OVERVIEW
This practical, hands-on program equips finance teams with the mindset and tools of operational excellence, drawing from Lean principles to drive improvements in accuracy, speed, and process quality. Tailored for daily finance operations, the training enables participants to identify inefficiencies, reduce recurring errors, and streamline workflows. With a strong focus on real-world application, teams will work on their actual processes and develop improvements they can implement immediately.
LEARNING OUTCOME
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
- Explain the core principles of Lean thinking and how they apply to finance operations.
- Identify common sources of waste in finance workflows such as approvals, reconciliations, and reporting.
- Apply key Lean tools (e.g., 5S, value stream mapping, standard work) to streamline day-to-day finance processes.
- Analyze current workflows to pinpoint bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Develop simple improvement ideas that enhance accuracy, reduce processing time, and improve service levels.
- Demonstrate a mindset of continuous improvement within the finance function.
DURATION
2 days
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
- Finance operations staff involved in daily processing tasks
- Team leads or supervisors overseeing transactional finance teams
- Finance professionals responsible for process quality, accuracy, and turnaround time
- Anyone in the finance function interested in improving efficiency and reducing errors
Module 1: Introduction to Operational Excellence in Finance
This module provides participants with a clear understanding of what operational excellence means in the context of finance. By grounding teams in Lean principles and continuous improvement thinking, they will begin to see how small, incremental changes can lead to significant gains in accuracy, turnaround time, and service delivery.
Module 2: Recognizing Waste in Finance Workflows
Participants will learn to recognize the 8 types of operational waste specifically in finance settings. This awareness helps teams to view everyday tasks through a new lens — spotting inefficiencies in reporting, approvals, or reconciliations that were previously accepted as normal.
Module 3: Mapping Current Finance Processes
In this hands-on module, participants map one of their real-life processes, such as invoice approvals or month-end reporting. By visually laying out the steps, delays, and handoffs, they gain deep insight into where breakdowns and inefficiencies occur, forming the foundation for meaningful improvements.
Module 4: Using Lean Tools to Improve Finance Processes
Participants are introduced to practical Lean tools such as 5S, Standard Work, and Visual Management. By applying these tools to one of their existing workflows, they learn how to simplify, standardize, and strengthen process reliability — ultimately reducing errors and speeding up execution.
Module 5: Designing a Future State Process
With a clearer understanding of what’s not working, this module guides participants through designing a “future state” version of their selected process. They will walk away with a practical, improved workflow that eliminates waste and can be tested or implemented immediately post-training.
Module 6: Sustaining Operational Excellence
In the final module, teams shift from planning to action. They learn simple strategies to maintain their improvements, manage change, and influence others in the finance function. Each team will present their proposed improvements and leave with a realistic plan for implementation.
LEARNING METHODOLOGIES
Instructor-led training
Our program focuses on practical, hands-on learning, allowing participants to gain real-world experience.
The interactive design encourages learning by doing, through real scenarios and strategy exploration in a supportive environment.
By the end, participants will not only gain new knowledge but also develop the confidence to apply it effectively in their daily roles.
Programme scope, delivery arrangements and suitability are confirmed during enquiry.