Advanced Financial Analysis Techniques
Most people think financial analysis is about crunching numbers in spreadsheets. And sure, that's part of it. But what separates decent analysts from exceptional ones isn't formula knowledge – it's pattern recognition, contextual thinking, and knowing which questions to ask before you even open the data file.
Request Program InformationWhat You'll Actually Learn
This isn't a certificate program where you tick boxes and move on. We've built this around the challenges financial professionals face when standard methods don't cut it anymore.
Multi-Dimensional Ratio Analysis
Standard ratios tell you what happened. We'll show you how to layer metrics across time periods and business segments to understand why it happened and what might happen next.
- Building custom ratio frameworks for specific industries
- Identifying leading vs lagging indicators in your data
- Spotting manipulation patterns in published financials
- Creating weighted scoring systems for comparative analysis
Cash Flow Reconstruction
Companies get creative with how they present cash flows. You'll learn to rebuild cash statements from first principles and identify where the actual money moves.
- Working backwards from balance sheet changes
- Separating genuine operating cash from financial engineering
- Analyzing working capital trends across business cycles
- Building cash burn forecasts for growth companies
Scenario Modeling Frameworks
Excel can do incredible things when you know how to structure your models. We focus on building flexible frameworks that survive contact with real business volatility.
- Designing sensitivity tables that actually inform decisions
- Monte Carlo simulation for uncertainty modeling
- Stress testing financial models under extreme conditions
- Communicating probabilistic outcomes to non-technical stakeholders
Industry-Specific Valuation
Tech companies value differently than manufacturers. Property development follows different rules than retail. We'll cover the frameworks that matter in Australian markets.
- Adjusting DCF models for high-growth vs mature businesses
- Comparable company analysis with limited peer groups
- Asset-based valuations for capital-intensive industries
- Revenue multiples and when they're actually useful
Who Teaches This
Our instructors have spent years doing the work – not just teaching it. They've built models that guided major acquisitions, audited financials for ASX-listed companies, and advised boards through restructures.
Desmond Kellaway
Lead Instructor
Spent 14 years in investment banking before moving into education. Built valuation models for over 200 M&A transactions. Now focuses on teaching the practical stuff they don't cover in textbooks.
Rowena Thacker
Cash Flow Specialist
Former forensic accountant who investigated corporate fraud cases. Knows every trick companies use to make their cash position look better than it is. Teaches the cash flow reconstruction module.
Ingrid Pascoe
Industry Analysis Lead
Covered Australian equities as a sell-side analyst for 11 years. Specialized in mining and resources but ended up analyzing everything from retail to tech. Brings real-world sector knowledge to valuation frameworks.
How The Program Runs
We've structured this as a 16-week program starting October 2025. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:30-9pm AEST, with recordings available if you can't make it live. Each module builds on previous work, so sequential completion matters.
Weeks 1-4: Foundations & Frameworks
We start with financial statement analysis from first principles. You'll learn to read between the lines of annual reports and build your own analytical frameworks rather than relying on template ratios.
Weeks 5-8: Advanced Modeling
This is where Excel skills level up. You'll build three-statement models from scratch, create flexible scenario frameworks, and learn to structure analyses that others can actually follow and modify.
Weeks 9-12: Industry Application
Generic valuation methods break down in specialized industries. We cover sector-specific approaches for tech, resources, property, retail, and financial services. Each has unique metrics and valuation considerations.
Weeks 13-16: Capstone Project
You'll complete a comprehensive analysis of a real ASX-listed company. This involves building a full financial model, writing an investment thesis, and presenting findings. Past participants have used these projects in job interviews.
Program Intake Opens September 2025
We cap cohorts at 35 participants to keep discussion quality high and ensure everyone gets feedback on their work. Spring 2025 enrollment opens in early September with classes starting mid-October.
Prior finance or accounting knowledge helps but isn't required. Most participants come from banking, corporate finance, or investment roles looking to deepen their analytical skills.
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