Finance Essentials

Gain a comprehensive overview of the key financial information you require to confidently perform your duties.

8 CPD points

You’ll learn to use and oversee financial information and processes – both of which are critical elements of holding an organisation to account on behalf of stakeholders. The content is focused on practical application and exercises to ensure relevance. 
(Pictured:  Zoe Griffiths, Ministry of Education; Anthony Little, Ngati Tama Ki Te Waipounamu Trust and Joanie Wilson, Ngati Koata Trust.)

Course/workshop category: Fundamental course

Duration: One day 8.30 am – 5.00 pm

Content covered

  • The Financial Reporting Act 2013 and its implications for directors
  • Accounting terms and principles for directors and key finance terminology
  • Directors’ external reporting obligations and solvency requirements
  • Financial analysis tools for interpreting performance
  • Assessing initiatives and opportunities to build organisational value
  • Recognising ‘red flags’

Who should attend?

Aspiring or new directors embarking on a governance career and senior executives who want to interact with their board more effectively, as well as more experienced directors upskilling in finance.

Members: $830 incl GST
Non-members: $1,055 incl GST

Not a member? Join online now to receive the member rate.

A 10% discount is available if you are booking this course under the Essentials of Directorship package.

“Finance Essentials gives a good overview of interpreting accounts and what questions directors should be asking.” – testimonial from a Finance Essentials attendee

Our facilitators

Finance Essentials is presented by one of the facilitators below.

  • Nick Dangerfield BCom, FCA, CMA, MInstD

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    Nick is currently a director of Boardroom 360, a company that specialises in helping boards enhance their performance. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Canterbury University and is a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants as well as being a qualified cost and management accountant. Nick has had over 25 years senior management experience which include six years as company secretary of Peterson Chemicals Ltd, 14 years as an executive director of the Interlock Group and five years as general manager operations for Presbyterian Support Central running rest homes and hospitals and has held a number of directorships and chairmanships in both the SME market and not-for-profit sector. He is currently treasurer Parkinsonism Society of New Zealand and a member of the Port Nicholson Rotary Club.

  • Craig Rust NDB, NDA, CA

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    Craig formed a business development consultancy practice Business Innovators in 2002, providing a range of advice to small to medium-sized businesses across New Zealand. Craig is a Chartered Accountant, director and chairman of the board for several companies. Craig has experience in a number of sectors including manufacturing, exporting, retail and the service sector. Craig has received accolades from several businesses who have won business awards, including one being named the fastest-growing company in the Deloitte Top 50.

  • Catherine McMillan BCom (Hons), CA, DipTchng, MInstD

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    Catherine has experience in the public sector, corporate business and education, in both senior management and governance roles. She currently has her own consultancy business which focuses on professional and executive education, strategy development and business re-structuring. She has held governance roles in a variety of not-for-profit organisations and is currently a trustee with the MainPower Trust, Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust and Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Community Trust.

  • Hamish Stevens MCom, MBA, CA, CMInstD

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    Hamish is an Auckland based independent director and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. He is chairman of East Health Services Ltd, and a director of Restaurant Brands Ltd, AsureQuality Ltd, Counties Power, and Smart Environmental Ltd.  He is also the independent chairman of the Waikato Regional Council Audit and Risk committee. Prior to his governance career, Hamish held senior executive positions within some of New Zealand’s largest companies, including chief financial officer roles with Tip Top Ice Cream, Heinz Wattie’s, and DB Breweries. Hamish has a MCom and MBA from the University of Auckland and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Hamish has a strong background in corporate strategy and finance and appreciates the critical importance of finance to the work of the director and effective corporate governance. Hamish has recently completed a research project with the University of Auckland around factors that encourage and discourage the appointment of outside directors in larger private companies in New Zealand.