OBJECTIVE:
Analyzing financial statements is no easy task. In a world where some companies report results using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), others report using U.S. GAAP and still others report using Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE), this task is becoming more and more challenging. Financial statements are froth with managerial judgment and it is difficult to assess the financial health of an organization or compare companies based on numbers alone.

The seminar focuses on how to analyze financial statements, and in particular the lesser-known techniques which are becoming more and more important when comparing IFRS, GAAP, or ASPE reporting. It will review the right situations in which to use straightforward financial ratio analysis and will also address adjustments which must be made to statements prior to the use of ratios so that the financial analysis techniques are applied effectively. Finally, it will highlight other measures which must betaken into account to arrive at a detailed assessment of a company’s financial health.

WHO WILL BENEFIT:
Financial professionals who would like to enhance their abilities to read and evaluate the health of financial statements. Accounting and finance managers, senior managers, directors, analysts, senior analysts, VP of Finance, and CFOs. Users of financial statements, such as bankers, non-financial managers seeking financing, or equity analysts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• understand when to use straightforward financial ratio analysis,
• make adjustments prior to the use of ratios so that the financial analysis techniques are applied effectively in spite of accounting standard difference, and
• use other measures to make a detailed assessment of a company’s financial health. 
  

CONTENT:

• Challenges to financial statement analysis due to IFRS/ASPE
• Refresher on financial analysis techniques
  
  • Advanced ratio analysis
  • Dupont Analysis
  • Altman’s Z-score & Springate Z-score
• Financial Predictors of company bankruptcy
  • Challenges and adjustments in analysis
  • Receivables
  • Inventory
  • Fixed Assets
  • Leases

NOTE:
The workshop is highly interactive and hands-on. Participants will analyze real company financial statements and attempt the exercises to learn through doing. It is helpful but not mandatory to understand financial ratio analysis prior to attending this seminar. It is highly recommended that participants bring a calculator with them to obtain maximum benefit.

COURSE LEADER: KARINE BENZACAR, FCPA, FCMA, CPA (Del), MBA