Introduction to Finance

This free online course is aimed at civil society organisation programme staff seeking to strengthen their financial management skills and improve their ability to plan, manage, monitor, and report on project and organisational finances.

The course introduces the fundamental concepts, procedures, and tools used in financial management within civil society organisations. Participants will explore financial procedures, budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, procurement processes, and basic accounting practices. The course also examines practical approaches to managing financial records, monitoring budgets, and supporting accountability and transparency in organisational operations.

The course can be completed in a blended format by first completing the video lessons, and then enrolling in a synchronous in-person workshop. A Facilitator Guide is available for the workshop and templates and tools are available for download.

This course is available in English, Portuguese and Russian. The course duration is 3 hours.

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

LO1 Define key financial management concepts, terminology, and procedures used within civil society organisations

LO2 Describe the purpose and application of common financial procedures, including petty cash management, bank reconciliations, procurement, and expense reporting

LO3 Explain how budgets are developed, monitored, and adjusted to support effective project and organisational management

LO4 Describe approaches for identifying and managing financial risks and budget variations

LO5 Explain the purpose and components of internal and external financial reports

LO6 Describe basic cash flow management principles and the financial management requirements associated with donor-funded activities

LO7 Explain the role of accounting systems, financial records, and document management in supporting organisational accountability

LO8 Describe basic financial management tools and processes to support planning, monitoring, and reporting activities

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Contribute effectively to financial management processes within projects and programmes
• Apply organisational financial procedures consistently and accurately
• Prepare and monitor project budgets and identify significant budget variances
• Support procurement, expense reporting, and cash management processes
• Interpret basic financial reports and cash flow information
• Assist with donor fund tracking and financial reporting requirements
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation
• Contribute to organisational accountability, compliance, and financial transparency

This course was produced as part of the Aga Khan Foundation’s Civil Society programme.

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