Financial Analysis Learning Program
We built this program after watching too many businesses struggle with cash flow issues they didn't see coming. Understanding liquidity and solvency isn't just about reading balance sheets—it's about knowing when your business can actually pay its bills and when growth might be pushing you toward trouble.
What You'll Actually Learn
This isn't theory for the sake of theory. Each module tackles specific problems that come up in real Australian businesses, from small retail operations to mid-sized service companies.
Reading Financial Position
Start with balance sheets that tell the truth. You'll learn what the numbers mean when you're looking at your own business—not textbook examples. We cover current ratios, quick ratios, and why the difference matters when suppliers want payment.
Cash Flow Reality
Revenue doesn't equal cash in the bank. This module shows you how to track actual liquidity, spot timing gaps, and understand why profitable companies sometimes can't make payroll. We use real scenarios from retail and hospitality businesses.
Debt Structure Analysis
Not all debt is equal. Learn how to evaluate whether your business can handle its obligations long-term, understand debt-to-equity ratios in practical terms, and recognize warning signs before they become problems.
Making Decisions With Data
Put it together with scenarios where you'll analyze actual financial positions and make recommendations. Should a company expand? Can they afford new equipment? When does growth become risky? You'll work through these questions with guidance.
Who Teaches This Program
Fraser Donaldson
Lead InstructorSpent 15 years doing financial due diligence for mid-market acquisitions. Now teaches because he saw too many good businesses fail from preventable cash flow mistakes.
Stellan Bergqvist
Liquidity SpecialistFormer CFO for three different retail chains. He'll show you what working capital management looks like when you're dealing with seasonal inventory and tight margins.
Oskar Lindström
Solvency ExpertWorked through the 2008 crisis helping businesses restructure debt. Brings real perspective on what solvency pressure feels like and how to navigate it.
Program Timeline
We run this twice a year to keep groups small. Next intake starts September 2025, with sessions every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 PM AEST.
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
September 2-12, 2025Get comfortable reading financial statements and understanding what each line actually represents. By week two, you'll be able to spot liquidity issues in a balance sheet without a calculator.
Weeks 3-4: Cash Analysis
September 16-26, 2025Deep dive into cash flow patterns, working capital cycles, and the timing issues that catch businesses off guard. Real case studies from Australian companies included.
Weeks 5-6: Solvency Assessment
September 30 - October 10, 2025Learn to evaluate long-term financial stability, understand debt structures, and recognize when leverage becomes problematic. We'll look at businesses that got it right and some that didn't.
Weeks 7-8: Practical Application
October 14-24, 2025Work through comprehensive scenarios where you'll analyze financial positions and make recommendations. Final week includes presenting your analysis to the group for feedback.