Victorian Government announces new finance course for women in sport

Women eager to progress their careers in sports management are set to benefit from a new Victorian Government pilot program, strengthening finance and investment knowledge for women in sports leadership. Applications for the Change Our Game Finance for Non-Financial Managers pilot are now open, with the program being delivered in partnership with Melbourne Business School (MBS).

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence noted “Gender diversity in sport can only bring about better decision making and this pilot is a way to increase the representation of women in the business side of sport.

“This is another way the Government is reducing the barriers facing women in sports leadership and helping them advance their careers all the way to the highest level.”

Strong financial management skills are critical for securing and succeeding at the executive level in sport management and this training is specifically designed to support and empower women as they progress.

Up to ten women will be selected to take part in the three-day intensive MBS course, covering accounting, budgeting, interpreting financial statements, risk assessment, and financial reporting specific to the sporting sector.

The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation has proven success with pilot programs, including the Women in Sports Broadcasting Program which is approaching the end of its second year.

Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles adds “not everyone has strong exposure to finance and accounting on their path to leadership and yet, it is a critical skill for anyone aspiring to executive, chief executive and governance roles.“

“That’s why we are trialling this new program to ensure women in sport and active recreation have every opportunity to secure and thrive in the leadership roles they are pursuing.”

To find out more about the Change Our Game Finance for Non-Financial Managers Pilot go to www.changeourgame.vic.gov.au.