The ability to construct a reliable financial model that projects future performance is essential for the forward-looking business professional. This course provides the essential knowledge needed to become proficient at forecasting and modeling. It does so by discussing the different types of forecasting methodologies, the situations in which they should be used, and how to construct them. The course also examines the layout and formulation of a financial model, and addresses specific issues within such a model, including the treatment of depreciation, debt, equity, and working capital. Further, the course describes the construction of short-term and longer-term cash forecasts, and concludes with a review of the Excel functions that can be used for financial forecasting and modeling.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Recognize the characteristics of the Delphi method.
Identify the best uses of the different forecasting methods.
Specify the situations in which a smoothing constant can be used.
Recognize the different types of leading and lagging indicators.
State which report makes use of the accounting equation.
Specify how an income statement is used.
Identify the key inputs to a financial model.
Recognize the complications caused by the use of a plug within a financial model.
Specify the circumstances under which a business could fund its own growth.
Recognize the cases in which an expansion of a financial model might be warranted.
Specify the sources of the receipts and disbursements method.
Identify the duration periods for the different types of forecasts.
Specify why the results of an automated cash forecasting system may be incorrect.
Recognize the reliability levels of the different types of cash forecast information.
State the reasoning behind the use of a cash forecast reconciliation.
Specify which Excel functions will fit straight and curved lines to the data.
Identify the types of information provided by the different Excel functions relating to forecasting.
Recognize the inputs required for the different Excel functions relating to forecasting.
Major Topics
Financial Forecasting
Financial Modeling
Cash Forecasting
Microsoft Excel Modeling
