Our education offering
The Institutes education programme is designed to address market and employer needs, anticipate future skills requirements and to deliver supports for its student body.
The education programme includes final year specialist elective subjects making the Chartered qualifications attractive for new graduates and experienced professionals.
The programme is differentiated by the following specialisations:
- A FAE elective in financial services, offered in partnership with the Institute Of Banking (IoB)
- A FAE elective in finance and accounting in the public sector, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- A FAE elective in ‘Advisory’ that will appeal to students looking to specialise in consultancy
Overview of Financial Services elective
The elective will be of interest and particular relevance to those working, and those seeking to work, in the banking or investment funds industries. The focus of this elective is the strategic financial management issues facing those working in, managing and leading finance functions in the Banking and Investment Fund Services industries.
Topic summary
1. The financial services environment
2. Business lending – credit risk assessment
3. Investment funds
4. International trade risk management strategies and products
Learning outcomes
• Provide an overview of the financial services sector and current developments therein
• Demonstrate an understanding of business lending and how to analyse credit risk
• Demonstrate an understanding of the investment funds industry and the legal and regulatory framework within which the industry operates
• Understand the risks associated with international trade and advise on various risk management strategies and products
Overview of Public Sector elective
The focus of this elective is the strategic financial management issues facing those working in, managing and leading finance functions in the public services. The elective focuses on financial management issues in the full range of public service organisations – those funded by taxation and those funded through other means – including national government departments and agencies, local government, health bodies, universities and other educational institutions, charities, mutual organisations and social enterprises.
Topic summary
1. Sources of finance available to public service organisations
2. Financial planning and strategy development in the public sector
3. Application of tools and techniques to support strategy development and delivery of objectives
Learning outcomes
• Discuss and evaluate the specific sources of finance available to public service organisations including grants, taxes, aid and charging
• Discuss, analyse and evaluate the issues surrounding financial planning and strategy development in the public services and the role of finance manager in public service organisations
• Discuss, evaluate and apply practical tools and techniques that support strategy development and delivery of objectives for public service organisations, including managing demand, effective business cases and appropriate performance management.
Overview of Advisory elective
The elective will be of interest and particular relevance to those working, and those seeking to work, in industry or advisory departments of practice firms.
The elective will cover the strategic models that are used to assist organisations/clients in strategic decision making and the implementation/evaluation of business strategies.
Topic summary
1. International Business - Strategy, Culture, Governance and Organisation
2. Decision Making in an International Context
3. International Treasury Management
4. Management Accounting and Performance Measurement
5. Leadership and Soft Skills
Learning outcomes
• Assess the impact of international business on an organisation’s strategy, culture, governance and organisation
• Provide good quality analysis to support decision-making in relation to international business opportunities
• Advise on international treasury management issues
• Understand management accounting and performance management in an international context and suggest ways of improving systems
• Understand the functional effects of leadership on the culture of an organisation and the characteristics required to lead an organisation.