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Corporate leadership training

Leadership in Finance Training Course in Austria

Prepare finance professionals to lead beyond traditional financial management: deciding strategically, appraising investments, managing risk with stress tests and sound controls, and inspiring finance teams that build strong stakeholder relationships, through hands-on training.

  • In-person, virtual
    or blended
  • Customised for
    your organisation
  • Delivered worldwide,
    including Austria
  • For finance managers,
    directors and accountants

Course overview

What Is Leadership in Finance?

Leadership in finance stretches beyond traditional financial management. Today’s finance leaders combine strategic thinking, communication, stakeholder management and risk mitigation with sound analysis. This course develops that wider skill set: interpreting statements and forecasts, appraising investments, safeguarding assets, upholding accountability and leading finance teams that work closely with the wider business.

Dynamic discussions, case studies and interactive exercises let participants evaluate financial data, test investment cases and explain conclusions to colleagues outside finance, as finance leaders in Austria must.

Delivered for organisations in Austria, the course equips finance professionals, from CFOs and finance managers to financial analysts, investment bankers and accounting professionals, to lead amid rapid technological change, regulatory change and economic uncertainty, with innovative financial strategies suited to the Austrian market and full regard for local laws and regulations.

Why it matters

Why Finance Leadership Matters in Austria

Finance leaders in Austria face regulatory change, new technology and economic uncertainty. Those who manage risk, meet local rules and build strategies suited to the Austrian market help their organisations grow profitably.

  • Decisions need evidence

    Evaluating financial data reveals the trends and opportunities that justify investment, and those that do not.

  • Managing uncertainty

    Stress tests and contingency plans keep organisations steady through uncertainty.

  • Trust and integrity

    Transparent, ethical decisions preserve trust with regulators, partners and staff.

  • Stable growth

    Strong finance leadership drives sustainable, profitable growth for organisations in Austria.

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The Knowles leadership approach

From Insight to Impact

Participants work through a six-step cycle that turns financial insight into responsible action, whether the task is an annual budget, a strategic investment or a plan for market expansion.

Finance leadership in action

  1. 1. UnderstandWhat do the numbers say?
  2. 2. ForecastWhat lies ahead?
  3. 3. EvaluateIs it worth investing in?
  4. 4. ProtectWhat could go wrong?
  5. 5. ExplainDo others understand?
  6. 6. StewardAre we acting with integrity?

Key benefits

Why Organisations Choose This Course

This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:

  • Finance Linked to Strategy

    Innovative financial strategies that drive growth and profitability.

  • Better Investment Choices

    Strategic investments chosen for their long-term profitability.

  • Risk Under Control

    Exposure is tested, hedged and planned for in advance.

  • Stronger Governance

    Clear procedures, oversight and internal audits that keep finance honest.

  • Finance as a Partner

    Stakeholders who understand finance’s view and support it.

  • Capable Finance Teams

    Cohesive teams where information flows and achievements are recognised.

Have questions about this course?

Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.

Contact Us
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Course curriculum

A practical and structured learning journey.

Twelve units across three stages lead participants from evaluating financial data, through choices about investment, risk and regulation, to leading collaborative finance teams that build strong stakeholder relationships.

  • Unit 1

    Reading Statements

    • Evaluate the financial statements to see how a business performs.
    • Use ratios to test liquidity, profitability and solvency.
    • Identify key trends and opportunities in the financial data.
  • Unit 2

    Financial Forecasts

    • Forecast future scenarios with financial modelling techniques.
    • Stress-test forecasts against adverse conditions.
    • Recast forecasts as market dynamics change.
  • Unit 3

    Finance and Strategy

    • Match financial strategy to the organisation’s growth aims.
    • Design a financial plan for growth and diversification.
    • Steer resources to the strategy’s highest priorities.
  • Unit 4

    Financial Modelling

    • Construct a model that is logical, accurate and easy to review.
    • Record inputs and sources so the model can be checked.
    • Run the model to compare options with an open mind.
  • Unit 5

