Building Better Finance Professionals Since 2018
Back in 2018, our founder Rhiannon Callaghan was working with a team of junior analysts who had impressive academic credentials but struggled with the nuances of real financial modelling. The gap between what they'd learned and what they needed to know was frustrating for everyone involved.
That experience became the seed for Sylvanalion. We built our curriculum around the actual challenges financial analysts encounter—messy data, competing priorities, tight deadlines, and stakeholders who need complex information explained clearly. Our approach focuses on developing judgement alongside technical skills.
These days, we work with analysts at various career stages across Australia. Some are transitioning into corporate finance from other fields. Others are looking to sharpen specific skills like cash flow forecasting or valuation techniques. What they have in common is a commitment to doing the work—and we're here to guide that journey with courses designed for genuine professional development.
How We've Grown
Foundation Year
Started with a single course focused on financial statement analysis. Ran workshops for 32 participants in Melbourne and learned what resonated with working professionals.
Curriculum Expansion
Added advanced modelling courses and valuation workshops. Shifted to flexible online delivery, which opened opportunities for regional professionals who couldn't attend in-person sessions.
Industry Partnerships
Began collaborating with mid-sized firms to create tailored training programmes. These partnerships helped us refine our approach and understand what organisations really need from their finance teams.
Continuous Evolution
Launched specialised courses in FP&A and treasury management. Now supporting over 400 professionals annually with practical education that fits into demanding work schedules.
What Drives Our Teaching Approach
Real-World Context Always
We don't teach finance in a vacuum. Every concept gets connected to practical application—the kind of work you'll actually do as an analyst. Our case studies come from real scenarios, anonymised but authentic, so you're learning from situations that genuinely happen in corporate finance departments.
Building Confidence Through Practice
Reading about DCF models is one thing. Building them under realistic constraints is another. We structure courses around progressive skill-building, where each module builds on the previous one and gives you chances to apply what you're learning immediately.
Honest About Limitations
Good financial analysis requires judgement, and that develops over time. We're upfront about what a course can and can't do. You'll gain solid foundational skills and practical frameworks, but becoming truly proficient takes continued practice beyond any single training programme.
Practical Relevance
Every lesson connects directly to tasks analysts perform regularly. We skip theoretical tangents that don't serve working professionals.
Flexible Learning
Courses work around your schedule. Progress at your own pace, revisit challenging sections, and fit learning into your existing commitments.
Ongoing Support
Questions don't stop when the course ends. Our instructors remain available for guidance as you apply new skills in your actual work.
Who We Work With
Our students come from diverse backgrounds. Some are accounting professionals moving into financial analysis roles. Others are business graduates looking to specialise. We also work with experienced analysts who want to deepen expertise in specific areas like mergers and acquisitions or risk assessment.
What matters most isn't where you're starting from—it's your willingness to engage seriously with the material. Corporate finance education requires consistent effort and genuine curiosity about how businesses create and measure value.
If you're considering whether our courses are right for you, the best approach is a straightforward conversation. We can discuss your current situation, what you're hoping to achieve, and whether our training aligns with those goals. No pressure, just honest guidance about whether we're a good fit.