How to 'really' read financial statements

MANILA, Philippines - The Center for Global Best Practices will hold a seminar on “How to really read financial statements,” on Oct. 7 and 8 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City.

The usual challenge of decision-makers is how to make sense of financial reports. While many can read financial statements, only very few among us can really interpret and analyze the numbers correctly to make the right decision in board and management meetings.

This easy-to-understand program is designed for non-finance decision-makers who are users of financial statements. When you know how to make sense of the numbers, you will be able to answer how healthy your business is with the use of some simple financial ratios. You will be able to spot critical issues and ask smart questions that business owners and management need to know and find out what is right, what is wrong, and what is fishy in the financial reports. You will be more effective and can share more meaningful insights on finance-related matters. Most importantly, improving your financial literacy will help you deal with your accountants and finance people fairly and squarely — ensuring that you are not being taken for a ride.

This special program will feature Juan Carlos B. Robles, CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, who concurrently holds three positions at Punongbayan and Araullo as chairman of its audit committee, partner of risk management and partner of specialist advisory services division.

Also featured is Mary Jane O. Rosales, CPA, CIA, former president of The Institute of Internal Auditors in the Philippines (2008). She has a mastery of finance, having spent most of her career handling controllership and risk management functions in Petron Corp.

For details and a complete list of seminars, you may log on to www.cgbp.org. You may also email [email protected] or call Jessica Ogang at (02) 842-7148/59 and 556-8968/69.