    Capital Budgeting

    • Assess strategic investments with standard techniques.
    • Weigh projects’ net present value against their payback.
    • Select the strongest projects when capital is constrained.
  • Unit 6

    Investment Choices

    • Test investment opportunities for risk, return and fit.
    • Choose long-term profitability over short gains.
    • Review investment results against the original case.
  • Unit 7

    Managing Risk

    • Identify risks through scenario analysis and stress testing.
    • Estimate each risk’s likelihood and financial impact.
    • Use hedging and contingency plans to limit exposure.
  • Unit 8

    Ethical Finance

    • Keep up with regulatory change and ensure compliance.
    • Weigh ethical considerations in every financial decision.
    • Set clear guidelines, oversight and internal audits.
  • Unit 9

    The Finance Team

    • Use team-building to create trust and cohesion.
    • Define goals and accuracy standards for the whole team.
    • Offer training and mentorship that prepares people to progress.
  • Unit 10

    Business Partnering

    • Identify key stakeholders and what they expect from finance.
    • Understand the operational drivers of revenue and cost.
    • Help managers optimise costs and decisions.
  • Unit 11

    Explaining Numbers

    • Report results to stakeholders with credibility and clarity.
    • Turn findings into a recommendation others can act on.
    • Swap technical terms for clear language and visuals.
  • Unit 12

    Budget Negotiations

    • Negotiate to manage stakeholder expectations on budgets.
    • Use emotional intelligence to defuse budget conflicts.
    • Agree budgets that win commitment across departments.

Course agenda

Two-day course agenda.

A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.

Day oneFinancial insight

Welcome, objectives and introductions

Reading statements

Morning break

Financial forecasts

Lunch

Finance and strategy

Financial modelling

Afternoon break

Capital budgeting

Day one reflection

Close

Day twoDecisions, risk and leading the team

Recap and goals for the day

Investment choices

Morning break

Managing risk

Lunch

Ethical finance

The finance team and business partnering

Afternoon break

Explaining numbers and budget negotiations

Finance leadership action plan

Close

Participant resources

What participants receive.

A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.

  • Course Workbook

    Content, summaries and activities for every unit.

  • Templates and Worksheets

    Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.

  • Action Plan Template

    Turn learning into clear next steps.

  • Job Aids and Quick Guides

    Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.

  • Digital Resources

    Additional materials to revisit after the course.

  • Certificate of Completion

    Recognition of the training completed.

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Practical application

From theory to real workplace impact.

Through hands-on workshops, case studies and simulations, participants apply each idea to the strategic, regulatory and stakeholder challenges that finance leaders in Austria manage.

  • Statement Analysis

    Evaluate a company’s accounts and identify its key trends.

  • Investment Appraisal

    Compare two strategic investments and recommend the stronger case.

  • Risk Workshop

    Stress-test a case company and rank the risks you uncover.

  • Board Briefing

    Brief non-finance managers and win support for a proposal.

Who should attend

Designed for people who lead in finance.

Ideal for finance professionals at all levels, including finance managers, CFOs, financial analysts, investment bankers and accounting professionals, and for managers outside finance who help shape financial decisions.

  • Finance DirectorsDrive growth and profitability at board level.
  • Finance ManagersBuild a cohesive team and steer its budgets.
  • AccountantsMove from accounting work into leadership.
  • Financial AnalystsBring data analytics into strategic advice.
  • Non-Finance ManagersUnderstand the financial side of their choices.
  • EntrepreneursPlan growth, costs and diversification wisely.

Course format and delivery

Flexible options to suit your organisation.

Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Austria, online or a mix of both.

  • In-Person Training

    Delivered at your organisation in Austria or at a suitable venue.

  • Virtual Training

    Interactive, engaging live online delivery.

  • Blended Learning

    A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

  • Customised Training

    Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training

  • Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites and experience level.

No formal prerequisites. A basic understanding of financial statements helps, and the course works well for mixed groups.

