Financial Modeling

This DIXONTECH course provides professionals with practical skills to design, build, and analyze financial models that support strategic business decisions. Participants will master Excel-based modeling techniques used for forecasting, valuation, budgeting, and investment analysis. The course emphasizes accuracy, structure, and transparency in building dynamic models that meet international financial standards and corporate best practices.

TRAINING TOPICS

• Fundamentals of Financial Modeling and Design Principles
• Excel Tools, Formulas, and Data Structuring Techniques
• Forecasting, Budgeting, and Sensitivity Analysis
• Business Valuation and Investment Appraisal Models
• Scenario Planning and Decision-Support Modeling

By the end of this training course, delegates will be able to:

• Build structured and reliable financial models
• Apply modeling standards and error-checking methods
• Conduct scenario, sensitivity, and ratio analyses
• Evaluate project and investment performance
• Automate complex calculations using Excel tools
• Interpret and communicate model results effectively
• Support corporate decision-making with analytical models

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO:

• Financial analysts and business planners
• Investment and corporate finance professionals
• Project and budget managers
• Accountants and auditors
• Consultants and valuation specialists
• CFOs and finance executives
• Entrepreneurs and decision-makers

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training is highly interactive and hands-on. Participants will use Excel to design live financial models, test forecasting scenarios, and analyze real-world data. Through guided exercises and case studies, they will learn modeling best practices that enhance accuracy, scalability, and presentation quality for decision support.

DAY 1

INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL MODELING AND DESIGN STANDARDS

• Understanding the purpose of financial models
• Principles of model design and structure
• Model transparency, flexibility, and consistency
• Key Excel tools for financial modeling
• Using assumptions and drivers effectively
• Setting up model architecture and templates
• Common modeling errors and prevention techniques

DAY 2

EXCEL TECHNIQUES AND DATA STRUCTURING

• Advanced Excel formulas for modeling (INDEX, MATCH, IFs)
• Dynamic references and range management
• Data validation and logical structuring
• Building calculation and input sheets
• Formatting and presentation for readability
• Linking financial statements within models
• Practical exercise: creating an input-driven model

DAY 3

FORECASTING AND BUDGETING MODELS

• Revenue, cost, and expense forecasting techniques
• Building income statement and balance sheet forecasts
• Working capital and cash flow modeling
• Scenario-based budgeting and assumptions testing
• Automating financial projections with Excel functions
• Time-based modeling and growth assumptions
• Practical case: creating a rolling forecast model

DAY 4

VALUATION AND INVESTMENT APPRAISAL MODELS

• Overview of valuation principles and techniques
• Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modeling and NPV
• IRR, payback period, and profitability index
• Capital budgeting and project evaluation tools
• Sensitivity and break-even analysis
• Real option and risk-adjusted return modeling
• Case study: investment decision-making model

DAY 5

SCENARIO PLANNING AND DECISION-SUPPORT MODELING

• Scenario building and dynamic input management
• Stress testing and what-if analysis
• Integrating dashboards and visual outputs
• Using Excel’s data tables and solver for optimization
• Presenting results to management and stakeholders
• Model auditing and validation techniques
• Capstone project: building a complete business model