Best Presentation Skills Training for Accountants and CFOs

How can you be a brilliant accountant but a terrible presenter?  What presentation skills training do accountants, bankers and CFOs need?

Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page. 

If you need presentation skills training in investment banking, or presentation skills training in financial services, we can help.

Having coached hundreds of CFOs and bankers over the years, I have come to the conclusion that accountants often don’t present as well as they should because of their rigorous accountancy training.  In fact, there is a clear conflict between the principles that make a good accountant, and those that make a good presenter.

To be a great accountant you need to be honest, cautious and conservative. But to be a great presenter or public speaker, you need to be bold and clear. Too much caution and conservatism when presenting often leads to unclear and confused messages.

It rarely takes more than a few hours to turn even the most reluctant accountant or banker into a compelling presenter with expert presentation coaching for accountants.

We support CFOs at some of the largest quoted companies as well as bankers and thousands who work in financial services.  Our presentation skills coaching is fast and effective. That’s why we’ve won awards and why we are trusted by the best. .

Many accountants are great presenters, probably because they have had presentation skills training.  Here’s Walmart CFO interviewed on TV with clear messages and a confident performance.

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Why accountants should improve their presentation skills

To be successful, accountants must present ideas, strategies, and plans to other senior executives. A well-presented message will make it easier to persuade and influence others.

Effective presentation skills means senior management communicating with clarity, confidence, and credibility.  In turn this builds trust and confidence among shareholders. This can be particularly important when, as a CFO you present financial results, present to the board, or address potential concerns and challenges.

Companies with strong presentation skills training among senior management tend to outperform those with weaker presentation abilities. For example, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies with effective presentation skills were three times more likely to achieve their financial goals than those with poor presentation skills.

But why is this the case? 

What makes presentation skills training so important for senior management

As a successful accountant, you need to convey complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Shareholders, colleagues and bankers have limited time and attention spans. As a result, it is essential that you present information clearly and concisely so that it is easy to understand and digest.

Effective presentation skills amongst accountants can also help to build trust with shareholders. When you present information confidently and knowledgeably, it sends a positive message. This, in turn, can help instil confidence among shareholders.

In addition to building trust and credibility, effective presentation skills for accountants can generate a sense of transparency and accountability. By presenting information openly and transparently, it sends a positive message that will help to build trust and confidence among shareholders.

Drive shareholder value with presentation skills training

Good presentation skills are crucial for senior management, as they play a big role in driving shareholder value.  Companies that prioritise developing presentation skills among their senior management team tend to see benefits in terms of shareholder value and overall business success.

Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Coaching

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years.  Our coaching is fast and effective.  We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups.  Call us today to learn more.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

Our most popular training courses include:

• Presentation Coaching
• Public Speaking Coaching
• Investor Pitch Support and Coaching

Trusted by some of the most successful companies globally

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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What presentation skills training do accountants need?

Fortunately, the skills you need to become a good presenter can be learned.  Typically, when one of our senior coaches works on presentation skills training with an accountant or CFO, it takes between 4 and 6 hours together to turn them into an impressive presenter.

First, there is a period of realisation – which we achieve with video playback.  We do a presentation or pitch deck audit – to identify where skills need polishing.

Then we show techniques for presenting effectively.  This means looking at what you say as much as how you say it.

Finally we coach techniques to improve each aspect of the presentation.  The coaching is personalised and you get support exactly where you need it.

Do you want to become a better presenter?  Learn more below.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

Why Choose Us:
Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching

We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

Some recent clients

Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation