Financial Modelling for Non-Financial Modellers

During the course, participants will learn how to design and create a user-friendly model using best practice techniques which can then be taken away for future reference.

1. Use cell referencing for model optimisation
2. Create a simple self-balancing error check formula
3. Learn techniques to prevent model errors
4. Document model assumptions
5. Link and change variables
6. Build and use drop-down boxes
7. Create a set of financial statements
8. Perform scenario analysis

• Overview of Financial Modelling
  Definition of a financial model.  Can all spreadsheets be called financial models? Can I put financial modelling on my resume?
• Model Design
  Designing and planning the layout of your model.   Considering factors such as the purpose and audience of the model.
• Excel Versions
  Upgrading to Excel 2016 and technical differences between versions. Considerations when building a model for users of different versions.
• Overview of Scenario Analysis Methods
  Technical methods of creating scenario and sensitivity analysis in Excel

• Linking for Best Practice
  Why including links in model is important and how to create a simple dynamic model using links
• Absolute & Relative Cell Referencing
  Using referencing for best practice in financial modelling
• Calculating Project Costs
  Applying absolute referencing to a simple project costing calculation model
• Logical Nested Functions
  Using IF, OR and AND functions, and nesting these together to create simple but intelligent formulas for use within financial models
• Conditional Formatting
  Creating an automatic variance alert.  Using icon sets, colour scales and data bars to add visual interest to model outputs.
• Assumptions Documentation Methods
  Why document assumptions? Linking to source referencing to create dynamic assumptions documentation.

• Creating a Financial Model with Inputs & Assumptions
  Start the model-building process with well-documented assumptions documentation and linked cells. Build a simple error check formula.
• Calculating Revenue & Expenses
  Build costing and revenue calculations whilst applying best practice techniques to reduce potential for error
• Building a Profit & Loss statement and Cashflow forecasts
  Calculating depreciation and forecasting cashflow from EBIT
• Building an Integrated Financial Model
  Adding a simple balance sheet and summarising your model into dynamic financial statements

• Bullet-Proofing your Model
  Using worksheet protection to prevent entry, and restricting data entries using data validations. Prevent misuse of your model by restricting incorrect inputs.
• Protecting your Workbook 
  Using “Read Only” and password protection. Hiding unnecessary information
• Scenario Analysis
  Adjusting inputs variables to impact outcomes in our financial model.  Modelling scenarios using drop-down boxes
• Presenting the Data
  Using charts to display data. Choosing the best chart type to display model output

Danielle Stein Fairhurst, Principal Consultant at Plum Solutions,  is an MBA qualified business professional with many years' experience as a financial analyst.  She is the author of "Financial Modeling in Excel for Dummies", May 2017 and  "Using Excel for Business Analysis: a Guide to Financial Modelling Fundamentals", Revised Edition, John Wiley & Sons, April 2015.   With her talent for financial modelling and professional approach, she helps her clients create meaningful financial models in the forms of business cases, pricing models and management reports. She has hands-on experience in a number of industry sectors, including telecoms, information systems, manufacturing and financial services.

Danielle is regularly engaged as a speaker, course facilitator, financial modelling consultant and analyst. She runs regular training seminars around Australia and globally, and her custom built training courses have been described by attendees as well-presented, neatly structured, informative, practical, and extremely relevant to their everyday needs. She is available for presentations, workshops, training courses, lectures and seminars. Topics include Financial Modelling in Excel, Budgeting & Forecasting and Data Analysis & Reporting.

She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and has taught management accounting subjects at Sydney University. Danielle lives in Sydney with her husband and two children, and enjoys the challenge of balancing a healthy family lifestyle with her passion for business.