Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management

Welcome to Program: Advanced Certificate in Financial Analysis and Management by MTF Institute

Financial Analysis and Management with concentration in Finance Business Partnership in IT, Startups, SAAS, Product Management.

This course focused as to general terms and functionalities of financial analysis, and to practical cases of finance management and role of finance business partner in Startups, IT, product and service companies, and focused to role of finance manager in AGILE / SCRUM vertically integrated teams with their own Profit and Loss center and integrated finance function.

Course provided by MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance

MTF is the global educational and research institute with HQ at Lisbon, Portugal, focused on business & professional hybrid (on-campus and online) education at areas: Business & Administration, Science & Technology, Banking & Finance.

MTF R&D center focused on research activities at areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Big Data, WEB3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, Metaverses, Digital Transformation, Fintech, Electronic Commerce, Internet of Things.

MTF is the official partner of: IBM, Intel, Microsoft, member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

MTF is present in 215 countries and has been chosen by more than 698 000 students.

Course Authors:

1. Dr. Alex Amoroso is a seasoned professional with a rich background in academia and industry, specializing in research methodologies, strategy formulation, and product development. With a Doctorate Degree from the School of Social Sciences and Politics in Lisbon, Portugal, where she was awarded distinction and honour for her exemplary research, Alex Amoroso brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

In addition to her doctoral studies, Ms. Amoroso has served as an invited teacher, delivering courses on to wide range of students from undergraduate level to business students of professional and executives courses. Currently, at EIMT in Zurich, Switzerland, she lectures for doctoral students, offering advanced instruction in research design and methodologies, and in MTF Institute Ms. Amoroso is leading Product Development academical domain.

In synergy between academical and business experience, Ms. Amoroso achieved high results in business career, leading R&D activities, product development, strategic development, market analysis activities in wide range of companies. She implemented the best market practices in industries from Banking and Finance, to PropTech, Consulting and Research, and Innovative Startups.

Alex Amoroso’s extensive scientific production includes numerous published articles in reputable journals, as well as oral presentations and posters at international conferences. Her research findings have been presented at esteemed institutions such as the School of Political and Social Sciences and the Stressed Out Conference at UCL, among others.

With a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to driving positive change, Alex Amoroso is dedicated to empowering learners and professionals for usage of cutting edge methodologies for achieving of excellence in global business world.

2. Dr. Joao Martins is seasoned manager and entrepreneur, with over 30 years’ experience in top management positions in the telecommunications and IT sectors. Starting in an academic environment, where he obtained his PhD in Engineering and an MBA at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, quickly evolved to C-suite positions in the corporate environment, both in large corporations and in start-ups.

He is currently a director and start-up shareholder in an IT integrator in Lisbon, focused on cybersecurity. With a passion for education, he also an invited Professor at Nova Information Management School, teaching Knowledge Management and Financial Analysis to graduate and undergraduate students.

3. Industrial Expert: Max Kalyuzhnyi, experienced entrepreneur and CFO

With over 10 years of experience in finance, investing, and entrepreneurship, I am the founder of Domicile0, a self-service platform that enables tax compliance in a borderless world. I am also an ACCA member, a CFA level III candidate, fellow of Antler entrepreneurship program and a resident of Startup Lisboa, a leading incubator for early-stage startups in Portugal.

In addition to Domicile0, I am a co-owner and former CFO/B2B of Yasno live, one of the largest online therapy marketplaces in the world, with over 30,000 active clients and 300 B2B partners. I helped Yasno grow its revenue, expand its market, and secure funding from reputable investors. I am passionate about building solutions that improve the well-being and mobility of people across the globe.

Financial analysis is the process of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance-related entities to determine their performance and suitability. It involves using various tools and techniques to assess the financial health of an organization, forecast future trends, and support decision-making.

Key aspects of financial analysis include:

Assessing profitability: Evaluating a company’s ability to generate profits over time, considering revenues, costs, and expenses.

Analyzing liquidity: Determining an organization’s capacity to meet its short-term financial obligations and maintain sufficient cash flow.

Examining solvency: Assessing a company’s long-term financial stability and ability to repay its debts.

Evaluating efficiency: Measuring how effectively a company utilizes its resources to generate revenues and manage expenses.

Forecasting future performance: Projecting financial outcomes based on historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors.

Financial analysis and management, especially when focused on business partnership, are crucial for the success of any company, but particularly for those in the dynamic and fast-paced tech industry. This field goes beyond traditional accounting and reporting, delving into the strategic application of financial insights to drive business decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately, create value.

What is Business-Oriented Financial Analysis and Management?

Business-oriented financial analysis and management involve utilizing financial data and tools to understand a company’s performance, identify trends, predict future outcomes, and guide strategic decision-making. It’s about translating numbers into actionable insights that support business goals.

Key aspects include:

• Analyzing financial statements and reports: Understanding the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow and other form of documents and statement to assess the company’s financial health.
• Evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs): Tracking metrics like revenue growth, profitability margins, customer acquisition cost (CAC), and customer lifetime value (CLTV) to measure performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Forecasting and budgeting: Projecting future financial performance and allocating resources effectively to support growth initiatives.
• Investment appraisal: Evaluating the financial viability of new projects and investments, considering factors like return on investment (ROI) and risk.
• Risk management: Identifying and mitigating financial risks, such as market volatility, credit risk, and operational risks.

Why is Developing Internal Expertise Important?

Developing internal expertise in financial analysis and management offers significant advantages for companies:

• Improved decision-making: Employees with strong financial acumen can make more informed decisions that align with the company’s financial goals.
• Enhanced performance: By understanding financial drivers and metrics, teams can focus on activities that improve profitability and efficiency.
• Increased accountability: Financial awareness promotes a culture of accountability, where individuals understand the financial impact of their actions.
• Stronger financial partnerships: Developing internal expertise enables better collaboration between finance and non-finance teams, leading to more effective financial strategies.
• Competitive advantage: Companies with strong financial management capabilities are better equipped to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and outperform competitors.

How Does This Benefit Careers?

Developing financial analysis and management skills can significantly enhance career prospects for both experts and managers, including those in non-financial roles:

• Increased value: Employees with financial expertise are highly valued by employers, as they can contribute to strategic decision-making and drive business success.
• Career advancement: Financial skills can open doors to new opportunities and leadership roles, as they demonstrate a broader understanding of the business.
• Improved communication: Financial literacy enables better communication with finance teams and stakeholders, leading to more effective collaboration.
• Entrepreneurial success: For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, financial management skills are essential for building and growing a successful business.
• Personal financial management: The principles of financial analysis and management can also be applied to personal finances, leading to better financial well-being.

In conclusion, developing expertise in financial analysis and management, with a focus on business partnership, is invaluable for both companies and individuals in the tech industry. It empowers informed decision-making, drives performance, and unlocks new opportunities for growth and success.