The Bottom Line: Finance for the Non-Financial Manager

Every manager needs to have a solid understanding of budgeting and finance, but let’s face it—it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. When the conversation turns to financial matters, does it bring up bad memories of sitting through Accounting 101? Or perhaps you haven’t had any financial education at all. And yet, a solid grasp of finance and budgeting is critical for all managers.

Here’s your opportunity to get up to speed in a one-day, fun-day format. The morning is an overview of the essentials, a review of key terminology and principles designed to bring you up to speed and give you the opportunity to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Then, you get to put your newly acquired financial acumen to the test!

During the second half of the day you’ll play The Bottom Line, a board game that applies the concepts you just learned. The group divides into teams, and each team takes on the staff roles for a fictitious association. You go through one year in the financial life of the organization, and with each turn you'll have to make decisions and deal with the financial implications of your actions (or inaction). You’ll see how unbudgeted or unforeseen circumstances can affect the financial position of an association; how challenging it sometimes be to achieve organizational goals; and as you go through the process of closing out the month and the quarter you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for what the finance team does at your association. At the end of the day you'll leave with a more tangible understanding of the role of finance in association management.

The Bottom Line Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Bottom Line Wednesday, Friday, August 16, 2013