Startup CFO Training Course

Lesson 1 • CFO vs. Controller vs. Bookkeeper

Defines the distinct functions of financial leadership roles in a startup. Clarifies where CFO responsibilities begin and operational accounting ends.

Lesson 2 • Strategic vs. Operational Finance

Distinguishes day-to-day financial operations from long-term strategic finance. Builds the mental model needed for all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • Building Credibility with Founders and Boards

Covers how CFOs earn trust through communication, accuracy, and judgment. Establishes the interpersonal foundation for effective financial leadership.

Lesson 1 • Accrual vs. Cash Accounting

Explains the difference between cash and accrual methods and when each applies. Grounds students in the accounting basis used for investor-grade reporting.

Lesson 2 • Chart of Accounts for Startups

Teaches how to design a chart of accounts that supports investor reporting and analysis. Proper account structure prevents costly reclassification later.

Lesson 3 • Equity and Cap Table Basics

Introduces equity instruments, ownership dilution, and cap table structure. Provides the accounting context needed for fundraising chapters ahead.

Lesson 4 • The Three Core Financial Statements

Covers the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement in detail. Students learn how the three statements interconnect and tell a unified story.

Lesson 1 • Expense and Headcount Modeling

Teaches how to model operating expenses with headcount as the primary cost driver. Accurate expense modelling is essential for runway and hiring decisions.

Lesson 2 • Model Architecture and Best Practices

Establishes structural principles for building clear, auditable financial models. Good architecture prevents errors and speeds up scenario analysis.

Lesson 3 • Revenue Modeling by Business Model

Covers revenue projection techniques for SaaS, marketplace, and transactional models. Students match the right driver logic to their company's revenue mechanics.

Lesson 4 • Integrated Three-Statement Modeling

Connects revenue, expense, and balance sheet assumptions into a fully integrated model. Students can trace how a single assumption flows through all three statements.

Lesson 1 • Annual Planning Process Design

Outlines the timeline, stakeholders, and workflow for a startup annual planning cycle. A structured process prevents last-minute budget chaos and misalignment.

Lesson 2 • Budget vs. Actuals Reporting

Covers how to produce and interpret monthly budget-versus-actuals reports. Variance analysis drives accountability and informs reforecasting decisions.

Lesson 3 • Rolling Forecasts and Reforecasting

Introduces rolling forecasts as a dynamic alternative to static annual budgets. Students learn when and how to reforecast without undermining accountability.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Burn Rate

Defines gross and net burn and explains what drives each metric. Burn rate is the single most critical number a startup CFO must track daily.

Lesson 2 • Runway Extension Strategies

Covers tactical and strategic levers for extending cash runway without sacrificing growth. Students evaluate trade-offs between cost cuts and revenue acceleration.

Lesson 3 • 13-Week Cash Flow Forecasting

Teaches the construction of a rolling 13-week cash forecast used for operational control. This tool provides early warning of cash shortfalls before they become crises.

Lesson 4 • Working Capital Optimisation

Explains how managing receivables, payables, and inventory affects cash position. Optimising working capital can add months of runway without raising new capital.

Lesson 1 • Growth and Efficiency Metrics

Introduces growth rate, magic number, burn multiple, and Rule of 40. Efficiency metrics contextualise growth relative to capital consumed.

Lesson 2 • Building a Metrics Dashboard

Teaches how to design a single-page metrics dashboard for board and investor use. Dashboard design choices signal analytical maturity and strategic focus.

Lesson 3 • Unit Economics Fundamentals

Defines customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, and contribution margin at the unit level. Unit economics determine whether a business model is fundamentally viable.

Lesson 4 • Cohort Analysis and Retention Modeling

Explains how to build and interpret cohort analyses to understand customer behaviour over time. Cohort data reveals whether unit economics are improving or deteriorating.

Lesson 1 • Startup Funding Instruments

Explains convertible notes, SAFEs, priced equity rounds, and venture debt. Understanding instrument mechanics is prerequisite to modelling dilution and terms.

Lesson 2 • Investor Reporting and Updates

Teaches the cadence, format, and content of investor updates post-close. Consistent reporting builds investor trust and facilitates future fundraising.

Lesson 3 • Valuation Methods for Startups

Covers pre-money and post-money valuation, comparable analysis, and DCF limitations. Students can defend a valuation range in investor negotiations.

Lesson 4 • Building the Investor Data Room

Defines the financial documents required in a due diligence data room. A well-organised data room accelerates deal timelines and signals operational maturity.

Lesson 1 • Board Meeting Financial Preparation

Teaches how to prepare the financial section of a board deck and anticipate questions. Effective board preparation positions the CFO as a strategic partner.

Lesson 2 • Long-Range Financial Planning

Covers three-to-five-year financial planning as a strategic communication and alignment tool. Long-range plans anchor fundraising narratives and board strategy discussions.

Lesson 3 • Capital Allocation Frameworks

Covers how to evaluate competing investment opportunities using return-on-investment logic. Capital allocation is the highest-leverage decision a startup CFO influences.

Lesson 4 • Preparing for an IPO or Exit

Outlines the financial readiness requirements for an IPO, acquisition, or secondary sale. Students understand the multi-year preparation timeline and key milestones.