Built on Real Experience

Started in 2019 when three former banking analysts realized that most financial modeling courses missed the point. They taught formulas but skipped the practical judgment calls that come up daily in real business scenarios.

Belconnen, ACT • Serving Australia

How We Got Here

We spent years working at mid-sized firms where financial models weren't just spreadsheets—they drove actual decisions about expansion, hiring, and investment priorities.

The gap between academic training and workplace reality was frustrating. New hires knew theory but struggled with messy data, conflicting assumptions, and the communication part that matters most.

So we built something different. Our approach focuses on judgment and context, not just technical execution. Students work through scenarios based on actual business situations we encountered—complete with incomplete data and stakeholder pressures.

Financial analysis workspace showing spreadsheets and business documentation

Our Path Since 2019

2019
Early Days

Launched with 12 students in a borrowed office space. Our first course ran evenings over eight weeks. Half the participants came from accounting backgrounds looking to expand their skillset.

2021
Curriculum Refinement

Redesigned the entire program based on feedback from working professionals. Added scenario-based modules and case studies drawn from Australian market conditions. Moved to hybrid delivery model.

2023
Industry Partnerships

Established connections with several Canberra-based firms for guest lectures and practical examples. Started offering specialized modules for specific industries like property development and retail.

2025
Current Focus

Running monthly cohorts with emphasis on portfolio-building and real client work simulation. Next autumn intake planned for September 2025 with expanded mentorship component.

Practical First

Every lesson ties back to decisions someone actually needs to make. We skip theoretical exercises that don't appear in workplace contexts.

Messy Data

Real business data is rarely clean. Students learn to work with incomplete information and document their assumptions clearly.

Communication

The best model is useless if you can't explain it. We emphasize presenting findings to non-technical stakeholders throughout the program.

Team member reviewing financial analysis Collaborative workspace environment Financial planning session

Who Teaches Here

Our instructors still work in the field—either consulting or in finance roles at operating companies. This keeps the curriculum grounded in current practices rather than outdated methodologies.

We deliberately keep class sizes small because financial modeling benefits from direct feedback. Students submit work throughout the program and receive detailed comments on both technical accuracy and presentation clarity.

Sienna Blackwood

Lead instructor with background in corporate treasury and project finance. Previously worked on infrastructure deals across NSW and Queensland. Focuses on helping students develop sound analytical judgment.

Talk About Your Goals

Whether you're switching careers or building specific skills, we can discuss what approach makes sense for your situation. Next cohort starts September 2025.

Get In Touch
18 Benjamin Way Corner, Emu Bank
Belconnen ACT 2617, Australia
+61 422 529 457
contact@darivelion.com