Your Financial Journey Starts Here
Building solid foundations in financial analysis takes time and the right preparation. Let's walk through what you need to know before diving in.
Understanding Your Starting Point
Before jumping into complex financial models, you need an honest assessment of where you stand. Do you feel comfortable with basic spreadsheet functions? Can you read a balance sheet without getting lost? We've seen too many students struggle because they skipped these fundamentals. Take our free assessment quiz – it only takes ten minutes, but it'll save you weeks of confusion later. Most people overestimate their Excel skills and underestimate how much basic accounting knowledge helps with analysis work.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Financial analysis isn't something you master in a weekend workshop. Our upcoming program starting in September 2025 runs for eight months because that's how long it actually takes to build competence. You'll spend the first month just getting comfortable with financial statements. By month three, you'll start seeing patterns in company data. Real confidence usually kicks in around month five. Don't let anyone sell you on shortcuts – the finance industry values accuracy over speed, and that mindset starts with your training approach.
Preparing Your Study Environment
You'll need access to current financial software and reliable internet for our live sessions. Most importantly, carve out consistent study time. We recommend four hours per week minimum – two hours for lessons, two hours for practice problems. Evening sessions work well for working professionals, though weekend intensive blocks suit some learning styles better. Whatever schedule you choose, stick to it. Financial concepts build on each other, and gaps in learning create confusion that's hard to fix later.
What Sets Our Approach Apart
Real-world experience meets structured learning. Our methods focus on practical skills that actually matter in Australian financial markets.
Australian Market Focus
We use actual ASX company data in our examples and case studies. You'll analyze real mining companies, banks, and retail businesses that operate here. This isn't theoretical work with made-up numbers – it's the kind of analysis that investment firms and corporate finance teams do every day. By the time you finish, you'll recognize patterns specific to Australian business cycles and market conditions.
Stellan Hartwell
Stellan spent twelve years with Perth-based mining investment firms before switching to education in 2023. He knows firsthand what hiring managers look for because he used to be one. His approach strips away academic fluff and focuses on the analysis techniques that actually get used in Australian corporate finance departments.
"I've reviewed thousands of financial reports over the years. The analysts who succeed aren't necessarily the ones with perfect grades – they're the ones who can spot inconsistencies quickly and explain their findings clearly to non-finance people."