Course Overview:
This 3.5-hour online course simplifies essential accounting concepts and financial terminology, making them easy to grasp. Tailored for performing arts managers, board members, and professionals without formal financial training, it equips you with the confidence to navigate key financial reports and effectively fulfil your responsibilities.
You’ll learn to understand and interpret vital financial documents such as Management Accounts, Annual Accounts, Trustee/Directors’ Reports, Statements of Financial Activities, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow statements—all explained in clear, simple language.
Target Audience:
This course is perfect for anyone with financial responsibilities, whether you’re involved in day-to-day finance or not. It’s designed for staff who are new to finance, board members, and senior managers, and can also be helpful to those responsible for taking minutes at board meetings. No prior financial experience is needed, making it ideal for anyone looking to build confidence in understanding financial information.
Approach:
The course is an informal mix of the trainer’s presentation and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and draw on their own experiences.
Trainer: Jeremy Smeeth
Jeremy Smeeth is the Chief Operating Officer at Norwich University of the Arts, bringing extensive experience in both financial and operational leadership within the arts sector. He began his career training as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in London, and transitioned to arts financial management in 1997. Prior to his current role, Jeremy served as Director of Finance and Administration at the National Theatre of Scotland from 2008 to 2012. Other previous financial management roles span a range of leading arts organisations, including Mountview Academy, Southbank, Artsadmin, Shared Experience, Company of Angels, International Workshop Festival, Chickenshed, and the Orange Tree Theatre.
