Master Financial Modeling That Actually Works in Real Business
Skip the theoretical fluff. Learn practical financial modeling techniques from someone who's built models that guided actual business decisions worth millions.
Explore Our Program
Building Models That Stand Up to Real Scrutiny
Most financial modeling courses teach you to build pretty spreadsheets. We teach you to build models that CFOs actually trust with major decisions.
Structure for Stress Testing
Every model we build gets challenged with worst-case scenarios. You'll learn to construct frameworks that hold up when assumptions get questioned by boards and investors.
Document Decision Logic
Your model is only as good as someone else's ability to understand it. We focus heavily on creating clear documentation that explains your reasoning to stakeholders.
Validate Against Reality
Academic models often break when they meet real data. You'll practice with actual company financials and learn to spot the red flags that indicate model failure.
15 Years of Models That Actually Got Used
I've built financial models for everything from startup funding rounds to public company acquisitions. The difference between models that gather dust and models that drive decisions often comes down to understanding how humans actually make choices.
Scenario Planning
Build models that help teams think through multiple futures instead of just one optimistic projection.
Sensitivity Analysis
Identify which assumptions matter most and communicate uncertainty in ways that lead to better decisions.
Stakeholder Communication
Present complex financial analysis in formats that different audiences can understand and act on.
Model Auditing
Spot errors and questionable assumptions in existing models before they lead to costly mistakes.
Meet Your Instructor
Axton Harrowfield has spent his career building financial models that actually influence major business decisions. His work has supported over 0M in funding rounds and acquisition deals across Southeast Asia.
Before starting Cognit Sparkly, Axton led financial analysis teams at two Malaysian tech startups through successful exits. He's also consulted for established companies looking to improve their financial planning processes. What frustrated him was seeing talented analysts struggle with models that looked impressive but failed when real pressure got applied.
Real Improvements Our Students Experience
These aren't overnight transformations or guaranteed outcomes. They represent the kind of progress possible when you focus on building genuine skills.
Junior Analyst Growth
Building basic models that needed extensive revision before presentation to management.
Creating models trusted enough for board presentations, with clear documentation that stakeholders can follow.
Career Transition Success
Accounting background with limited exposure to strategic financial planning and analysis work.
Successfully moved to FP&A role at growing company, building models that support strategic planning process.
Consultant Confidence
Struggling to validate financial projections for small business clients, leading to awkward conversations.
Using systematic validation techniques to build client confidence in financial planning recommendations.
Ready to Build Models That Matter?
Our next cohort begins in September 2025. We keep class sizes small to ensure you get the feedback needed to develop real competence, not just familiarity.
Program Structure
12-week intensive program combining live sessions with hands-on model building. You'll work with actual company data rather than made-up examples.
- Weekly 3-hour live sessions
- Individual model review sessions
- Access to real financial datasets
- Alumni network for ongoing support
What You'll Create
By program end, you'll have a portfolio of models that demonstrate your ability to handle complex financial analysis challenges.
- Three-statement forecasting model
- DCF valuation with scenarios
- Budget variance analysis tool
- Investment decision framework