Real Work, Real Numbers
Between lectures and exams, our students dig into actual company financials. They wrestle with messy spreadsheets, spot warning signs in cash flow statements, and learn why textbook ratios sometimes miss the whole story. These aren't hypothetical exercises—they're genuine analysis projects that build portfolio-ready work.
Projects That Count
Last semester, nineteen students worked through liquidity crises at seven different Australian businesses. Not case studies from 2010—actual companies facing real pressure in 2024 and early 2025.
They calculated current ratios, quick ratios, and working capital trends. But more importantly, they figured out why a company with decent ratios on paper was still struggling to pay suppliers on time. That gap between theory and reality? That's where learning happens.
Some projects uncovered seasonal patterns that management hadn't noticed. Others identified early warning signs three months before problems became urgent.
Average project: 47 hours of analysisWhat Students Actually Build
Each project connects classroom concepts with hands-on financial investigation. Students choose their focus area based on interest and career goals.
Retail Chain Analysis
Tracked liquidity metrics across eight quarters for a regional retailer. Student identified declining quick ratios masked by inventory buildup—a red flag management addressed before it became critical.
Manufacturing Solvency Study
Examined debt-to-equity ratios and interest coverage for a mid-sized manufacturer. The analysis revealed sustainable leverage despite concerns from potential investors. Student presented findings that supported expansion financing.
Hospitality Crisis Review
Worked backward from near-bankruptcy to identify when warning signs first appeared. Student built a timeline showing how quickly liquidity problems escalated during seasonal downturn in 2024.
I spent two months on a construction company's working capital cycle. The numbers told one story, but when I interviewed their accounts manager, I understood why they were always scrambling for cash despite profitable contracts. That disconnect between profit and liquidity—you can't really grasp it until you see it up close.
Start Your Own Analysis
Our next intake begins in September 2025. You'll spend roughly six months building foundational skills before choosing a project focus. Most students complete their major analysis work between March and July 2026.