RICS offers financial planning courses for surveyors

The Business Finance Basics course is a three-hour session consisting of six modules, including video tutorials and interactive learning

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has partnered with AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians) to promote an entry-level finance course.

The Business Finance Basics course is a three-hour session consisting of six modules, including video tutorials and interactive learning, which tests the students' knowledge as they learn.

Some of the key topics the course covers include:

• The basics of bookkeeping
• The basics of financial statements
• How to analyse financial statements
• The basics of cash flow
• The basics of budgeting
• How to create a budget

Laura Pacey, chief commercial officer at RICS, said: “Organising finance for the first time in any business is a daunting task and this fundamentals course helps RICS members master its key principles.

“A significant proportion of surveyors are sole proprietors, where self-service finance is preferable, or work at boutique practices, where a broad administrative skillset is especially valued. This course forward unlocks the world of finance, helping surveyors make better decisions and grow their businesses while reducing potential risks and overheads.”

Commenting on the partnership, Isla Billett, membership, commercial and charity product director at AAT, said: “Financial literacy is a vital skill for every profession, no matter the role.”

RICS will also host a free webinar with AAT in October to introduce the course to members.

RICS has several more advanced courses for those who have already got to grips with the basics:

• Certificate in property finance and investment - Certificate in Property Finance and Investment
• Sales and Negotiation Sales and Negotiation
• Property finance and investment - on isurv Property finance and investment | isurv
• Financial management - on the SME hub Financial management