MILESTONES MENA - Certificate in Advanced Budgeting and Forecasting

CABF

Certificate in Advanced Budgeting and Forecasting

07 June 2026

Ramallah

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Course Overview

The Certificate in Advacned Budgeting and Forecasting (CABF) is a practitioner-focused program designed to equip professionals with the tools, methodologies, and analytical skills required to build robust budgets, develop reliable financial forecasts, and support strategic and operational decision-making. The program moves beyond basic budgeting to address modern planning approaches, including driver-based budgeting, scenario planning, and performance-linked forecasting.

Participants will learn how to design integrated budgeting processes, translate strategic objectives into financial plans, construct forecasts under uncertainty, and monitor financial performance through variance analysis. Strong emphasis is placed on practical application, enabling participants to build, analyze, and refine budgets and forecasts that improve financial control, agility, and organizational performance.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for:

Finance managers, budgeting officers, and FP&A professionals
Department heads and business managers involved in planning and budgeting
Project and program managers with financial accountability
Accountants and analysts seeking to strengthen forecasting capabilities
NGO and corporate professionals responsible for financial planning
Professionals preparing for advanced finance or leadership roles

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Differentiate between budgeting approaches and forecasting modelsDesign strategic and driver-based budgets aligned with business objectives
Build integrated operating and capital budgets
Apply quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques
Consolidate and review organizational budgets effectively
Conduct scenario planning and sensitivity analysis
Perform variance analysis and translate results into management actions
Integrate technology and emerging trends into budgeting practices
Identify and manage financial risks within forecasts and budgets

Educational PARTNER

CPD

Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service is the independent CPD accreditation centre working across all sectors, disciplines and further learning applications and supports policies of institutional and professional organisations globally.

CPD is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities and keep skills and knowledge up to date. This course is an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training which means it meets CPD standards and benchmarks. The learning value has been scrutinised to ensure integrity and quality.

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COURSE DIRECTOR - Firas Zaghal

Firas, the founder and CEO of Dimensions Consulting, leads the firm specializing in regional business and financial consultancy, serving clients from public and private sectors in the MENA region. As an inspirational and strategic leader, he excels in organizational management, financial management, and guiding organizations to improve performance and achieve long-term goals. Firas is known for his entrepreneurial acumen, strong marketing capabilities, and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively. He demonstrates proven skills in planning laterally and creatively, exercising sound judgment, adaptability in fast-paced environments, and maintaining a strong eye for detail.

With over 25 years of experience, Firas has played a pivotal role in training and consulting initiatives in the local government, private, and international development sectors, including government-funded projects. His expertise in needs assessments, strategic planning, and capacity-building has shaped the growth of thousands of organizations across the region. Firas has spearheaded high-impact training sessions in business modeling, financial planning, feasibility analysis, and entrepreneurship education. His hands-on approach ensures participants gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical tools they can apply. He has developed and led numerous training programs, customized training curricula, and provided one-on-one coaching to employees, executives, and board members.

In his professional career, Firas has helped more than 3,000 regional organizations improve their overall performance. As a renowned trainer, he has designed and conducted over 1,000 regional and international training courses and programs, graduating more than 20,000 trainees. Firas has extensive capabilities in accounting, financial management and analysis, international standards in accounting and auditing, financial facilitation, microfinance and SMEs financing. Prior to the establishment of Dimensions Consulting, Firas worked as a Senior Financial Advisor and Technical Manager for several long term, donor-funded technical assistance programs. He also served as Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young International.

Firas holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the School of Commerce and Economics. He also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Education

Master of Business Administration MBA | 2005 | Birzeit University, Palestine

BA in Accounting | 1996 | Birzeit University, Palestine

Professional Experience

Co-Founder and CEO | Dimensions Consulting Company | Ramallah, Palestine | 2007-Present

Senior Financial Advisor | Development Alternatives Inc. [DAI | USAID Private Enterprise Development Program [PED] | Ramallah, Palestine | 2006-2007

Senior Financial Advisor | Development Alternatives inc. [DAI | USAID Palestinian Enterprise Revitalization Project [PER] | Ramallah, Palestine | 2003-2006

Technical Manager | Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. | USAID Accounting and Auditing Sector Program [AASP] | Ramallah, Palestine | 2000-2003

Financial Manager | Arab American Express Company (ARAMEX) | Jerusalem, Palestine | 1999-2000

Senior Auditor | Ernst and Young International | Ramallah, Palestine | 1996-1999

Financial Manager (PT) | National Conservatory of Music | Ramallah, Palestine | 1996-1999

Internal Auditor (PT) | Bisan Center for Research and Development | Ramallah, Palestine | 1996-1998