Financial Analysis Skills That Actually Matter
Learning to read financial reports shouldn't feel like decoding ancient texts. Our program strips away the jargon and focuses on what you'll actually use in real jobs.
We've spent years watching people struggle with overly academic courses. So we built something different. Six months of practical training that mirrors how analysts work in Australian firms today.
No promises about overnight success. Just solid training from people who've done this work themselves and know what hiring managers look for.
Ask About Autumn 2025 Intake
What You'll Actually Learn
We organized everything into three chunks because that's how real financial work flows. You start with understanding what numbers mean, move into spotting patterns, then learn to present findings that people actually listen to.
Foundation Block
First eight weeks cover statement analysis and ratio work. You'll spend time with actual company reports from ASX-listed firms.
We skip theoretical models that nobody uses. Instead, you learn the ratios that analysts check daily and why certain red flags matter more than others.
By week eight, you should be able to read an annual report and spot the important bits without getting lost in footnotes.
Applied Analysis
Weeks nine through sixteen get into comparative work and industry benchmarking. This is where things click for most students.
You'll compare companies within sectors, build simple models, and learn which assumptions matter most. We use tools that actual finance teams have, not expensive software you'll never see again.
Group projects start here too. Turns out presenting your analysis to skeptical classmates prepares you well for skeptical managers later.
Professional Practice
Final eight weeks focus on communication and workflow. Great analysis means nothing if you can't explain it clearly.
You'll build presentation decks, write executive summaries, and learn to defend your conclusions when questioned. Some students find this harder than the number work.
We also cover typical workplace scenarios and how analysis fits into broader business decisions. Context matters as much as accuracy.
Who'll Be Teaching You
Both our lead instructors came from corporate finance roles. Ingrid spent twelve years doing valuation work for mid-sized firms. Callum worked in equity research before moving to advisory. They got tired of seeing graduates unprepared for real work.
Ingrid Marwick
Ingrid handles the foundation and applied blocks. She's blunt about what matters and what doesn't, which students seem to appreciate once they get used to it.
Her background in valuation means she focuses heavily on making assumptions transparent. She'll push you to explain your reasoning, not just show your math.
Callum Breckenridge
Callum runs the professional practice section and handles most presentation coaching. He came from equity research where clarity under pressure was everything.
He's particularly good at helping technical people learn to communicate with non-technical audiences. That skill turns out to be surprisingly valuable in most finance roles.
How The Six Months Actually Work
Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings plus Saturday mornings. That schedule works for people with day jobs, which many of our students have. Total time commitment runs about fifteen hours weekly when you include coursework.
We're planning the next cohort for September 2025, with applications opening in June. Class size stays capped at twenty-two because the group work doesn't function well with larger numbers.
Weeks 1-4
Financial statement fundamentals and basic ratio analysis. Heavy reading period as you get familiar with report structures.
Weeks 9-12
Comparative analysis and modeling basics. First group project begins here with sector comparison work.
Weeks 17-20
Communication intensive period with presentation workshops and written report practice.
Weeks 5-8
Advanced ratios and industry-specific metrics. First individual project due at week eight.
Weeks 13-16
Forecasting and assumption testing. Second group project involves building comparable company models.
Weeks 21-24
Final capstone project combining analysis and presentation skills. Portfolio review and feedback sessions.
