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Finance for Leaders

Overview

The Finance for Leaders programme equips you with the skills to understand financial drivers, craft sound investment strategies, and safeguard organisational resources, empowering you to confidently lead financial conversations and seize opportunities that create sustainable value. 

Financial expertise is essential for leaders who aim to drive value and make strategic impact within their organisations, both regionally and globally. In environments where resources are limited, leaders with a strong financial acumen distinguish themselves by making rigorous business cases and insightful decisions that enhance performance and growth.

Led by SMU’s distinguished faculty, Professors Benedict Koh and Andrew Lee, the Finance for Leaders programme employs an interactive, participant-focused approach with real-world case studies and group discussions to ensure immediate application and meaningful behavioural change. Preparatory reading will be given to help you make a rapid start and fully participate in this hands-on programme.

  • Next Course Starts On 25 February 2026 (Wed)See Full Schedule
  • Duration25, 26, 27 February 2026 (3 days)
  • LevelIntermediate
  • VenueSingapore Management University

Learning Objectives

  • Understanding core concepts of finance and develop greater effectiveness in business performance evaluation, financial management and value creation within your organisation.

  • Acquire knowledge and skill sets in the areas of finance, such as Corporate Financing, Structuring Debt, Economic Value Added (EVA) and Shareholder Value Creation.

  • Build competencies to complement your existing managerial expertise by understanding financial statements, evaluating business performance, assessing financial health, and managing value creation and growth.

Topics/Structure

Core Concepts of Finance: 

  • Time Value of Money
  • Risk and Return
  • Cash Flow and Profit
  • Impact of Inflation

Financial Decisions of Corporations: 

  • Investments
  • Financing
  • Dividends
  • Working Capital
  • Mergers & Acquisitions 

Corporate Investments:

  • Corporate Investment Techniques
  • Investment Process
  • Evaluating an Investment Proposal 

Project Analysis: 

  • Sensitivity Analysis
  • Scenario Analysis
  • Breakeven Analysis

Corporate Financing: 

  • Choice of Debt and Equity
  • Practical Methods of Choosing Optimal Capital Structure

Structuring of Debt: 

  • Alignment to optimal capital structure
  • Structuring corporate debt (tenure, interest rate, currency and repayment schedule) 

Economic Value Added (EVA): 

  • Shareholder Value
  • Metrics of Value Creation 

Shareholder Value Creation: 

  • Value Drivers
  • Strategies of Value Creation

Understanding Financial Statements:

  • The anatomy of financial statements
  • What investors look for in companies

Evaluating Business Performance:

  • Key performance indicators
  • Financial plans and Budgetary controls
  • Peer comparisons

Assessing Financial Health:

  • Financial health metrics
  • Financial flexibility

Managing Value Creation and Growth:

  • Drivers of value – Where does value come from?
  • The conundrum of growth
     

Who Should Attend

This programme is designed for mid-to senior-level functional leaders (with at least 5 years of managerial experience) who wish to enhance their finance knowledge and skills.

Fees and Funding

SGD 3,597

(inclusive of 9% GST)*

SGD 3,300

(excluding 9% GST)*

Skillsfuture Credit ID: TGS-2021004540

* Fee is subject to change. GST applies to individuals and Singapore-registered companies.
* SkillsFuture Credit can be used for this programme. Please click here for more details. Eligible for Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above.
** Fee is subject to change. GST is not applicable to foreign based companies.

For More Information: 

Tel: +65 6826 1317 (Ayden Tay)

Email: aydentay@smu.edu.sg

Schedule

Start Date(s):

Intake Information :25, 26, 27 Feb 2026 (3 Days)