Are you a manager with little or no experience of finance, responsible for planning and keeping to a departmental budget? Do you see budgets as time-consuming, inflexible and an unwelcome increase in your paperwork? Well, you're doing it wrong! This book takes you through each and every stage of the budgeting process, telling you all you need to know about it. From understanding the benefits and processes of budgets and forecasts, to developing realistic contingency plans, it shows how to turn your budgeting strategy into a valuable management tool.The book contains a wide and diverse range of model forecasts, forms and budgets, complete with checklists and case studies. Essential practical information for managers who need to create and stick to effective budgets.