Introduction: Why Excel and Financial Modelling Matter
The Cornerstone of Analysis: Financial modelling and Excel serve as essential tools for making informed business decisions in today's data-driven environment.
From Data to Decisions: Learn to transform raw financial data into actionable insights that drive strategic business outcomes and competitive advantage.
Programme Overview: Experience a structured learning journey from Excel basics to advanced financial modelling techniques, designed for practical application.
Business Intelligence
Transform complex data into clear, actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
Career Advancement
Develop highly sought-after skills that enhance professional growth and opportunities.
Practical Application
Apply learning immediately to real-world business scenarios and challenges.
Module 1: Excel Fundamentals - Building a Solid Foundation
01
Excel Basics
Navigate the interface confidently, understanding cells, rows, columns, and essential navigation techniques for efficient spreadsheet management.
02
Essential Formulas
Master fundamental functions including SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, and other core calculations that form the backbone of Excel analysis.
03
Data Formatting
Format cells professionally, work with dates, numbers, and text to create polished, readable spreadsheets that communicate effectively.
04
Hands-on Exercises
Reinforce learning through practical exercises that simulate real workplace scenarios and build confidence in fundamental skills.
Module 2: Intermediate Excel - Enhancing Your Skills
Advanced Formulas
Master complex functions including IF statements, VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH, and other intermediate formulas for sophisticated data manipulation.
Data Analysis Tools
Utilise sorting, filtering, and data validation techniques to manage and analyse large datasets efficiently and accurately.
Creating Charts and Graphs
Design compelling visualisations that effectively communicate data insights and trends to stakeholders and decision-makers.
PivotTables and PivotCharts
Analyse and summarise large datasets dynamically, creating interactive reports that reveal hidden patterns and business intelligence.
Module 3: Excel Dashboards - Visualising Insights
Dashboard Design Principles
Learn to create effective, user-friendly dashboards that present complex information clearly and drive informed decision-making across your organisation.
Dashboard Components
Master the use of charts, graphs, and visual elements to create compelling dashboards that tell a story with your data.
Interactive Dashboards
Implement slicers, timelines, and other interactive controls that allow users to explore data dynamically and uncover insights independently.
Case Studies
Examine real-world examples of effective dashboards from various industries to understand best practices and common pitfalls to avoid.
Module 4: Financial Modelling Essentials
1
Understanding Financial Statements
Master the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement - the foundation of financial analysis and business valuation.
2
Building a 3-Statement Model
Construct integrated financial models that forecast revenue, expenses, and key metrics whilst maintaining mathematical integrity across statements.
3
Financial Modelling Best Practices
Adhere to industry-standard conventions and methodologies that ensure your models are professional, accurate, and easily understood by stakeholders.
Professional Tip: Model cover pages serve as control panels, providing users with key assumptions and navigation tools for complex financial models.
Module 5: Advanced Financial Modelling
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis
Master company valuation using DCF methodology, understanding discount rates, terminal values, and the intricacies of cash flow forecasting.
Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Modelling
Analyse the financial impact of mergers and acquisitions, including synergies, integration costs, and accretion/dilution analysis for informed decisions.
Sensitivity Analysis and Scenario Planning
Evaluate different scenarios and assess their impact on financial outcomes, building robust models that account for uncertainty and risk.
Model Protection and Security
Implement cell locking and sheet protection to safeguard model integrity whilst maintaining user functionality and professional presentation standards.
Excel Fundamentals vs. Advanced: Key Differences
Scope and Complexity
Excel Fundamentals focuses on basic navigation and simple calculations, whilst Advanced covers complex formulas, sophisticated data analysis, and comprehensive financial modelling techniques.
Application and Tools
Fundamentals addresses everyday office tasks using basic functions, whilst Advanced utilises sophisticated tools like PivotTables, dashboards, and advanced financial analysis for strategic decisions.
Fundamentals Level
Basic interface navigation
Simple formulas and functions
Data entry and formatting
Basic chart creation
Advanced Level
Complex formula construction
Financial statement modelling
Scenario and sensitivity analysis
Interactive dashboard development
Excel Dashboards vs. Financial Modelling: Key Differences
Purpose and Focus
Dashboards visualise existing data for quick insights and monitoring, whilst financial modelling forecasts future performance and analyses complex financial scenarios.
Output and Skills
Dashboards provide visual summaries requiring data visualisation expertise, whilst financial models generate projections and valuations demanding accounting and analytical knowledge.
Conclusion: Empowering Data-Driven Decisions
Programme Benefits
Gain comprehensive skills and confidence to excel in financial analysis, strategic decision-making, and data-driven business leadership across your organisation.
Continuous Learning
Encourage ongoing practice and exploration of advanced Excel techniques and financial modelling methodologies to stay current with industry best practices.
Call to Action
Begin your transformative journey toward financial mastery today and unlock your potential for analytical excellence and career advancement.