Tom Tynan

Speacial Advisor, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Diploma in Business Finance 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 participants."

Caroline Kelleher

Director, Project Management Centre of Excellence, 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."

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."

Owen Moore

Director Formulation & Supply Chain, 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.”

Deborah Meghen

Investment Director, Sustainable & Responsible Investment, National Treasury Management Agency

"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."

Tom Ryan

Associate Director, Investment Management, Barings

"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."

Hugh Long

Market Manager, Nordzucker Ireland

"This programme gave me a much deeper understanding of how our business operates financially. The modules on Key Financial Decisions and Performance Management were particularly relevant to my role, offering practical insights into profitability, cost drivers, and the financial impact of my decisions. The lecturers were first-class - an excellent mix of academic experts and experienced industry professionals who made complex financial concepts clear and applicable. I also really valued the engaging interaction with peers from a wide range of industries, which brought depth to the learning experience. Whether you're in a commercial, marketing, or operational role, this course is a fantastic way to broaden your financial knowledge and sharpen your strategic thinking. I’d highly recommend it!”

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."

Dara Brady

Strategic Sourcing Manager - Carrier Management, Verizon

"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 improved my understanding of financial concepts that the financial team in work use on a daily basis, and has enabled me to have more informed discussions in my interactions with them. I found the delivery of this course to be excellent. Complex concepts were delivered in a digestible manner by 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 looking to advance in their career."

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."

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."

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."