Build Financial Models That Actually Work
Most people think financial modelling is just spreadsheets and formulas. And yeah, there's some of that. But what we really focus on is understanding the story behind the numbers.
Over the past few years, we've worked with folks who needed to make sense of complex business scenarios. Some were planning expansions. Others were trying to value companies or assess investment opportunities. The common thread? They needed clarity, not just calculations.
Our approach isn't about memorising templates. It's about building the thinking patterns that let you adapt to whatever financial puzzle comes your way.
How the Learning Path Unfolds
Four stages that build on each other naturally
Financial Statement Analysis
You can't model what you don't understand. We start by breaking down balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports. Not the boring textbook stuff—real company financials with all their quirks and complications. You'll learn to spot the red flags and the opportunities that others miss.
Building Your First Models
This is where things get interesting. We move from analysis to construction, starting with simpler three-statement models and gradually adding complexity. You'll work through revenue forecasting, expense modelling, and linking statements together. Mistakes happen here—that's the point. Better to mess up in practice than in front of a client.
Valuation Techniques
How much is a business actually worth? Turns out there are multiple ways to answer that question, and each has its place. We cover DCF analysis, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions. You'll learn when to use which method and how to defend your assumptions when someone challenges them (and they will).
Scenario Planning and Sensitivity
The real world doesn't follow your base case assumptions. Interest rates change. Competitors appear. Supply chains break. In this phase, you'll learn to build flexibility into your models so they can adapt. We focus on scenario analysis, sensitivity tables, and Monte Carlo simulations when the situation calls for it.
What You'll Actually Be Able to Do
Forecast with Confidence
Build revenue and expense projections that hold up under scrutiny. You'll learn to balance historical trends with forward-looking adjustments.
- Top-down and bottom-up forecasting methods
- Seasonality and cyclical adjustments
- Growth rate validation techniques
Structure Complex Models
Create models that others can actually follow and audit. Good structure means fewer errors and faster updates when assumptions change.
- Input-calculation-output separation
- Error checking and validation systems
- Documentation that makes sense
Present Your Findings
A brilliant model doesn't matter if you can't explain it. We cover how to translate your work into insights that non-financial people can grasp.
- Dashboard creation for executives
- Visualising key assumptions and outputs
- Presenting multiple scenarios clearly
Handle Real Complications
Theory is clean. Reality is messy. You'll work through cases involving debt restructuring, M&A synergies, and working capital changes.
- Debt schedules and covenant tracking
- Working capital impact on cash flow
- Acquisition accounting basics
Validate Your Assumptions
Every model rests on assumptions. Learn to research, benchmark, and defend the numbers you choose so your analysis stands up to challenge.
- Market research for revenue drivers
- Comparable company benchmarking
- Assumption sensitivity ranking
Adapt to Different Industries
SaaS companies aren't modelled like manufacturers. Retail businesses have different drivers than professional services. You'll see the patterns.
- Industry-specific KPIs and metrics
- Revenue recognition variations
- Cost structure differences
Our Teaching Philosophy
We've watched plenty of people learn financial modelling over the years. The ones who succeed aren't necessarily the most technical—they're the ones who understand context and can think critically about their work.
Real Cases, Real Data
Every exercise uses actual company information or realistic scenarios based on our consulting work. You won't waste time on made-up examples that wouldn't survive contact with reality.
Build, Break, Rebuild
You'll make mistakes. We encourage it. Finding out why a model breaks is often more valuable than getting it right the first time. That's where the learning happens.
Peer Review Process
Other participants will review your work, and you'll review theirs. This mirrors how financial modelling actually works in professional settings and helps you learn to give and receive constructive feedback.
Incremental Complexity
We don't throw you into the deep end on day one. Each module builds on previous concepts, adding layers of sophistication as your confidence grows. By the end, you'll handle models that would have seemed impossible at the start.