Financial Analysis Study Materials

Real resources built from actual client work. These aren't theoretical case studies—they're templates, frameworks, and guides that came from solving problems with Australian businesses throughout 2024 and early 2025.

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Where They Are Now

Following up with people who went through the program 12-18 months ago. The interesting part isn't just where they landed, but how they've applied the analytical frameworks since then.

Petra Kowalski

Financial Analyst, Melbourne Tech Startup

Started with basic Excel knowledge in August 2023. Now she's building financial models for Series A funding rounds and teaching new analysts her own shortcuts.

18 months post-completion

Marcus Thornton

Internal Consultant, Brisbane Logistics Firm

Came from operations background. The cash flow analysis module changed how he approached efficiency projects—now he quantifies everything before proposing changes.

14 months post-completion

Sienna Walsh

Financial Controller, Sydney Retail Chain

Already had accounting experience but needed strategic analysis skills. She's now restructuring her company's entire reporting framework using what she learned about variance analysis.

16 months post-completion

Finding Your Starting Point

Different backgrounds need different approaches. Here's how to figure out which materials match where you're coming from.

What's your current role?

Coming from accounting/bookkeeping

You already know the numbers—start with strategic analysis modules. Focus on ratio interpretation and forecasting rather than basic financial statements.

Working in operations/management

Begin with financial statement fundamentals, then move quickly into cost analysis and budgeting. That's where you'll see immediate application to your current work.

How much time can you commit weekly?

5-8 hours per week

Standard path works well. You'll complete the full program in 9-10 months starting September 2025, with time to properly work through practice exercises.

2-4 hours per week

Extended timeline makes more sense—plan for 14-16 months. Focus on one module at a time and really absorb it before moving forward.

What's your software experience?

Comfortable with Excel basics

Jump straight into financial modeling modules. We'll build on formulas you know and introduce advanced functions as you need them for specific analyses.

Limited spreadsheet experience

Start with the Excel fundamentals primer before the main program. It's self-paced and covers everything from basic functions to pivot tables.

Available Resources by Category

Everything's organized by what you're trying to accomplish. Download what you need, skip what doesn't apply to your situation right now.

Financial Statement Templates

Balance sheets, P&L statements, and cash flow templates built for Australian reporting standards. Includes real company examples with notes explaining key line items.

Updated January 2025

Ratio Analysis Workbooks

Pre-built Excel files that calculate liquidity, profitability, and efficiency ratios automatically. Just plug in your numbers and see how metrics compare to industry benchmarks.

12 interactive workbooks

Forecasting Models

Three-statement projection models with scenario analysis built in. These are simplified versions of what we use for actual client work, adapted for learning purposes.

Advanced level materials

Case Study Archives

Real business scenarios from 2023-2024 (anonymized). Each includes raw data, guided analysis questions, and detailed solution walkthroughs from our analysts.

24 complete cases

Dashboard Templates

Pre-formatted reporting dashboards for different business types. Retail, services, and manufacturing versions available with instructions for customization.

Excel & Google Sheets versions

Budget Planning Frameworks

Zero-based and incremental budgeting templates with variance tracking. Includes monthly review templates and adjustment worksheets for rolling forecasts.

Quarterly update cycle

Cost Analysis Tools

Break-even calculators, contribution margin analysis, and cost allocation models. These are the tools you'll use most often once you're working with real business data.

7 calculation tools included

Reference Guides

Quick-reference sheets for formulas, accounting principles, and analysis frameworks. Print these out—they're designed to sit next to your keyboard while you work.

PDF format, printer-friendly

Typical Learning Progression

This is how most people move through the materials. You can jump around, but this sequence tends to make the most sense for building foundational knowledge first.

Months 1-2

Financial Statement Literacy

Reading and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. You'll work with real company reports from ASX-listed firms to practice identifying key information and understanding what the numbers actually mean.

Estimated commitment: 6-8 hours weekly

Months 3-4

Ratio Analysis & Benchmarking

Moving beyond just reading statements to actually analyzing performance. You'll calculate and interpret profitability ratios, liquidity measures, and efficiency metrics—then compare them to industry standards to identify strengths and concerns.

Estimated commitment: 7-9 hours weekly

Months 5-6

Cost Analysis & Budgeting

Practical tools for managing business finances. Building budgets, tracking variances, analyzing costs, and understanding where money's actually going. This is where people usually start seeing immediate application to their current jobs.

Estimated commitment: 6-8 hours weekly

Months 7-9

Financial Modeling & Forecasting

Building projection models and running scenario analysis. You'll create three-statement forecasts, model different business decisions, and learn to present financial projections that stakeholders can actually use for planning.

Estimated commitment: 8-10 hours weekly

Next Program Starts September 2025

Applications open in June. We're limiting the autumn cohort to 35 people so everyone gets proper attention during the learning process. If you're interested, worth getting your name down early.