NEW! Elevating the Value of Variance Analysis

In this course, you will learn about the importance and best practices associated with the preparation, reporting and presentation of variance analysis. Variance analysis articulate why results varied from the expectation and helps decision makers adjust course. Sadly, few variance analysis succeed in fulfilling this higher level purpose and instead are prepared haphazardly and not addressing the obvious questions bourn out from the analysis. In this course, you will learn to close this gap.

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One of the most common criticisms of non-finance managers, executives, and directors is that they have difficulty understanding financial performance from the analysis provided. Often variance analysis is overwhelming, confusing, lacking in precision, begging more questions than it answers with superficial explanations. In this course, you will take a deep dive into how you can do variance analysis better. In the process, you will add significant value to management decision making.

Using an audience centric view, you will learn best practices using examples and case studies to improve traditional variance analysis using numbers and descriptive explanations. You will also learn to make variance analysis through charts, graphs and images. Finally, you will explore different structures that help facilitate a conversation about organizational performance. This is impactful course whether you are preparing the analysis, reviewing it as a leader, or presenting it to your audience. Honing this skill elevates executive presence and the level of influence and persuasiveness of any financial professional.


Your Instructor


Blair Cook
Blair Cook

Blair is a many-time corporate director, CFO, educator, innovator, thought leader, presenter, and curiosity generalist. As an academic-practitioner, he’s a perpetual learner who observes and experiments with various financial and management theories in real world context. He shares stories of his successes, failures, and lessons learned to all those who share a passion for further developing their own financial leadership qualities. His focus is on defining and developing a career path for financial professionals aspiring to the Office of the CFO and the Board of Directors. Blair is the author of The Illiterate Executive: An Executive Handbook for Mastering Financial Acumen.



Course Curriculum


  Elevating the Value of Variance Analysis
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  Resources and Supplemental Materials
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  Complete the Quiz to Earn Your Certificate of Completion
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Thank you for your interest in this Course!

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