FINANCIAL MODELLING WITH MS EXCEL
“Building Robust, Dynamic Financial Models to Support Strategic Decision-Making”
Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 02 – 04 Feb 2026 | Manama, Bahrain | USD 2495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
Financial modelling is a critical skill for professionals involved in budgeting, forecasting, investment analysis, and business planning. Excel remains the most widely used tool for constructing flexible and scalable models that support data-driven decision-making.
This intensive three-day training program teaches participants how to build, structure, and audit financial models using Microsoft Excel. The course covers best practices in model design, dynamic assumptions, scenario analysis, and sensitivity testing. Through practical case studies and hands-on exercises, participants will leave equipped to develop professional-grade models for their organizations.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Build and structure financial models using industry best practices
• Apply Excel functions to automate calculations and projections
• Design income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow models
• Perform sensitivity, scenario, and break-even analyses
• Audit and validate models to ensure transparency and accuracy
Key Benefits of Attending
• Gain hands-on modelling experience with Excel in a guided setting
• Learn to create models that support real-time decision-making
• Avoid common modelling errors and ensure consistency
• Improve your forecasting, budgeting, and investment evaluation skills
• Strengthen your analytical confidence and Excel mastery
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Finance professionals, analysts, and accountants
• Business controllers and planning specialists
• Investment and corporate finance professionals
• Budget officers and decision support analysts
• Anyone responsible for financial forecasting or analysis using Excel
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Advanced Excel techniques for modelling
• Forecasting and budgeting proficiency
• Scenario and sensitivity analysis skills
• Logical model structuring and audit practices
• Business acumen through financial insight
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• More accurate and transparent financial projections
• Enhanced decision-making support across departments
• Increased standardization and reliability of models
• Reduced financial risk through better assumptions testing
• Improved efficiency in reporting and performance tracking
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Strategy Briefings – Key modelling principles, Excel tools, and financial structures
• Case Studies – Real-world applications in forecasting and valuation
• Workshops – Structured exercises in model creation and dynamic design
• Peer Exchange – Group discussions and feedback on modelling approaches
• Tools – Excel templates, model audit checklists, and scenario simulators
Course Outline
Detailed 3-Day Course Outline
Training Hours: 07:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Model Design, Structure, and Excel Fundamentals
- Module 1: Introduction to Financial Modelling (07:30 – 09:30)
• What is a financial model?
• Common model types and applications
• Modelling best practices and layout principles - Module 2: Excel for Modelling – Key Functions and Shortcuts (09:45 – 11:15)
• LOOKUP, IF, INDEX/MATCH, CHOOSE
• Named ranges and structured referencing
• Keyboard shortcuts for productivity - Module 3: Building the Model Framework (11:30 – 01:00)
• Inputs, calculations, and outputs
• Modular design for scalability
• Avoiding circular references and hardcoding - Module 4: Workshop – Structuring a Financial Model (02:00 – 03:30)
• Create a basic revenue and cost model with dynamic drivers
Day 2: Forecasting, Statements, and Sensitivity Analysis
- Module 1: Forecasting Financial Statements (07:30 – 09:30)
• Linking assumptions to the P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow
• Accruals, depreciation, and working capital drivers
• Forecasting income statements - Module 2: Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Modelling (09:45 – 11:15)
• Three-statement integration logic
• Cash flow from operations, investing, and financing
• Model checks and balancing techniques - Module 3: Sensitivity and Scenario Analysis (11:30 – 01:00)
• One- and two-variable sensitivity tables
• Scenario manager and data tables
• Break-even and what-if analysis - Module 4: Workshop – Three-Statement Model Development (02:00 – 03:30)
• Build and test a fully linked income, cash flow, and balance sheet model
Day 3: Valuation, Model Testing, and Final Case Study
- Module 1: Business Valuation Methods (07:30 – 09:30)
• DCF valuation basics
• Terminal value and discount rate
• Enterprise vs. equity value - Module 2: Model Audit and Documentation (09:45 – 11:15)
• Error-checking tools and audit trails
• Documenting assumptions and user guides
• Model risk management - Module 3: Final Case Study – End-to-End Model Build (11:30 – 01:00)
• Develop a complete financial model for a business scenario
• Team-based activity and feedback - Module 4: Certification and Wrap-Up (02:00 – 03:30)
• Final review, Q&A, and model presentation
• Certificate distribution and course close
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Financial Modelling with MS Excel, demonstrating their capability to build and apply financial models for planning, forecasting, and decision-making in real-world business environments.