Financial Management of Development Projects

Dates: 

• 13 - 17 September 2027

Workshop Outline

Sound financial management is critical to the success of development projects. This five-day workshop defines the components of effective financial management within the project life cycle and examines the tools and techniques required for efficient implementation and for assessing the effectiveness of project financial management systems.

Delegates will explore budgeting, accounting standards, financial reporting, performance measurement, staffing, audit and internal controls. They will consider donor and country systems, project appraisal, integrated financial management information systems and the processes needed to identify and mitigate implementation risks. Each delegate will assess their own financial management arrangements and develop an action plan for improvement.

Through practical exercises, guided discussions and realistic case studies, participants will connect financial principles to the day-to-day challenges of delivering development programmes. The workshop will show how reliable financial data supports timely decisions, transparent use of resources and accountability to governments, donors, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Participants will practise interpreting reports, testing assumptions, monitoring expenditure against budgets and responding to emerging risks. Attention will also be given to collaboration between finance and programme teams, so that financial management becomes an integral part of project delivery rather than a separate compliance task. The course emphasises adaptable solutions for varied operating contexts.

Workshop Objectives

On completion, you will be able to:

• Adopt appropriate financial tools and techniques for managing development projects
• Understand the dynamics and principles involved in the use of donor systems
• Assess existing project financial management systems and identify needed improvements
• Appraise and choose between prospective project investment opportunities
• Formulate realistic project plans and budgets
• Apply relevant public sector accounting standards, policies and procedures
• Use integrated financial management information systems to improve project efficiency and effectiveness
• Evaluate project implementation risks and apply suitable mitigation measures
• Strengthen financial reporting, audit and internal control arrangements

Key Topics

• Project life cycle, documentation and financial management responsibilities
• Project implementation structures, staffing and financial controls
• Tools for assessing project financial management systems
• International public sector accounting standards
• Budgeting, forecasting and accounting policies and procedures
• Financial reporting, performance monitoring and evaluation
• Governance, fraud prevention and fiduciary risk
• Integrated financial management information systems
• Country and donor financial systems
• Project appraisal techniques
• Internal and external audit
• Action planning for system improvement