  • No formal prerequisites

    Open to anyone who leads or contributes to financial decisions.

  • All experience levels

    From accountants to finance directors.

  • Designed for mixed groups

    Finance and non-finance managers learn to work together.

  • Bring a real decision

    Bring a budget, forecast or investment question to work on.

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Course framework

A structured approach to developing leaders.

The framework turns theory into practice through a learning cycle: evaluate the financial data, apply it in workshops and simulations, reflect with feedback and use what works in the participant’s own organisation.

  • Practical and Actionable

    Practical tools to apply to real-world finance challenges.

  • Relevant to Austria

    Tailored to the Austrian market and local regulatory requirements.

  • Integrity First

    Reflection on accountability, transparency and ethical conduct.

The finance leadership cycle

  1. 1. LearnCore leadership principles
  2. 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
  3. 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
  4. 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
  5. 5. ApplyReal-world projects
  6. 6. GrowMentoring and peer support

Key learning outcomes

From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

  • 01

    Read the numbers

    Evaluate financial data and identify the key trends it shows.

  • 02

    Forecast with care

    Model future scenarios on stated assumptions and stress-test the results.

  • 03

    Evaluate investments

    Use NPV and payback to select the best investment.

  • 04

    Manage financial risk

    Limit exposure with hedging and contingency plans.

  • 05

    Lead with integrity

    Make transparent decisions that meet ethical and regulatory standards.

  • 06

    Explain clearly

    Communicate with credibility so stakeholders support decisions.

A confident team leader in a blue blazer smiling as she leads a team meeting, with colleagues seated around the table in the foreground

A finance leader earns influence through credibility: clear numbers, honest judgement and the trust of the team.

A participant placing sticky notes reading Role Play, Case Study and Feedback around a hand-drawn Action Plan circle on a workshop table

Example exercises and tools

Learn by doing.

Hands-on workshops, financial analysis tools and case studies let participants turn theory into the decisions and conversations effective finance leaders handle.

Interactive workshops, case studies and real-world simulations put participants in situations finance leaders in Austria may face, from stress-testing a plan when market conditions turn to responding to a change in financial regulation. They practise brainstorming solutions with their team, managing a conflict with emotional intelligence and setting stakeholder expectations, and leave with tools for their own organisation.

  • Ratio Check

    Measure a company’s liquidity and profitability ratios and discuss the findings.

  • NPV Comparison

    Appraise rival projects using NPV and argue for a winner.

  • Scenario Model

    Stress-test a financial plan against sharp changes in the market.

  • Ethics Dilemma

    Hold firm when a senior colleague wants the figures improved.

Assessment

Assessment and learning progress.

A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.

Step 1

Before the training

Share your goals and team context.

Agree the objectives and focus areas.

Confirm the format, timing and group.

Step 2

During the training

Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.

Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.

Group discussion and reflection.

Step 3

After the training

A personal action plan for the workplace.

Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.

Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.

Workplace application

Relevant to your context.

Participants apply the tools in organisations across Austria, from budgeting and internal audits to strategic investments, regulatory change and market expansion.

  • Budget CyclesOptimise costs within the budget.
  • Investment DecisionsInvest for long-term profitability.
  • Monthly ReportingReport results with credibility.
  • Audit and ControlsOversee controls and internal audits.
  • Business PartneringManage stakeholder expectations.
  • Team DevelopmentMentor and reward rising talent.
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Let’s discuss your requirements

Request a Customised Leadership Programme.

Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Austria or other locations worldwide.

Request a Proposal
  • Share your priorities
  • Receive a tailored proposal
  • Explore delivery options

Adapting for Austria

Adapting the programme for Austrian organisations.

We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.

  • Local case studies

    Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Austria.

  • Cultural awareness

    Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.

  • Community focus

    Projects that address real local and community issues.

  • Industry and organisation focus

    Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.

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Delivery worldwide

Flexible delivery across Austria and worldwide.

We deliver this programme in Austria and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.

