Building Real Financial Literacy Through Practice
Financial analysis isn't something you can memorize from a textbook. You need to work through actual numbers, spot patterns in real statements, and understand what metrics actually tell you about a business. Our program focuses on the fundamentals—not flashy trading strategies or quick wins, but the skills that matter when you're evaluating companies or managing your own finances.
How We Actually Teach This Stuff
Look, financial analysis sounds intimidating. Balance sheets, cash flow statements, ratios that all blend together. We get it. That's why we start with a single company's financial report and break it down piece by piece.
You'll spend the first month just getting comfortable reading financial statements. Not memorizing definitions, but actually looking at numbers and figuring out what they mean. By week three, most students can spot red flags in a company's financials—things like declining margins or cash flow problems.
The second month shifts to comparative analysis. You'll take two companies in the same industry and figure out which one's in better shape. It's harder than it sounds because the numbers don't always tell the obvious story.
What You'll Actually Work Through
These aren't theoretical lessons. Each module involves working with real financial data from Vietnamese and international companies.
Reading Financial Statements
We start with income statements because they're the most straightforward. Then balance sheets and cash flow. You'll learn what each line means and why it matters—not just the definitions.
Financial Ratios That Matter
There are dozens of ratios out there. We focus on the ones that actually tell you something useful: profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and leverage. You'll calculate them by hand at first, then use spreadsheets.
Company Valuation Basics
How do you figure out what a company's worth? We cover the main approaches—comparable company analysis, discounted cash flow—without pretending it's an exact science.
Spotting Problems Early
This is where things get interesting. You'll learn to notice warning signs: revenue recognition tricks, aggressive accounting, debt hidden in footnotes. Real examples included.
Industry Context
A good ratio for a tech company might be terrible for a manufacturer. We'll work through different industries so you understand what normal looks like in various sectors.
Building Your Own Models
By the end, you'll create financial models from scratch. Nothing fancy—just spreadsheets that help you analyze companies and make informed decisions about investments or business operations.
Who's Teaching This
Our instructors work in finance during the day and teach because they enjoy it. They've seen what actually matters in the field.
Håkon Vestergaard
Spent eight years doing equity research at a regional investment firm before moving to Ho Chi Minh City in 2021. He's analyzed over 200 companies and knows which ratios actually predict trouble. Teaches the valuation and analysis modules.
Dmitri Sokolov
Works as a financial controller for a manufacturing company. He reviews financial statements every day and has a good sense for what looks wrong on paper versus what's actually a problem. Handles the fundamentals modules and helps with the practical exercises.
Siobhan Rafferty
Former audit manager who moved into corporate finance consulting in 2023. She's particularly good at explaining why companies present numbers the way they do—and what they're trying to hide. Leads the sessions on spotting problems and understanding industry context.
Program Timeline and Format
October 2025 Cohort
Twelve weeks, meeting twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Classes are in person at our office in District 6. We keep groups small—usually around 15 students—so everyone gets feedback on their work.
What to Expect
Each session includes about 45 minutes of instruction and 75 minutes of working through problems. You'll have homework between sessions—usually analyzing a specific company or calculating particular metrics. Plan to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class.
Prerequisites
You need basic math skills and comfort with spreadsheets. No finance background required, but you should be willing to work with numbers and ask questions when things don't make sense.