Finance Matters for Project Managers

Understanding the Numbers

Eoin McGettigan, the senior lecturer on the Institute’s Strategic Project Diploma programme, has authored the recently published book - Advanced Performance Management: An International Perspective.

On the Strategic Diploma programme, Eoin emphasises the importance of project managers “understanding the numbers” as, ultimately, all management languages translate into one common denominator, i.e. money.

This concept is core as the next generation of project managers seek to establish themselves in the executive suite by demonstrating their technical competencies and strategic and leadership competencies.

Projects driving change

Projects are at the forefront of change in the world today. They drive the development of new products and services, investments and expansion, capabilities, the implementation of new strategies and a new generation of infrastructure. Projects begin and end with people, but they consume valuable resources along the way. These must be accounted for and demonstrate the benefits they have delivered.

No matter how good they are at execution, project leaders will always struggle to climb to the upper echelons of the corporate suite unless they can understand and interpret the financial numbers.

Eoin’s skilful delivery style and vast practical executive management experience ensure that Strategic Project Diploma attendees appreciate the importance of such concepts.  

About the book

Designed for Chartered Accountants Ireland’s FAE Elective programme "Advanced Performance Management: An International Perspective", it explains the nature of the challenges faced by multinational enterprises and explores potential solutions to overcome them. In particular, it explains why and how Irish companies internationalise their businesses and why international businesses may seek to operate in Ireland, north and south.

When their operations cross borders, businesses face increased complexity. As a result, the management of people, processes and finances become more challenging.  The book explains the nature of those challenges and explores potential solutions to overcome them.

In particular, it explains why and how Irish companies internationalise their businesses and why multinational enterprises may seek to operate in Ireland, north and south.

Eoin McGettigan Profile

As a faculty member of the Institute of Project Management Ireland, Eoin contributes to developing and delivering the Strategic Project Diploma training and certification programmes offered by the Institute. He has served on many Irish and UK companies, including Musgrave Plc, Dunnes Stores, Lifestyle Sports and the Co-operative Group in the UK. He is Chairman of 2RN (formerly RTÉ Networks), a Credit Union Restructuring Board director and runs his own specialist management consultancy practice. He holds an MBA and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.