Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers and Professionals
Program Details
Duration: 6 sessions
Saturdays + One Sunday
May 3, 2025 - May 31, 2025
Times: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: $2,000
Alumni/Staff/Student/Local Small Business*/Non-Profit Rate: $1,500
* Small Businesses with less than 50 employees that have a physical space in Whatcom or Skagit County.
Location: In Person & Streamed Online
Next Start Date:
May 3, 2025
Registration Closes:
April 28, 2025
INFORMATION SESSIONS:
March 13 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Virtual Info Session on Zoom
Register now on Zoom
April 3 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Virtual Info Session on Zoom
Register now on Zoom
Essential Finance Skills for Stronger Leadership
Gain the financial confidence to make strategic decisions, manage budgets, and drive business success—no finance background required. Western Washington University’s Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers program gives you the confidence to interpret financial statements, manage budgets, and make informed strategic decisions that drive business success. Designed for professionals in management, leadership, and business roles, this expert-led program offers real-world applications and a certificate from WWU’s College of Business and Economics.
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for professionals in roles outside of finance—such as managers, team leads, business owners, and department heads—who need a practical understanding of financial principles to make informed decisions. It’s also a great fit for anyone who wants to boost their confidence in navigating budgets, financial statements, and strategic planning without having a formal background in finance.
About This Program
Take your career to the next level with our Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers and Professionals program. Gain the essential skills to interpret financial statements, manage budgets, and make strategic decisions that drive organizational growth.
Designed for those without a formal finance background, this comprehensive curriculum offers real-world applications and expert guidance to boost your confidence in navigating financial matters. Whether you’re seeking to elevate your leadership capabilities or broaden your business acumen, our program will equip you with the tools you need to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment.
Upon completion, you’ll earn a certificate in Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers and Professionals, endorsed by Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics, showcasing your expertise and dedication to excelling in this field.
Meeting Schedule
The opening weekend (May 3 and May 4) will be held in-person in Parks Hall on the Western Washington University campus in Bellingham.
Subsequent Saturdays sessions will be in-person and also streamed via Zoom to enable distant participation.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | May 3, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | May 4, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | May 10, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Saturday | May 17, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Saturday | May 24, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Saturday | May 31, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
Career Advising
- MBA and Career Advising Info Session: Gain invaluable insights into advancing your career and exploring an MBA. Advising experts from the College of Business and Economics cover essential strategies to support your personal career goals, helping you make the most of the program.
- Personalized 1-on-1 Career Advising: Receive tailored support to achieve your career goals. Our dedicated advisors work with you individually, providing personalized guidance and actionable advice.
- Extended Support: Enjoy continued access to our career advising services for up to four months after the program ends. We're committed to your long-term success and are here to support you every step of the way.
Payment Plan
Our payment plan is simple and transparent. You will be required to make a down payment of 50% due upon registration. The final payment is due by April 18, 2025. There are no hidden fees or charges. Participants must provide a 50% deposit to register for the course. Participants whose tuition balance is not paid in full will not be allowed to enroll in the course. The deposit will be refunded to you, less $150 for administrative fees.
Washington Career Bridge Eligible Training Provider
Western Washington University offers programs recognized on the Washington Career Bridge Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List, ensuring students have access to valuable workforce training opportunities. Programs on the ETP List are eligible for funding through Individual Training Account (ITA) vouchers, supported by Title I-B of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Students who qualify for WIOA assistance can use these vouchers to cover tuition and related expenses for approved training programs, making career advancement more accessible and affordable.
Learn more about funding opportunities and approved programs at Washington Career Bridge.
What You'll Learn
- Financial statements: income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows
- Financial ratios
- Cost behavior and analysis
- Cost measurement systems
- Break-even and target-profit analyses
- Variance analysis
- Incremental analysis for short-term and long-term decision-making
- Capital budgeting
- Budget preparation and reporting
- Financial forecasting
- Businesses valuation
Graduates of the Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Managers and Professionals program can pursue a wide range of career growth opportunities. By adding financial acumen to your skill set, you can:
- Advance into Leadership Roles: Managers and team leads who understand budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis are more equipped to drive strategic initiatives and guide their teams effectively.
- Expand Your Scope of Responsibility: In larger organizations, acquiring finance skills often leads to oversight of broader operational areas, such as project budgets, resource allocation, and cross-departmental collaborations.
- Enhance Your Marketability: Employers value well-rounded professionals who can interpret financial data and contribute to bottom-line decisions, making you more competitive for promotions and higher-level positions.
- Transition into New Fields: If you’re looking to move into areas like business analysis, operations, or strategic planning, a firm grasp of finance can help bridge the gap between technical experts and decision-makers.
- Strengthen Entrepreneurial Ventures: For entrepreneurs or small business owners, financial management is crucial. Understanding cash flow, profit margins, and financial forecasting can directly impact your business’s success.
Connect with an Advisor
Meet Your Program Instructor
Professor Burak Dolar has been a faculty member at WWU since 2012. He teaches financial and managerial accounting, financial statement analysis, and international accounting at the undergraduate and MBA levels. A seven-time MBA Educator of the Year, he is an expert in bank accounting, financial reporting, and earnings management, with research published in leading journals. As the Director of the Master of Professional Accounting Program and a research advisor for graduate accounting students, he mentors future accounting professionals. He has also led the EY Accounting Global Experience Program in London.
Meet Your Career Advisor
Carmell Emory is the Career Services Manager at Western Washington University's College of Business and Economics, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding students toward successful careers. She oversees job placement, internships, and professional development programs, ensuring students have the resources and industry connections needed to thrive.
We're Here to Support You
Navigating your professional and continuing education journey can raise important questions—we’re here to help!
Email us at pce@wwu.edu or call (360) 650-3308 for one-on-one advising and get the guidance you need.