FINANCIAL MODELLING FOR FINANCIAL ANALYSIS, FORECASTING & BUDGETING WITH MS EXCEL
“Mastering Financial Modelling to Drive Data-Driven Decisions in Financial Analysis, Forecasting, and Budgeting”
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Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 – 20 Feb 2025 | Doha, Qatar | USD 3495 per delegate |
| 18 – 22 May 2025 | Manama, Bahrain | USD 3495 per delegate |
| 03 – 07 Aug 2025 | Kuwait | USD 3495 per delegate |
| 07 – 11 Sep 2025 | Doha, Qatar | USD 3495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
Financial modelling is an essential skill for professionals working in finance, accounting, and business analysis. The ability to create robust financial models, perform forecasting, and develop accurate budgets is critical to making informed business decisions. MS Excel remains one of the most widely used tools for financial analysis and budgeting, offering powerful functions and features that help professionals perform complex calculations, build models, and analyze data.
This 5-day course provides an in-depth exploration of financial modelling using MS Excel. Participants will learn how to build financial models for business forecasting, budgeting, and analysis, all while leveraging Excel’s built-in functions and tools. The course also covers best practices for structuring models, analyzing data, and presenting financial information clearly and effectively.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Build comprehensive financial models for financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting in Excel
- Use advanced Excel functions and formulas to enhance financial modelling capabilities
- Apply best practices in creating structured, flexible, and dynamic financial models
- Perform financial forecasting using historical data and financial assumptions
- Develop and manage detailed budgets and forecast reports
- Present financial analysis results in a clear, professional format using Excel’s data visualization tools
Key Benefits of Attending
- Master Excel’s advanced features for financial modelling, forecasting, and budgeting
- Learn how to create dynamic financial models that adapt to changes in assumptions and data
- Improve your ability to analyze and interpret financial data for strategic decision-making
- Gain hands-on experience with practical, real-world financial scenarios and case studies
- Enhance your career prospects by adding valuable financial modelling skills to your toolkit
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
- Financial analysts, accountants, and business analysts
- Project managers and financial planners responsible for budgeting and forecasting
- Finance managers, controllers, and CFOs
- Individuals involved in creating financial models for investment analysis, financial reporting, and business planning
- Anyone looking to improve their Excel skills for financial analysis and forecasting
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
- Proficiency in building financial models using MS Excel
- Advanced skills in using Excel functions and formulas for financial analysis
- Confidence in performing data analysis, forecasting, and budgeting with Excel
- The ability to structure, analyze, and present financial data effectively
- Enhanced financial modelling skills to support strategic business decisions
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
- More accurate financial forecasting and budgeting processes
- Improved financial analysis and decision-making based on robust models
- Greater consistency and transparency in financial planning and reporting
- Increased efficiency in the preparation of financial models and reports
- Enhanced financial decision-making across departments and teams
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
- Strategy Briefings – Key principles of financial modelling, forecasting, and budgeting in Excel
- Case Studies – Real-world examples of financial modelling in various industries
- Workshops – Hands-on practice building financial models, performing forecasting, and developing budgets using Excel
- Peer Exchange – Collaborative discussions on challenges and solutions in financial analysis
- Tools – Financial modelling templates, budgeting tools, forecasting frameworks, and Excel best practices
Course Outline
Detailed 5-Day Course Outline
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Introduction to Financial Modelling and Excel Functions
Module 1: Introduction to Financial Modelling (07:30 – 09:30)
- What is financial modelling and why is it important?
