
- Use financial dashboards and gauges to evaluate the effectiveness of operations and set informed goals.
- Support strategic planning and budgeting by applying financial concepts in non-financial roles.
- Communicate more effectively with financial teams and contribute to resource planning and financial strategy.
Who Should Take This Certificate?
- Supervisors, team leads, and department heads responsible for budgets or resource management
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to better understand the financial side of operations
- Professionals in non-financial roles (e.g., HR, marketing, operations, program management) who work with financial data
- Aspiring leaders and career changers preparing for roles that require financial fluency
- Anyone who wants to make smarter, data-informed decisions using key financial insights
Registration Deadline: Participants can register up to 5 days after the course begins.
Course Access: Offered in partnership with LERN. Log in 24/7—no live meetings.
Course Format: Weekly units include readings, audio-slide lectures, self-quizzes, and discussion forums.
Tips for Success: Log in 2–3 times a week and contribute 2–3 thoughtful posts per unit for the best experience.
Recognized Credentials: Earn nationally recognized CEUs from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association—perfect for meeting professional development goals or licensure requirements.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers this class/certificate in partnership with LERN. Therefore, you may cancel your registration up until you receive your login and password from LERN and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Online courses offered with the Learning Resources Network (LERN) continue to run, as scheduled during inclement weather. If there are changes to meeting status, you will receive an email at the address you provided upon registration informing you of the cancelation.
*exempt-this offering is ineligible for waiver use
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.