  • In-person
  • Virtual
  • Blended
  • At Your Workplace

    In-house sessions at your office in Austria.

  • A Venue You Choose

    Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.

  • Live Online

    Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.

  • Across Countries

    Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.

Client experiences

What our participants say.

Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews

  • Yes, I would recommend this training to my colleagues. Understanding these structured recovery methods provides great tools for managing stress.

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    Stress Management Lunch TalkASM Assembly Systems Singapore Pte. Ltd
  • The course allowed me to identify the area where errors could occur and the various steps to identify and reduce the errors. Case studies were also provided to give a real-life experience instead of theoretical lessons.

    Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) logo
    Encouraging Attention To Details CourseSingapore University of Social Science
  • Yes definitely. Gaining a deep understanding of structured mentoring models is incredibly beneficial for anyone stepping into a leadership role.

    Eu Yan Sang logo
    Mentoring CourseEu Yan Sang
  • Yes, I definitely would. The program teaches you exactly how to approach closing deals and handle tough discussions with confidence.

    Singapore Police Force logo
    Negotiation Skills CourseSingapore Police Force
  • Yes, because it really highlights how our daily business decisions directly impact the local community and the environment.

    Euraco Finefood Pte Ltd logo
    Corporate Social Responsibility CourseEuraco.com.sg
  • Yes, because it helped me learn the basics of critical thinking to generate new ideas, analyze articles, and make arguments.

    FrieslandCampina logo
    Critical Thinking CourseFrieslandCampina Development Centre AMEA Pte Ltd

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this course.

What is the main focus of this course?

It prepares finance professionals to lead beyond traditional financial management: evaluating data, appraising investments, managing risk and compliance, and leading finance teams that build stakeholder relationships, for organisations in Austria.

What topics does the course cover?

Twelve units in three stages: financial insight (reading statements, financial forecasts, finance and strategy, financial modelling), decisions and risk (capital budgeting, investment choices, managing risk, ethical finance) and leading finance teams (the finance team, business partnering, explaining numbers and budget negotiations).

Who should attend this course?

Finance managers, CFOs, financial analysts, investment bankers, accounting professionals, entrepreneurs and non-finance managers involved in financial decisions.

Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?

Yes. Accounting professionals and analysts aspiring to lead build a firm base, and seasoned financial executives broaden their strategic skills.

Is the course practical or theory-based?

It is practical. Interactive workshops, case studies and simulations have participants evaluate data, appraise investments, stress-test risks and brief stakeholders.

How long is the course?

The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.

Can the course be customised for our organisation?

Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.

Can we use examples from our own industry?

Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.

Can we combine this course with other topics?

Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.

Is this course available outside Austria?

Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.

What delivery options are available?

In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.

What kind of exercises and activities are included?

Ratio analysis, NPV appraisal, stress testing, scenario modelling, ethical dilemmas, stakeholder negotiation, peer-to-peer learning and an action plan, with feedback throughout.

Do participants receive mentoring during the course?

Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.

Will participants build a professional network?

Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.

How does the course support personal growth?

Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.

Is the course relevant to the Austrian context?

Yes. It can be delivered for organisations in Austria, with case studies and exercises tied to the Austrian market, local regulations and the decisions participants bring.

Which cities in Austria can the course be delivered in?

We can deliver it in cities across Austria, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Villach, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Austria.

Can we download a course brochure?

Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.

How do we request a proposal?

Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.

Who can we contact about this course?

Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.

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Next steps

From enquiry to delivery.

A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.

  1. 1

    Enquiry

    Share your training needs and priorities.

  2. 2

    Consultation

    We discuss and refine the scope with you.

  3. 3

    Proposal

    Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.

  4. 4

    Confirm

    Review, adjust and agree the details.

  5. 5

    Delivery

    We deliver the programme for your team.

Get in touch

Get in touch about this course.

Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Austria. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.

  • Email us[email protected]
  • Call us+65 6714 6663
  • Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
  • Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.

This course is customisable

We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training

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