Business Automation Foundations Programme
A practical ten-month journey designed for professionals looking to understand how modern automation reshapes financial operations. No promises of overnight transformation—just solid skills and realistic preparation.
What You'll Actually Learn
We built this curriculum by talking to finance teams about what they genuinely need. Not everything, but the things that matter most.
Automation Fundamentals
Starting with the basics because everyone needs a proper foundation. Understanding what automation can and cannot do saves headaches later.
- Process mapping and workflow analysis
- Identifying automation opportunities realistically
- Basic scripting concepts for non-programmers
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Data Management Essentials
Clean data makes everything easier. We spend real time on this because messy data causes most automation failures.
- Data quality assessment and cleaning techniques
- Understanding database basics without the jargon
- Building reliable data pipelines
- Practical Excel and spreadsheet automation
Financial Systems Integration
How different financial tools talk to each other. We use actual business scenarios throughout this module.
- API basics explained for finance professionals
- Connecting accounting systems with operational tools
- Payment processing automation
- Reconciliation workflow optimization
Reporting and Analytics
Building dashboards that people actually use. Plus, understanding what metrics genuinely indicate business health.
- Automated reporting system design
- Creating meaningful KPI frameworks
- Data visualization best practices
- Real-time monitoring setup
Compliance and Security
The less exciting but absolutely necessary stuff. UK regulations change often, and automation needs to keep pace.
- UK financial compliance requirements
- Audit trail implementation
- Security basics for automated systems
- GDPR considerations in financial automation
Capstone Project
Your chance to build something relevant to your actual work situation. We guide you through it, but the project reflects your goals.
- Project planning and scoping
- Building a working automation solution
- Documentation and presentation skills
- Implementation strategy development
Rowan Fletcher
Programme Lead
Spent fifteen years building financial systems for mid-sized companies before switching to education. Believes automation should solve real problems, not create new ones.
Cleo Whitmore
Data Systems Specialist
Former data analyst who understands the frustration of poorly integrated systems. Now helps others avoid the mistakes she encountered along the way.
Sienna Blackwood
Compliance Advisor
Brings practical experience from working with UK financial regulators. Makes compliance topics less tedious than you'd expect them to be.
Margot Ashford
Technical Mentor
Works with students individually during the capstone phase. Patient with technical questions and realistic about what's achievable in ten months.
Programme Timeline
We run this programme once a year with intake in September. Classes happen Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 PM, plus quarterly Saturday workshops.
Applications Open
Submit your application along with a short statement about what you hope to gain from the programme. We're looking for genuine interest more than perfect qualifications.
Review and Interviews
Brief conversations with applicants to ensure the programme aligns with their goals. We want to set realistic expectations from the start.
Programme Begins
Orientation week followed by the start of core modules. First Saturday workshop happens in late September to build cohort connections.
Capstone Phase
Final three months focus on individual projects. Regular check-ins with mentors help keep things on track.
Programme Completion
Final presentations and graduation. You'll leave with a completed project and documentation to show employers or implement at your current workplace.
Ready to Start This Journey?
Applications for September 2025 intake open in June. If you have questions before then, reach out. We're happy to discuss whether this programme fits your situation.
Get in TouchProgramme fee is £4,200, payable in instalments. Some employers cover costs as professional development—worth checking with your HR team.