Budget Analysis Training Programme
Learn practical financial analysis methods through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios. Our September 2025 cohort focuses on building analytical skills that matter in actual business environments.
Research-Backed Analysis Framework
We've spent three years developing this curriculum based on what accountants actually need in their daily work. Not theory for the sake of theory — practical skills you'll use immediately.
Pattern Recognition Training
Most financial issues follow predictable patterns. We teach you to spot these early through exposure to hundreds of real case examples from Australian businesses.
Comparative Analysis Methods
Learn to benchmark effectively across industries and company sizes. Our database includes anonymized data from 240+ businesses across Newcastle and broader NSW regions.
Diagnostic Questioning Framework
Financial statements tell stories, but only if you ask the right questions. We developed a systematic approach to uncovering what numbers really mean.
Three-Phase Learning Journey
Each phase builds on the previous one. We've found this progression works better than trying to learn everything simultaneously.
Foundation Period
Weeks 1-4 focus on establishing core analytical habits. You'll work with simplified datasets to understand fundamental relationships between revenue, expenses, and cash flow patterns.
Application Phase
Weeks 5-8 introduce complexity. Real business scenarios with incomplete information, conflicting data, and time pressure. This mirrors what you'll encounter in actual practice.
Integration Stage
Weeks 9-12 combine everything. You'll conduct full budget reviews for actual small businesses, working directly with owners to present findings and recommendations.
Variance Analysis Skills
Understand why actuals differ from projections and what those differences indicate about business operations.
Forecasting Techniques
Build realistic projections based on historical trends and market conditions rather than wishful thinking.
Report Communication
Present findings to non-financial stakeholders in ways they can actually use for decision-making.
Software Proficiency
Master Excel functions and specialized tools commonly used in Australian accounting practices.
How We Teach: Real Project Example
In our March 2025 cohort, participants worked with a Newcastle hospitality business facing cash flow challenges. Here's what that looked like in practice and what we learned from the experience.
Cassian Thorpe
Lead Instructor
Former CFO with 14 years analyzing budgets for retail and hospitality sectors across regional Australia.
Marlowe Vance
Technical Mentor
Specializes in Excel automation and financial modeling. Built forecasting systems for 50+ small businesses.
Theron Callaway
Industry Advisor
Runs a consulting practice focused on helping growing businesses establish financial controls and reporting.
Key Insights from March 2025 Project
Participants discovered the business owner was using cash accounting when accrual would reveal the actual picture — a common issue we now emphasize earlier in training.
The team identified seasonal patterns the owner hadn't recognized after three years of operation. Sometimes fresh eyes spot what familiarity misses.
Presenting findings required multiple revisions. Technical accuracy matters less than communicating insights the owner can act on.
Working with incomplete data proved frustrating but valuable. Real-world analysis rarely starts with perfect information.
September 2025 Applications
We're accepting applications through June 2025 for our next cohort starting September 15. Space limited to eight participants to maintain quality interaction.
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