Real Numbers Behind Better Financial Choices
Most business owners make financial decisions based on gut feeling rather than data. That's risky. We help you understand the actual numbers that matter for your business, presented in ways that make sense without needing an accounting degree.
Our approach focuses on teaching you to read your own financial story through statistics and patterns. You'll learn to spot trends before they become problems and recognize opportunities hiding in your balance sheets.
How We Build Your Financial Data Skills
Foundation Metrics
Start with the basics that actually matter. Cash flow patterns, profit margins, and expense ratios explained without the jargon. You'll learn which numbers to check daily and which ones need monthly attention.
4 weeksPattern Recognition
Numbers tell stories when you know how to read them. We teach you to spot seasonal trends, identify warning signs early, and understand what normal fluctuation looks like for your industry.
6 weeksComparative Analysis
How does your business stack up? Learn to benchmark against industry standards, compare year-over-year performance, and make meaningful comparisons that guide better decisions.
5 weeksForecasting Basics
Use past data to plan ahead realistically. We show you simple forecasting methods that work for small businesses, helping you anticipate cash needs and plan growth sensibly.
6 weeksRatio Interpretation
Financial ratios sound complicated but they're just shortcuts for understanding business health. Learn the five ratios that banks and investors look at, and what they reveal about your operations.
4 weeksDecision Support
Put it all together to make informed choices. From pricing decisions to expansion plans, you'll learn to use data as a tool rather than feeling overwhelmed by spreadsheets.
5 weeksYour Skill Development Path
What You'll Actually Learn
These aren't theoretical concepts. Every module focuses on practical skills you can use the same week you learn them.
Reading Cash Flow Statements
Cash flow confuses most people because it doesn't match profit and loss. We break down the three sections and show you exactly where money comes from and where it goes.
- Operating activities that fund daily business
- Investment decisions and their impact
- Financing sources and obligations
Expense Category Analysis
Not all expenses deserve equal attention. Learn which categories typically hide waste and which ones are worth investing more in for better returns.
Bridget Kellaway
Financial Data EducatorSpent twelve years helping Australian small businesses understand their numbers. Before that, worked in banking where I saw too many good businesses fail because owners didn't grasp their financial data. Now I teach the practical stuff that actually helps.
Seasonal Adjustment
Every business has cycles. Learn to separate normal seasonal variation from actual problems or opportunities.
Margin Analysis Techniques
Gross margin, net margin, contribution margin. These aren't just accounting terms. They tell you which products or services actually make money and which ones drain resources.
- Product-level profitability
- Service pricing validation
- Cost structure optimization
Working Capital Management
The gap between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers can make or break your business. We show you how to measure and manage this crucial metric.
Break-Even Points
Know exactly how much revenue you need to cover costs. Sounds simple but most business owners guess rather than calculate.
Debt Service Coverage
If you have business loans or are considering one, this ratio tells you whether you can comfortably handle the payments based on current operations.
Why This Approach Works
Real Examples From Australian Businesses
Every case study comes from actual businesses operating in Australia. You'll see scenarios that match what you face, not theoretical situations from textbooks written for massive corporations.
Focus on Actionable Insights
We skip the academic theory and concentrate on what you can do Monday morning. Each module ends with specific actions you can take immediately to improve your financial understanding.
Fits Around Your Schedule
Materials are designed for busy business owners. Most lessons take 30-45 minutes and can be completed whenever works for you. No fixed class times or rigid deadlines that create pressure.
Ongoing Support Access
Questions come up when you're working with your own data. You can reach out with specific questions about your situation and get guidance that applies to your actual business context.
Templates and Tools Included
Get spreadsheet templates that work with your existing accounting software. No need to build everything from scratch. We provide the frameworks, you plug in your numbers.
Start Making Sense of Your Numbers
Our next group program starts in September 2025. Limited to fifteen participants so everyone gets individual attention for their specific business situations.
View Program Details