- Types of financial models: forecasting, budgeting, and valuation models
- Introduction to building a financial model in Excel
Module 2: Advanced Excel Functions for Financial Modelling (09:45 – 11:15)
- Essential Excel functions for financial modelling: VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, SUMIF, and others
- Using Excel’s financial functions: NPV, IRR, PMT
- Dynamic formulas for modelling flexible financial scenarios
Module 3: Structuring a Financial Model (11:30 – 01:00)
- Best practices for structuring a financial model in Excel
- Creating dynamic and flexible models with input cells, assumptions, and outputs
- The importance of transparency and clarity in financial modelling
Module 4: Workshop – Building the Foundation of a Financial Model (02:00 – 03:30)
- Hands-on exercise: Participants build the basic structure of a financial model
- Group discussion on the key elements and best practices for building a model
Day 2: Financial Forecasting and Budgeting Techniques
Module 5: Introduction to Financial Forecasting (07:30 – 09:30)
- The role of forecasting in financial planning and decision-making
- Techniques for financial forecasting: moving averages, regression analysis, and time series analysis
- Forecasting revenues, expenses, and cash flows
Module 6: Budgeting Fundamentals (09:45 – 11:15)
- Types of budgets: incremental, zero-based, and flexible budgeting
- Creating detailed operational and capital budgets in Excel
- Monitoring budget performance and comparing against actual results
Module 7: Integrating Forecasting and Budgeting (11:30 – 01:00)
- Linking forecasted financials with budgeted expenses and revenues
- Creating a rolling forecast and adjusting budgets based on actual performance
- Scenario analysis and sensitivity testing for financial assumptions
Module 8: Workshop – Building a Forecasting and Budgeting Model (02:00 – 03:30)
- Participants build a forecasting and budgeting model using Excel
- Group presentations and feedback on forecasting assumptions and budget structures
Day 3: Advanced Financial Analysis and Performance Metrics
Module 9: Advanced Financial Analysis Techniques (07:30 – 09:30)
- Financial ratio analysis: liquidity, profitability, and leverage ratios
- Using financial ratios to evaluate business performance
- Conducting trend analysis and comparing industry benchmarks
Module 10: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Financial Modelling (09:45 – 11:15)
- Identifying and developing KPIs for financial analysis
- Measuring financial performance and setting targets for improvement
- Using KPIs in decision-making and strategy execution
Module 11: Sensitivity and Scenario Analysis (11:30 – 01:00)
- Using sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of changes in assumptions
- Creating multiple scenarios (best-case, worst-case, and most likely) for financial forecasting
- How to use scenario analysis to guide strategic decisions
Module 12: Workshop – Applying Financial Analysis and KPIs (02:00 – 03:30)
- Hands-on practice: Participants apply financial ratios, KPIs, and sensitivity analysis to a sample model
- Group discussions on performance metrics and strategic decision-making
Day 4: Data Visualization and Reporting in Financial Modelling
Module 13: Introduction to Data Visualization in Excel (07:30 – 09:30)
- The role of data visualization in financial reporting and decision-making
- Creating charts, graphs, and dashboards for financial analysis
- Best practices for presenting financial data visually
Module 14: Creating Financial Dashboards (09:45 – 11:15)
- Using Excel’s visualization tools to create interactive dashboards
- Building KPIs and financial indicators into dashboards for easy monitoring
- Automating data updates and visualizations for real-time decision-making
Module 15: Reporting and Presenting Financial Models (11:30 – 01:00)
- Communicating financial analysis results to stakeholders and executives
- Preparing executive summaries and report presentations
- Using Excel’s formatting and charting features for professional reports
Module 16: Workshop – Building a Financial Dashboard and Reporting Template (02:00 – 03:30)
- Participants create a financial dashboard and reporting template based on a case study
- Group presentations and feedback on the dashboard design and presentation style
Day 5: Final Project and Review
Module 17: Integrating All Aspects of Financial Modelling (07:30 – 09:30)
- Bringing together forecasting, budgeting, analysis, and reporting in a single financial model
- Finalizing the model and ensuring it meets business objectives
- Documenting and presenting the assumptions, methodologies, and outputs
Module 18: Review of Key Excel Functions for Financial Modelling (09:45 – 11:15)
- Recap of key Excel functions and formulas used throughout the course
- Best practices for working with large datasets and complex formulas
- Troubleshooting common issues in financial models
Module 19: Final Presentation and Group Feedback (11:30 – 01:00)
- Participants present their final financial models, including assumptions, forecasts, and budgets
- Group feedback and instructor guidance on improving model accuracy and presentation
Module 20: Course Wrap-Up and Q&A (02:00 – 03:30)
- Final discussion on applying financial modelling techniques in the real world
- Q&A session on specific challenges participants may face in their roles
- Closing remarks and certificate distribution
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Financial Modelling for Financial Analysis, Forecasting & Budgeting with MS Excel, validating their proficiency in building and applying financial models using MS Excel.