learning and development

Business Cases and Costing Techniques for Finance Staff

A one-day training course delivered by subject matter experts, at your location.

How to book

Contact us on E: InHouseTraining@cipfa.org or T: 020 7543 5600.

About the programme

The input of finance staff into the business case process is often limited. This is because it is either the domain of one or two specialist accountants, or the costing requirements are undertaken in isolation. Finance staff should be aware of the whole process and how the finance element is integral to decision making. 

This one-day training course explains the Treasury 'Five Case/Better Business Case Model' and will help you understand the process of its ten steps and 35 actions. 

This will include a session on how to calculate costs, benefits and risks affecting your organisation and how these form part of the decision making processes. 

Who is it for?

The course is aimed at finance staff who wish to improve their general business case knowledge and appreciate the costing analysis required in both the economic and financial cases.

Format and duration

The course includes facilitated group discussions and exercises using case studies and examples.

The day normally begins at 09:30 and ends at 16:00 with breaks for lunch and refreshments. This can be adjusted, depending on your needs.

Extend your learning

If you are interested in developing your knowledge further, have a look at our Better Business Cases Foundation and Practitioner qualifications.

Course content

Below is the typical course outline, which can be tailored to meet your and your team’s needs.

Public sector business cases

  • Why business cases are important in the current climate.
  • Reflecting on the business case frameworks you and other delegates have used compared to the ‘Better Business Case’ guidance.

Best practice

  • An overview of the Treasury “Five Case/Better Business Case Model”
  • Understanding the objectives and business needs of the proposal
  • An overview of how to work through the options framework
  • Consideration of the economic and financial appraisals
  • Choosing the right approach for the task in hand
  • Classification of costs, benefits and risks as part of the economic case
  • How to calculate net present value as part of the economic case
  • Understanding the main differences between economic and financial appraisal and when they are relevant.

CPD hours

This course carries seven CPD hours.


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