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Description

Management Control: Structuring, Equipping and Steering Performance

Build a management control function that informs decisions instead of producing reports no one uses

  • 0.75 days — 5.25 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • All levels
  • Up to 6 participants

Management control often produces voluminous reporting that arrives too late to change anything. Variances are commented on without being explained, operational managers do not recognise their own figures, and the annual budget becomes obsolete by the end of the first quarter.

These five hours online are dedicated to deploying a function that genuinely adds value. Participants define their analysis dimensions and cost model, select a limited set of indicators, build a workable budget cycle and learn to conduct variance analysis together with the managers concerned.

Learning objectives

  • Define analysis dimensions and the breakdown into responsibility centres
  • Build a cost model suited to the activity and its cost drivers
  • Select steering indicators that are genuinely actionable
  • Organise the budget cycle and rolling forecasts
  • Conduct variance analysis with operational managers

What makes this programme different

The number of indicators is reduced to those a manager can actually act upon
A variance review is simulated between management controller and operational manager
The reporting calendar is rebuilt to deliver information before decisions are made

Programme

1Framing the Function and the Cost Model

Laying the foundations for performance steering

  • Remit of management control and its positioning within the organisation
  • Breakdown into responsibility centres and analysis dimensions
  • Choosing between full costing and partial costing according to the decisions to be informed
  • Treatment of indirect costs and selection of cost drivers

2Dashboards and Indicators

Few indicators, but indicators that serve a purpose

  • Translating objectives into measurable indicators
  • Balancing outcome indicators and leading indicators
  • Rules for presentation and commentary
  • Reporting frequency and recipients

3Budget, Forecasts and Variance Analysis

Keeping performance steering alive throughout the year

  • Organising the budget cycle and the role of contributors
  • Building rolling forecasts during the financial year
  • Breaking down variances between volume, price and activity
  • Running the management review and tracking decisions

Who is it for

Management controllers taking up a new role, finance and administration managers, and managers responsible for budget steering within their scope.

Prerequisites

Familiarity with basic accounting statements is helpful.

Dates & locations

12 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.