I started my career in investment banking, where back then, no one talked about having financial modelling skills—it was just expected you were able to do the job. It was just what you did to test assumptions, structure deals, and make decisions.
And if you were a half-way decent modeller, you got your work done on time and were able to go home before midnight. 🥱 Here’s a photo from that first year in London when I thought didn’t need sleep (or haircuts).
Over the years, I’ve realised that financial modelling is not just about getting the most done in the shortest possible time—it’s about disciplined thinking. A good model is a structured and logical framework which can bust through ambiguous concepts, challenge your biases, and build a logical bridge between a vague idea in your head and a robust and well-structured plan ready to communicate to the rest of the team.
The real power of a good model isn’t just in the formulas or the outputs—it’s in the thinking it forces you to do:
❓What are we assuming?
❓What could go wrong?
❓What levers actually drive value?
A well-built model can change the trajectory of a business – and your career! It brings rigour to creativity and turns strategy into something tangible. It’s not just for CFOs or investment bankers—it’s for anyone serious about making smarter decisions and in my opinion, making sure your financial modelling skills are top notch is one of the BEST investments you can make in yourself!
This article was first published on LinkedIn. Read the comments here.
