Are you a non-financial manager who feels daunted by discussions with finance professionals, and wants to quickly grasp the important aspects of finance? Dr Arjen Mulder, senior lecturer in corporate finance, will provide you with the tools and insights you need to effectively deal with these challenges and help you turn them into a business advantage.

Executive education student in class

Interested in a programme for your entire team?

Discover our options for customised and in-company programmes tailor-made for your organisation.

Learning goals

Join this short course to add value for yourself and your organisation. 

  • Explain how the role of finance can influence the overall success of an organisation.  
  • Understand the key tools used by financial specialists.  
  • Assess the financial performance of your organisation.  
  • Interpret and evaluate financial data with your new-found practical skills.  
  • Understand how organisations have become global leaders by driving their operational excellence.  
  • Utilise your new, practical skills to interpret and evaluate financial data.  

Curriculum

Complete four modules and your Applied Research Project

Finance for Non-Financial Managers is a module of RSM’s Diploma Programme in General Management (DPGM), but can also be followed separately. The diploma programme is designed so you can tailor it to your personal and professional development needs.

For whom

Explore if this course is for you

Your roles

  • Non-financial manager
  • Consultant with a non-financial background
  • Lawyer exposed to finance in their legal practice

Your responsibilities

  • Understand financial concepts and statements
  • Make informed financial decisions
  • Communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders
  • Collaborate with finance teams

Your challenges

  • Integrating financial insights into decision-making
  • Developing a clear understanding of financial concepts and statements
  • Interpreting and evaluating financial data in real-world scenarios
  • Aligning financial strategies with operational objectives and efficiency

Read what previous participants say about this programme

Mark Hermans

Manager Global Planning at Thermo Fisher Scientific

I've found RSM to have a stellar reputation, professionalism and an open atmosphere, making it my top choice for continuous executive education. The Finance for Non-Financial Managers course was exceptionally structured, starting with foundational exercises and clear explanations of key formulas. Real-life examples from renowned companies enriched my understanding, enabling me to now interpret quarterly reports with precision. Networking with diverse professionals has been invaluable. Equipped with newfound knowledge, I'm empowered to drive positive change within my department and lead my team more effectively. With enhanced decision-making abilities and deeper financial insight, I can secure better support and ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives. RSM delivers not just education, but transformative opportunities for professionals.

Your expert faculty

During the Finance for Non-Financial Managers Programme you will learn from Dr Arjen Mulder. 

Dr Arjen Mulder

Arjen Mulder is an Assistant Professor in Corporate Finance at RSM. He earned his doctorate in business at Erasmus University Rotterdam. His research interests are corporate finance and government interventions in private sector decision-making, such as taxation and investment subsidies for otherwise uneconomic investments. Arjen worked at the Netherlands Economic Institute (now Ecorys) prior to obtaining his PhD. His teaching activities focus on corporate finance and value creation. Dr Arjen Mulder teaches the Finance for Non-Financial Managers programme. Faculty members are occasionally substituted to match the programme’s content and the lecturers’ availability.

More information

Programme dates

6 - 7 June 2024

21 - 22 November 2024

Programme fee

€ 3,000 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.

25% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM.

A programme for your entire team

All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues. 

Frequently asked questions

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking for new skills and knowledge in business and management education. 

  • RSM is consistently ranked among Europe’s top business schools.
  • World-class professors and a globally oriented faculty deliver business leaders with an innovative mindset.
  • A prestigious Triple Crown accreditation puts RSM among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
  • With our no-nonsense approach, RSM's goal is to give you the tools to put your new skills and knowledge directly into practice, for real impact.
  • It’s about you: during your programme you can discuss your specific business challenges and receive personal coaching.
  • You will meet a new network of peers in an RSM programme: extend your network, share experiences and become inspired by your fellow participants.

This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.

Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.

Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.

Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 25 per cent discount. RSM alumni are those who have completed either a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, PhD or at least one executive education programme of more than 40 hours duration. Participants of open programmes of less than 40 hours do not receive a discount. Companies sponsoring several participants may also be offered a special price.

These programmes are excluded from this alumni discount:

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Excellence Programme
  • Leadership Challenges with Data Analytics
  • Urban Digital Innovation Executive Leadership for a Green Deal
  • Executive Master in Customs and Supply Chain Compliance
  • Business Valuation
  • Port Executive Leadership Circle
  • Corporate Communication programmes
  • Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship programmes
  • RSM Customised Programmes
  • Programmes offered outside RSM Executive Education

Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, plus lunch and refreshments throughout the programme. Hotel accommodation is not included, unless mentioned otherwise in the programme information.

If you require hotel accommodation, we recommend the Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark Hotel and the Bilderberg Park Hotel. Both hotels are located in Rotterdam, accessible to the university, and participants can benefit from special rates.

Please note that due to high demand, we advise you to book your hotel stay for any program as early as possible with a flexible rate.

Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.

If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.

Erika Kataveli

Programme advisor

It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.