We know that forecasting does not stop at the end of the financial year, and that updating models is both a significant effort and risk factor. Learn to build a rolling forecast, including dynamic formulas and dynamic seasonal linear trends using standard Excel functions.
When you take over and start using a financial model that someone else has built, not only are you inheriting the original modellers’ inputs, assumptions and calculations, but you may also be inheriting their mistakes! Using someone else’s model involves taking responsibility for their work and you want to be confident it’s working correctly. Hear from financial modelling specialist, Danielle Stein Fairhurst during the Financial Modelling Summit as she draws from the second edition of her book, Financial Modelling in Excel for Dummies, to learn some simple ways to check, audit, validate and, if necessary, correct legacy models so that you can be confident of the model’s results. (more…)
This mini-masterclass with Financial Modelling in Excel specialist Danielle Stein Fairhurst shows various techniques for building scenarios into financial models. This session explores how to reduce uncertainty in decision-making with sensitivity and scenario analysis techniques, applying in-built standard spreadsheet tools, and understanding the inputs, assumptions and drivers when creating forecasts. (more…)
Learning to build a fully dynamic three-way model is an important part of becoming a financial modeller, and a pre-requisite to being certified by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI). A three-way model refers to the three financial statements of a company; the P&L (Income Statement), Cashflow and Balance Sheet. An FMI certified financial modeller should be able to build these statements, and link them dynamically so as to be able to perform scenario analysis;.. all in under four hours!
Earlier this year, I asked members of the Financial Modelling Group for their best tips for reducing financial model file size and got some fantastic tips. I’ve edited my original list of personal favourites to include some of the best tips and tricks and credited the authors below:
If you’re planning to pursue a career in financial modelling, there is no shortage of free resources to help you improve your financial modelling skills.
There are also hundreds of financial modelling training courses to choose from; most will give you a certificate of attendance, and an opportunity to claim Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points from your professional body.
Some will even give you a Certificate of Completion (note the capital C!)
