FINANCIAL MODELLING WITH MS EXCEL
Build, Analyze, and Present Robust Financial Models Using Excel
Course Schedule
| Venue (InHouse) | Fees |
|---|---|
| At Your Organization Premises | Ask For The Quotation |
Course Introduction
This practical 5-day course provides professionals with the skills to build robust financial models in Microsoft Excel for budgeting, forecasting, valuation, and decision-making. Participants will learn how to develop dynamic and flexible models that can handle a range of financial scenarios using Excel formulas, functions, tools, and best practices.
Through guided exercises, templates, and real-world cases, the course empowers users to construct models that are not only technically sound but also clearly structured, easy to audit, and decision-useful. No VBA or programming background is required—just a solid working knowledge of Excel.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Design and build financial models from scratch
- Apply best practices for structuring, formatting, and error-checking models
- Create dynamic models for budgeting, forecasting, and valuation
- Use Excel tools like data tables, sensitivity analysis, and scenario management
- Build dashboards and charts to present results effectively
Key Benefits of Attending
- Acquire hands-on financial modelling skills with expert guidance
- Strengthen decision-making with model-driven analysis
- Reduce spreadsheet errors and improve transparency
- Present forecasts and valuation results with confidence
- Save time with reusable templates and Excel productivity tricks
Intended Audience
This course is designed for professionals involved in:
- Corporate Finance & FP&A
- Accounting & Treasury
- Investment Banking & Private Equity
- Business Analysis & Strategy
- Financial Reporting
- Entrepreneurial Financial Planning
Individual Benefits
Participants will gain:
- Proficiency in creating financial models used in business planning, investment, and valuation
- Mastery of Excel tools such as logical formulas, lookups, dynamic ranges, pivot tables, and more
- Confidence in using scenario and sensitivity analysis for strategic insight
- A personalized Excel model portfolio developed during the course
Organization Benefits
Companies will benefit from:
- More accurate and standardized financial models across teams
- Improved internal decision-making with better analysis
- Enhanced model documentation and auditability for governance
- Greater efficiency in budgeting, project evaluation, and reporting
Instructional Methdology
- Live walkthroughs of model-building steps
- Hands-on Excel exercises and templates
- Group discussions and real-life case scenarios
- Instructor-led reviews and model audits
- Final capstone project: Build a fully integrated financial model
Course Outline
DETAILED 5-DAY COURSE OUTLINE (Customizable)
Training Hours: 07:30 AM – 03:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Excel Essentials for Financial Modelling
- Module 1: Excel Setup & Best Practices
- Keyboard shortcuts, named ranges, workbook design
- Do’s and don’ts in financial modelling
- Data validation and workbook protection
- Module 2: Formulas and Functions Deep Dive
- Logical functions (IF, AND, OR), Lookup functions (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH)
- Time value of money functions (NPV, IRR, PMT)
- Error-trapping functions and audit tools
- Module 3: Layout and Formatting Standards
- Structuring models: input, calculation, output sheets
- Use of color, borders, number formats
- Documentation and version control
Day 2: Financial Statements and Forecasting Models
- Module 4: Building Financial Statements from Scratch
- Income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow
- Linking statements and maintaining balance
- Creating assumptions and drivers sheets
- Module 5: Revenue and Expense Forecasting
- Top-down and bottom-up forecasting methods
- Working capital, depreciation, and amortization schedules
- Rolling forecasts and growth drivers
- Module 6: Model Dynamics and Scenario Planning
- What-if analysis, scenario manager
- Sensitivity analysis using data tables
- Forecasting different business outcomes
Day 3: Valuation and Project Modelling
- Module 7: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Modelling
- Free Cash Flow to Firm (FCFF) and Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE)
- WACC calculation and terminal value estimation
- Enterprise vs. equity value
- Module 8: Project Evaluation and Capital Budgeting
- Net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback period
- Handling inflation, currency, and risk adjustments
- Real-life investment evaluation case study
- Module 9: Model Integrity and Error Checking
- Circular references, goal seek, and iterative calculations
- Using Excel auditing tools and trace precedents
- Creating checks, alerts, and control mechanisms
Day 4: Advanced Modelling Techniques
- Module 10: Dynamic Dashboards & Pivot Tables
- Interactive charts and summaries
- KPI dashboards with slicers and pivot charts
- Summary reporting for stakeholders
- Module 11: Consolidation & Scenario Models
- Multi-entity or multi-project models
- Consolidation with Excel or Power Query
- Comparing multiple business cases
- Module 12: Introduction to Monte Carlo Simulation (Optional)
- Basics of probabilistic modelling
- Using random number functions
- Scenario planning with uncertainty
Day 5: Capstone Project and Final Presentation
- Module 13: Capstone Project: Build a Fully Integrated Model
- From assumptions to outputs
- Incorporating best practices
- Live instructor support and review
- Module 14: Presentation and Peer Review
- Presenting your model to a mock investment committee
- Group critique and discussion
- Final edits and optimization
- Module 15: Certification & Wrap-Up
- Summary and final Q&A
- Action plan for applying skills post-course
- Course certificates awarded
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Financial Modelling with MS Excel, recognizing their ability to design, develop, and audit professional-grade financial models.