University of Cape Town
Fundamentals of Financial Management
Gain a foundation in business finance and the tools to help your organisation thrive.
Starting soon
Start date
17 July 2023
Enroll by 11 July 2023
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
“While there are a variety of reasons why SMEs ultimately fail, financial management skills and performance are two of the most often-cited explanations.”
* IFAC (Jan, 2020).
“Investing the time to understand money management in a company will help you optimise the profits you want to make in business. You aren’t expected to be an accountant or get into the weeds, but business owners need to understand money management.”
* Forbes (Apr, 2022).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
One of a business's best chances at success lies in how it manages its financial resources. Financial management is an integral function of every business, and it ensures responsible investment decisions and the long-term sustainability of operations.
Maintain the financial well-being of your organisation on the eight-week Fundamentals of Financial Management online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT). No matter your business, role or position, this course will improve your understanding and practice of finance by exploring financial management through the lens of retail, manufacturing, service, and tech-based industries. The course aims to empower you with a financial toolkit to manage both the short- and long-term financial needs of your company, preparing you to make informed, strategic decisions.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed to equip mid to senior managers, directors, and administrators with an understanding of business finance and how financial management can be used to support the success of an organisation. These professionals are looking to add value to their business by incorporating financial data into their strategic decision-making. Students will also gain the knowledge to apply financial management tools within operational and strategic business processes. Aspiring managers and entrepreneurs with minimal experience in finance will learn to bolster the efficiency of a business through responsible financial management practices.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
One of a business's best chances at success lies in how it manages its financial resources. Financial management is an integral function of every business, and it ensures responsible investment decisions and the long-term sustainability of operations.
Maintain the financial well-being of your organisation on the eight-week Fundamentals of Financial Management online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT). No matter your business, role or position, this course will improve your understanding and practice of finance by exploring financial management through the lens of retail, manufacturing, service, and tech-based industries. The course aims to empower you with a financial toolkit to manage both the short- and long-term financial needs of your company, preparing you to make informed, strategic decisions.
Is this course for you?
This course is designed to equip mid to senior managers, directors, and administrators with an understanding of business finance and how financial management can be used to support the success of an organisation. These professionals are looking to add value to their business by incorporating financial data into their strategic decision-making. Students will also gain the knowledge to apply financial management tools within operational and strategic business processes. Aspiring managers and entrepreneurs with minimal experience in finance will learn to bolster the efficiency of a business through responsible financial management practices.
What will set you apart
The ability to assess the financial needs of your business.
The confidence to make strategic business decisions.
The skills to implement budgeting and forecasting techniques.
A certificate of completion from UCT.
Unlimited access to 2U’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The purpose and process of financial management
Module 2
The systems of financial management
Module 3
Financing the business
Module 4
Acquiring and managing business assets
Module 5
Financial viability of operations
Module 6
Cash flow management
Module 7
Managing key financial relationships
Module 8
Budgeting and forecasting
Get course prospectus
What past students
think
Aneeqah Samsodien
Senior Communications Advisor/Operations Manager, Open CPT (Ltd) Pty
The online learning experience catered to my home, work, and family setup. Weekly assessments, as opposed to one large assessment at the end, helped me stay focused. I can now use my knowledge and integrate it into my daily work as an operations manager. It has also given me a high-level approach to managing the business's finances in a way that I can plan, forecast budgets, and allow the business to grow.
Course Convenor
Francois Toerien
Associate Professor, Department of Finance and Tax, UCT
About the certificate
Learn the essentials of financial management and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
