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  1. Module 1: Embed finance across the company
    5 Lessons
  2. Module 2: Identify profit and cash initiatives
    7 Lessons
  3. Module 3: Oversee and drive business change
    13 Lessons
  4. Module 4: Deliver data-driven strategic insights
    6 Lessons
  5. Module 5: Challenge your Board and influence strategy
    9 Lessons
  6. Module 6: Drive key decision-making
    11 Lessons
  7. Module 7: Represent your business externally
    6 Lessons
  8. Module 8: Become a critical and influential voice
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  9. Module 9: Deliver the business plan
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Topic 1, Lesson 4
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Educating non-finance people about finance

Dan Wells October 11, 2023
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Most non-finance people have very little understanding of how finance works and the financial implications of their actions. It is important that finance leaders and their teams educate everyone in their company about finance.

Here are three reasons why:

  1. When employees understand how finance works, they can make better decisions about their own finances. This can lead to improved financial well-being for both the individual and the company.
  2. A company’s financial health is essential to its overall success. If employees understand the basics of finance, they can help contribute to making sound financial decisions for the company.
  3. Educating employees about finance can help build trust between leaders and workers. When employees feel like they have a good understanding of the company’s finances, they are more likely to trust those in charge. In turn, this can lead to improved communication and collaboration within the organization.

During this lesson, we will provide five tips on how to educate non-finance people about finance.

Smiling audience applauding at a business seminar

Finance is a topic that can be intimidating for those who don’t work in the field. However, it’s important for everyone in a company to have at least a basic understanding of finance concepts. As a finance leader, you can play a key role in ensuring that your colleagues have the financial literacy they need to do their jobs effectively.

Check out this brief video featuring Finance Director Zoe Masey as she emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the financial impact of actions and how to go about doing this:

Here are five tips for educating non-finance people about finance:

Use everyday language

Explain financial concepts using everyday language: Avoid jargon and technical terms when explaining financial concepts to non-finance people. Use simple language and examples that illustrate the points you’re trying to make.

Make use of visuals

Visual aids such as charts, graphs, and infographics can be helpful in conveying financial information in a way that is easy to understand.

Encourage questions

Don’t assume that everyone understands everything you’re saying. Encourage questions and provide clarification as needed.

Tailor your message

Not everyone will need or want to know the same things about finance. Tailor your message to the individual or group you’re addressing and focus on the topics that are most relevant to them.

Provide learning resources

Provide resources for further learning: There are many excellent resources available on financial topics, such as books, articles, websites, and online courses. Share some of these resources with your colleagues so they can continue learning about finance on their own.

Summary

Finance leaders play a vital role in ensuring the financial success of their companies. Following these tips will help ensure that non-finance people in your company have the financial literacy they need to do their jobs effectively. By educating employees about finance, they can help create a more financially savvy workforce that is better equipped to make sound decisions and contribute to the bottom line.