Finance Foundations: Introduction to Fiscal Support OnDemand Certificate Program

Location:   Online

Instructors:   Fiscal Training Team

Contact: fiscaltraining@vt.edu 

Program Sponsor: Financial Management

Modules Include: 

·       Module 1: Welcome to Finance

·       Module 2: Financial Ethics and Internal Controls

·       Module 3: University Systems

Course Description:

Finance Foundations provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to the principles, processes, systems, and controls that support financial management at Virginia Tech. Designed for employees who work with financial transactions, data, or decision-making, this course establishes the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the university's financial environment with confidence.

Participants will explore the structure and role of the Division of Finance, key financial terminology, university policies and procedures, and the compliance framework that guides financial operations. The course highlights the importance of data integrity, accountability, and stewardship while demonstrating how policies, procedures, and compliance requirements work together to support sound financial management.

The curriculum also introduces the fundamentals of internal controls, including the checks and balances that help prevent and detect errors, safeguard university assets, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and support responsible financial decision-making. In addition, participants will gain an overview of Virginia Tech's financial systems, learning how these tools facilitate transaction processing, approvals, reporting, and oversight while reinforcing effective internal controls and operational efficiency.

Upon completion, participants will have a stronger understanding of the university's financial ecosystem and the resources, systems, and responsibilities that contribute to accurate, compliant, and effective financial management.

Certificate Guidance

Each module is self-paced, takes approximately one hour to complete, and concludes with a quiz. Participants must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each quiz to successfully complete a module. This course consists of three modules, each worth one certificate credit toward the Fiscal Training and Development Program. Participants who complete all modules will earn a total of 3 certificate credits and the Finance Foundations: Introduction to Fiscal Support Certificate micro-credential, a requirement for all other certificates.

Please note that participation in this program in a prerequisite for each additional certificate program.