Financial Analysis Training for Real-World Applications

Build practical skills through structured learning paths that match your current experience and career goals. Starting autumn 2025.

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Which Learning Path Fits Your Situation?

We've structured our programs around common questions people ask when considering financial analysis training. Browse through these scenarios to find what matches your current situation.

Starting Without Finance Background

You're coming from a different field but interested in financial analysis. Maybe you've got spreadsheet skills from another role, or you're just curious about the industry.

  • Do I need accounting knowledge first?
  • What foundational skills matter most?
  • How long before I can understand real reports?
  • Which software should I learn initially?

Have Some Experience Already

You work with numbers regularly—perhaps in operations, sales analysis, or basic bookkeeping—and want to move into proper financial analysis roles.

  • What gaps exist in my current knowledge?
  • How do I interpret industry-specific metrics?
  • When should I focus on modeling skills?
  • What certification paths make sense?

Looking to Specialize Further

You're already doing financial analysis but want to develop expertise in specific sectors or advanced techniques that'll open different opportunities.

  • Which specializations are currently valued?
  • How does sector analysis differ by industry?
  • What advanced tools should I master?
  • Where can I find practical case studies?

Career Transition Planning

You're employed now but thinking about your next move. Financial analysis interests you, but you need to understand the practical realities before committing.

  • What does daily work actually involve?
  • How competitive is the job market?
  • Can I learn while still working full-time?
  • What salary ranges are realistic to expect?
Financial analysis workspace with multiple screens displaying market data and industry reports
Close-up of hands working on financial modeling spreadsheet with calculator and notes

How Our Training Actually Works

People often ask what they'll actually be doing during the program. It's not just watching videos or reading theory. Here's what a typical module looks like when you're working through the material.

1

Review Real Company Data

You'll start with actual financial statements from UK businesses. Not simplified examples—real annual reports with all their complexity and quirks. Your first task is just reading through and noting what you understand and what confuses you.

2

Apply Specific Analysis Techniques

Then we show you a particular method—ratio analysis, cash flow examination, whatever fits that week's focus. You apply it to the same data you just reviewed. This is where you'll probably make mistakes, which is entirely the point.

3

Compare With Industry Standards

Now you look at how your analysis compares to established benchmarks for that sector. Sometimes your numbers will look odd because you missed something. Sometimes they're odd because the company genuinely has issues. Learning to tell the difference matters.

4

Write Up Your Interpretation

Finally, you write a brief report explaining what the numbers suggest. Not a formal document—more like an email you'd send to a colleague. Clear communication about financial data is half the job, honestly.

Programme coordinator Callum reviewing student work at desk
Callum Rutherford

Runs the foundational modules. Spent twelve years in corporate finance before switching to education. Still consults part-time, which keeps his examples current.

Senior instructor Bridget explaining financial concepts during online session
Bridget Ennis

Handles advanced industry analysis. Previously worked with manufacturing and retail sector clients. Known for brutally honest feedback, which students appreciate later.

Program Structure and Timeline

Most participants complete the core curriculum in about nine months, studying part-time. You can extend this if needed—life happens, and we'd rather you learn properly than rush through.

Foundation Phase

Months 1-3

We start with accounting fundamentals whether you've studied them before or not. Everyone needs the same baseline understanding of how financial statements work before moving forward. Includes basic Excel work and introduction to financial terminology.

Financial Statements Accounting Principles Excel Essentials Industry Context

Analysis Techniques

Months 4-6

Now you learn the actual analysis methods—ratio analysis, trend evaluation, comparative assessments. We use case studies from different sectors so you see how techniques apply across industries. This phase includes your first complete company evaluation project.

Ratio Analysis Cash Flow Analysis Trend Assessment Report Writing

Sector Specialization

Months 7-9

Choose two industries to focus on—could be retail and manufacturing, or financial services and technology, whatever interests you. You'll learn sector-specific metrics, regulations, and typical business models. Most people pick industries they already have some exposure to.

Industry Metrics Regulatory Context Business Models Competitive Analysis

Capstone Project

Final Month

Your final project involves comprehensive analysis of a real company facing actual business challenges. You'll produce a detailed report with recommendations. This becomes a portfolio piece you can show potential employers or use in your current role.

Independent Research Complete Analysis Professional Report Presentation Skills
Recent graduate Marcus who completed the program in 2024

Marcus Blythe

Completed October 2024 cohort. Now doing financial analysis for a Leeds manufacturing firm.

Current student Rhiannon working through module assignments

Rhiannon Kemp

Currently in month six. Balancing study with full-time work in retail management.

Enrollment Opens June 2025

Our next cohort begins in September 2025. We accept 30 participants per intake to keep group sizes manageable. Previous programs filled up about six weeks before start date, so early enrollment helps if you want a spot.

  • Application Period: Opens 1st June 2025. Rolling admissions until filled or 15th August 2025, whichever comes first.
  • Prerequisites: No formal qualifications required. You should be comfortable with basic maths and willing to learn spreadsheet software if you don't know it already.
  • Study Commitment: Expect 10-12 hours weekly including live sessions, reading, and assignments. Most students study evenings and weekends.
  • Program Cost: £2,850 total or three installments of £1,020. Includes all materials and software access during enrollment.
  • Location: Entirely online with optional monthly meetups at our Leeds office for those nearby. Sessions recorded if you miss them live.
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