Fast Closing Monthly and Year-End Accounts

Course F08

Fast Closing Monthly and Year-End Accounts

Month and year-end closings are the ultimate processes of finance where the efforts spent during the period materialize... The outline covers Fast closing defined, The finance function as an added value, Redesign of the...

Classroom

7 sessions
15 - 19 June 2026 Barcelona €2,695 Register
3 - 7 August 2026 Frankfurt €2,275 Register
7 - 11 September 2026 Barcelona €2,695 Register
12 - 16 October 2026 Istanbul €1,995 Register
9 - 13 November 2026 Rome €2,975 Register
14 - 18 December 2026 Munich €2,415 Register
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Online / Live

7 sessions
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Introduction

Course overview

Why Attend

Month and year-end closings are the ultimate processes of finance where the efforts spent during the period materialize in accurate and timely reports. It is important that such valuable information is developed at a cost that is justified by the benefits gained. Hence, organizations need to always identify inefficiencies in the closing process and apply continuous improvement. This course provides several tools for process analysis and improvements related to closing the books quickly and efficiently.

Course Methodology

This course focuses on exercises, case studies, and individual and group presentations based on the issues and challenges facing the participants.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the different types of closing and list the main activities in the closing cycle
  • Utilize assessment tools to pinpoint the disconnect between finance and internal users
  • List the steps needed to carry on process improvements in finance and identify the need for closing process redesign
  • Practice using process maps to identify closing inefficiencies and present improvement recommendations
  • Apply best practices and enhance the monthly closing procedures
Target Audience

Accountants, finance managers, financial controllers, management accountants, general ledger accountants, accounts receivable and accounts payable accountants, senior accountants and assistant accountants.

Target Competencies
  • Process analysis
  • Closing procedures
  • Analytical skills
  • Process mapping
  • Applying month-end and year-end closing best practices

What you will achieve

Learning objectives

  • Describe the different types of closing and list the main activities in the closing cycle
  • Utilize assessment tools to pinpoint the disconnect between finance and internal users
  • List the steps needed to carry on process improvements in finance and identify the need for closing process redesign
  • Practice using process maps to identify closing inefficiencies and present improvement recommendations
  • Apply best practices and enhance the monthly closing procedures

Who should attend

Target audience

  • Accountants, finance managers, financial controllers, management accountants, general ledger accountants, accounts receivable and accounts payable accountants, senior accountants and assistant accountants.
  • Target Competencies
  • Process analysis
  • Closing procedures
  • Analytical skills
  • Process mapping
  • Applying month-end and year-end closing best practices

Methodology

Learning approach

  • This course focuses on exercises, case studies, and individual and group presentations based on the issues and challenges facing the participants.

Course content

Course outline and key learning areas

Module 1

Fast closing defined

  • Importance and benefits of fast close
  • Hard, soft and virtual close
  • Elements of soft close
  • Vision of 'finance and accounting' function
  • Activities and purposes of finance and accounting

Module 2

The finance function as an added value

  • Usefulness of financial information
  • Defining the finance function stakeholders
  • Disconnect between finance and internal users
  • Tools to identify needs assessment and report user satisfaction

Module 3

Redesign of the finance function

  • The paradigm shift
  • Top information deficiencies
  • Tools to identify the need for a redesign
  • Reasons for process redesign
  • Three steps to carry on process improvement and finance function redesign

Module 4

Planning the fast close process

  • Setting up a plan for a fast close
  • Pre-close process and activities
  • Implementing the plan and staying in control
  • Finance process redesign tools and techniques
  • Cost and cycle time charts
  • Process maps and value analysis
  • Identifying process bottlenecks
  • Organizing fast close resources needed
  • Shifting close activities
  • Selecting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Module 5

Applying best practices in the close process

  • Enhancing the operating cycle

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does Fast Closing Monthly and Year-End Accounts (F08) cover?

This course covers Accounting and Finance through a structured five-day outline focused on practical application, discussion, and implementation planning.

When is the next available session?

The next scheduled session starts on 15 - 19 June 2026, with additional classroom dates and mirrored Online / Live options listed in the course schedules section.

Who should attend this course?

Accountants, finance managers, financial controllers, management accountants, general ledger accountants, accounts receivable and accounts payable accountants, senior accountants and assistant accountants., Target Competencies, Process analysis

How can I register for a session?

Use any Register button next to the available course dates to open the participant registration page and submit your booking request for the selected session.

Is this course available online as well as classroom-based?

Yes. The course detail page includes both classroom sessions and Online / Live sessions, with online options aligned to the same course dates for easier planning.

Where are classroom sessions delivered?

Current classroom venues include Barcelona, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Rome, Munich.

Still Have Questions?

Contact the academy team for course details, delivery options, and delegate guidance.

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