Master Finance Through Real Projects

Work alongside industry professionals to build practical skills in personnel finance management. Each project connects theoretical knowledge with actual workplace challenges you'll face in your career.

Marina Blackwood

Senior Finance Director, CPA | 15+ Years Experience

Former payroll systems manager at three ASX-listed companies. Marina brings hands-on experience from implementing finance systems that actually work in fast-paced business environments.

Project-Based Learning Path

Each module builds on real scenarios from Australian businesses. Click any topic to see what you'll actually be working on during the program.

1 Payroll Systems & Compliance

Award interpretation and calculations
Build accurate award interpretation skills using actual enterprise agreements from retail and hospitality sectors.
Superannuation compliance audits
Practice identifying common super guarantee errors using real case studies from ATO compliance reviews.
Leave entitlement tracking
Design tracking systems for complex leave arrangements including shift workers and casual employees.
PAYG and FBT calculations
Work through monthly and annual tax calculations using current ATO rates and thresholds.

2 Budget Planning & Analysis

Workforce cost forecasting
Create realistic staffing budgets that account for seasonal variations and business growth projections.
Department cost allocation
Learn fair cost distribution methods that help managers understand their actual personnel expenses.
Performance bonus structures
Design incentive programs that align with company goals while staying within budget constraints.
Variance analysis techniques
Identify why actual costs differ from budgets and present findings that lead to actionable solutions.

3 Reporting & Communication

Executive dashboard creation
Build clear visual reports that help senior management make informed staffing and compensation decisions.
Cost center performance reviews
Prepare monthly reports that highlight trends and opportunities for efficiency improvements.
Audit preparation and documentation
Organize financial records and supporting documentation for internal and external audit requirements.
Stakeholder presentation skills
Practice explaining complex financial concepts to non-finance managers and board members.

4 Technology Integration

HRIS system optimization
Configure popular Australian payroll systems like MYOB, Xero, and BambooHR for accurate financial reporting.
Automated workflow design
Set up approval processes and notification systems that reduce manual errors and processing time.
Data validation and cleanup
Identify and correct common data issues that can lead to payroll errors and compliance problems.
Integration troubleshooting
Learn to resolve connection issues between payroll, accounting, and time tracking systems.

Recent Student Success Stories

See what previous students accomplished during their final projects. These aren't theoretical exercises — they're real solutions that made a difference at actual companies.

Student project dashboard showing payroll cost analysis for retail chain

Retail Chain Cost Optimization

Tessa worked with a 12-store retail chain to identify why their personnel costs were 15% higher than industry benchmarks. Her analysis revealed scheduling inefficiencies and award interpretation errors that were costing them 0,000 annually. The company implemented her recommendations and achieved measurable savings within three months.

Award Analysis Cost Benchmarking Process Improvement ROI Calculation

Manufacturing Compliance Audit

During his internship project, Jake discovered significant superannuation underpayments at a manufacturing company spanning back 18 months. His thorough documentation and remediation plan helped the company resolve ,000 in outstanding obligations before the ATO audit. The HR manager described his work as "exactly what we needed from someone who understood both compliance and practical business operations."

Compliance Auditing Documentation Remediation Planning Stakeholder Communication

Financial compliance documentation and audit trail prepared by student

Ready to Start Your Finance Career?

Our next intake begins in September 2025. The 8-month program includes practical projects, industry mentorship, and career placement support. Early applications close in May 2025.

Apply for September 2025 Intake