Financial Analysis Basics: Build Your Foundation
Most business owners I meet know their numbers exist somewhere—in spreadsheets, bank statements, receipt boxes. But turning that data into actual decisions? That's where things get fuzzy.
This program walks you through the fundamentals without drowning you in theory. We start with balance sheets and income statements because you can't analyze what you don't understand. Then we move into ratios, trends, and what those patterns actually mean for your operations.
The goal isn't to turn you into an accountant. It's to give you the literacy to read financial reports, ask the right questions, and spot problems before they spiral. By the end, you'll have a practical toolkit for making sense of your own numbers.
Classes begin September 2025 and run for twelve weeks. We keep groups small—around fifteen people—so there's room for actual discussion rather than just lectures.
Runa Solberg
Lead Instructor
Former financial analyst at Seoul-based import firms. Now helps small business owners decode their numbers without the jargon overload.
What You'll Actually Learn
Six core modules that build on each other. Each week includes practical exercises using real business scenarios—not textbook examples that feel irrelevant.
Reading Financial Statements
Balance sheets, income statements, cash flow reports. What each line item means and why it matters to your business decisions.
- Asset vs liability basics
- Revenue recognition timing
- Cash vs accrual accounting
Financial Ratios That Matter
Current ratio, profit margin, debt-to-equity. Learn which ratios tell you about liquidity, profitability, and operational efficiency.
- Liquidity measurements
- Profitability indicators
- Efficiency benchmarks
Trend Analysis
One month's data tells you almost nothing. Learn to spot patterns over time and understand what's normal variation versus actual problems.
- Quarterly comparisons
- Year-over-year growth
- Seasonal adjustments
Cost Analysis
Fixed versus variable costs, contribution margin, break-even points. Understanding what drives your expenses helps you control them.
- Cost structure mapping
- Break-even calculation
- Margin improvement tactics
Cash Flow Management
Profitable businesses still fail from cash problems. Learn to forecast cash needs and identify warning signs before they become crises.
- Cash forecasting basics
- Working capital needs
- Payment timing strategies
Decision-Making Framework
Pulling it all together. How to use financial data to evaluate investments, pricing changes, expansion plans, and major purchases.
- Investment evaluation
- Scenario planning
- Risk assessment
September 2025 Enrollment Opens June 1st
Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 PM Korea time. Online format with live sessions—recordings available if you miss one.
We cap enrollment at fifteen students because financial concepts need discussion, not just presentation. When someone asks "but what about my industry?" we want time to actually explore that.
You'll need basic spreadsheet skills and access to your own business numbers for exercises. No previous accounting background required—that's the whole point.
