Module 1: Financial Modeling & Excel Fundamentals Setup

Purpose and Types of Financial Models

Core Excel Best Practices for Modeling: Formatting, Structure, Clarity

Essential Excel Functions: SUM, AVERAGE, IF, SUMIF/SUMIFS, Basic Arithmetic

Key Data Tools: Sorting, Filtering, Basic Data Validation

Understanding the 3 Core Financial Statements: Income Statement (IS), Balance Sheet (BS), Cash Flow Statement (CF)

Basic Linkages Between Financial Statements

Module 2: Setting Up Historical Financial Statements in Excel

Inputting and Structuring Historical IS and BS Data

Calculating Key Historical Ratios: Growth Rates, Basic Margins (Gross, Operating)

Ensuring the Historical Balance Sheet Balances

Setting up Basic Error Checks (e.g., BS Check)

Module 3: Setting Up Basic Forecasting Schedules

Understanding Forecasting Drivers and Assumptions

Building Simple Supporting Schedules:

Basic Revenue Forecast (e.g., simple growth rate)

Basic Fixed Asset Schedule (Straight-line depreciation)

Simple Debt Schedule (Basic interest calculation)

Using Lookup Functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH) to pull data

Module 4: Building a Basic Forecasted Income Statement & Balance Sheet

Projecting IS Line Items: Linking to Schedules, Historical Trends, Simple Drivers

Projecting BS Items: Linking to Schedules, IS (Net Income to Equity), Working Capital basics

Ensuring the Forecasted Balance Sheet Balances (The "Plug" - often Cash or Debt)

Module 5: Setting Up a Basic Cash Flow Statement

Structure of the Cash Flow Statement: Operating, Investing, Financing Activities

Building a Simple CF Statement (Indirect Method):

Starting with Net Income

Adjusting for Non-Cash Items (Depreciation)

Incorporating Changes in Working Capital (from BS changes)

Reflecting Investing & Financing Activities (from schedules/BS changes)

Reconciling Beginning and Ending Cash Balances

Module 6: Introduction to Model Review & Formatting

Applying Consistent Formatting: Number formats, Colors, Fonts

Importance of Clear Assumptions Sections

Implementing Basic Checks and Balances within the model

Basic Model Documentation Principles