Alumni Testimonials
Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of UCD Smurfit Executive Development’s approach. No matter how far you have advanced in your career, there are always new insights to uncover, different mind-sets to explore and more opportunities for growth. Smurfit Executive Development’s transformational experience has made an impact on executives around the globe. Here are a few stories from participants who embraced their Diploma in Business Finance journeys and emerged equipped to grow themselves, their teams and their organisations.
Tom Tynan, Non-Executive Director
"As a new Non-Executive Director, I originally pursued the Diploma in Corporate Governance at Smurfit. Within this Diploma, I benefited hugely from the module on the role of financial reporting by Ken O'Sullivan - gaining crucial insights into financial reporting, accounting standards (IFRS/GAAP), and identifying financial red flags. This foundation led me to the Diploma in Business Finance, which significantly enhanced my financial literacy and oversight capabilities. I learned to evaluate financial forecasts, assess return on invested capital, and interpret investor concerns. The programme deepened my understanding of the link between strategy and financial outcomes, enabling me to focus on trends and confidently challenge management assumptions. This skillset is vital for Non-Executive Directors to provide informed financial oversight, protect shareholder interests, and promote long-term value. A huge benefit of attending Smurfit is the quality of in-person lectures and the class engagement. I have no reservations in highly recommending the Dip in Business Finance to any prospective students."
Tom Tobin, Sales Director, Micro-Bio (Ireland) Ltd.
"I enrolled on the Diploma in Business Finance to gain a better understanding of financial terminology, and this programme exceeded my expectations. The modules on Understanding Financial Statements and Performance Management were particularly relevant and had an immediate impact on how I approach my role. In fact, every module offered practical insights that I was able to apply in my day-to-day work. I would highly recommend the this Diploma to anyone who wants to strengthen their financial knowledge and invest in their professional development."
Caroline Kelleher, Director of Project Management Centre of Excellence at Agilent Technologies
"I found the diploma provided me with the “financial language” to interact with the corporate finance functions within my organisation far more effectively. For example, having the knowledge to use a metric such as net present value to contribute to decisions around the profitability of projected investments in service offerings. The management of the programme, balancing of individual and class work combined with great access to lecturers both inside and outside the classroom led to an exceptionally productive, beneficial, and enjoyable personal experience. Furthermore, the real-world experience of the lecturers was top drawer and current, which seeded a foundation of practicality that ran throughout the course."
Darren Callanan, Global Digital Lead, Partners4Access
"Working as a service provider to the pharmaceutical industry, I wanted to deepen my understanding of how our customers make investment decisions - particularly around digital health and data analytics programmes. This course gave me exactly that. The module on mergers and acquisitions was especially valuable given the volume of activity in our sector, but I found topics in every module directly relevant to my role. Whether it was financial analysis, capital investment appraisal, or strategic planning, each topic provided practical insights I could immediately apply. I now feel more confident engaging with senior stakeholders and contributing to commercially focused discussions. This diploma has not only strengthened my financial acumen but has also enhanced the strategic value I bring to my role."
Liam Garvey, Managing Director, DGD Shredding
"As the Managing Director of an SME and latecomer to education, I was drawn to the Diploma in Business Finance. The Lecturers shared a broad knowledge of experiences from the business world, and all the modules were proportionate. I was particularly impressed on how to scale a business by mergers and acquisitions. In my day-to-day management, I also hope to use my learnings in performance management and the time value of money. I would recommend this Diploma to any person involved in key financial decision-making or analysis."
Ronnie McArdle, Managing Director, McArdle Doyle Limited
"As a small business owner with no financial background ,the Diploma in Business Finance exceeded my expectations. I had concerns that the topics may be structured to large organisations but the lecturers related the diploma topics to the business and financial challenges that face all businesses, irrespective of scale. The learning environment was very positive and diverse. The financial success of our company has improved through the knowledge and practices I have implemented with our financial team, as result of the Diploma in Business Finance programme."
Dara Brady, Global Account Manager, Vodafone
"I don’t come from a financial background and was always slightly reluctant to engage fully with my finance team due to a lack of confidence in my ability to speak their language. Taking this course has significantly improved my understanding of key financial concepts that the financial team in work use on a daily basis, and has enabled me to have the confidence to have more informed discussions in my day-to-day interactions with them. I found the delivery of this course to be excellent. Complex concepts were delivered in a very digestible manner by an incredibly approachable faculty who made a fantastic effort to ensure the classes and materials were relevant and engaging. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to advance in their career and requires a greater understanding of the financial landscape to do so."
Paddy Darcy, International Sales Manager, Lakeland Dairies
"This Diploma in Business Finance helped me to gain a deeper understanding of how our business operates from a financial perspective. The coursework was engaging and challenging with the modules on cost management and International Financing especially interesting to me in my current role. The lecturers really are first-class. The mix of industry professionals among the academic professors was the perfect balance in delivering the practical, and relevant course material. The interaction with the rest of the class was most enjoyable. This course exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to broaden their financial knowledge."
Deborah Meghen, Director of Stewardship, Risk & Advocacy Coillte
"This diploma is the perfect programme for senior managers who do not come from a financial background but make key financial decisions every day. The programme enables participants to develop a good understanding of key financial metrics which in turn leads to assured decision making. Overall the diploma significantly increased my financial awareness and confidence in leading new business opportunities."
Owen Moore, Director Formulation & Supply Chain at Astellas Ireland Kerry Plant
"Having successfully gained and applied knowledge and skills throughout my career on budgetary control and capital expenditure, it has been an eye opening experience to learn the business financial fundamentals. Through the varied syllabus I found the Diploma in Business Finance delivered the tools which enabled me to make more informed financial decisions and to more positively engage in the financial success of my organisation. It was a very enjoyable learning experience, delivered with enthusiasm by a range of industry experts, allowing for very rich exchanges of ideas and experiences with fellow executives. The environment was both a positive and stimulating one.”
Graham Fagan, Head of Employee Relations at Bus Eireann
"The Diploma in Business Finance certainly lived up to all my expectations. I found the syllabus enhanced my learning of business financials and cost management and empowered me to relate this learning back to my role. Coming from diverse backgrounds, both academic and professional, the lecturers related the programme to current business issues and solutions and the combination of classroom learning and working in smaller groups allowed for very rich discussions. The programme was very enjoyable and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to others."
Tom Ryan, Asset Management at Grant Thornton LLP
"I found the course brilliant and didn’t realise just how relevant it would be. In my current role, I support the financial reporting team, helping them with the preparation of financial statements for clients. The first module in the diploma was understanding financial statements, so it was really beneficial. The lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable and come from a range of backgrounds. I would 100 per cent recommend this diploma. I didn’t think I would learn as much and I was able to relate everything back to what I was doing in work."
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