Training > Course Information

This course has been designed for business and corporate analysts who wish to develop their data analysis, forecasting, charting and data presentation skills.

In this hands-on two-day course you will develop a multi-divisional forecasting and reporting model. With our structured approach, you will learn how to develop more effective and robust models, in less time and with greater accuracy and transparency. You will build your skills with practical exercises and example files, and will take away a comprehensive course book.

Who should attend?

• Business and commercial analysts
• Business planners and forecasters
• Finance managers and financial controllers
• Commercial managers

Why would I choose this course?

• Develop financial models and analysis in a controlled, structured and transparent way
• Learn and apply best practice modelling principles and techniques
• Develop models for data analysis, forecasting and reporting
• Learn more about what Excel can do for you, as well as useful keyboard shortcuts
• Model multi-divisional businesses for greater efficiency
• Create flexible dashboard/management reports
• Learn how to analyse large data sets using pivot tables
• Increase effectiveness and efficiency of models whilst reducing errors

What skills do I need to do the course?

• Intermediate Excel skills
• At least one–five years of relevant work experience

“Course content was well structured over the two days and provided the right amount of examples.”

What will I learn from this course?

Planning 
Learn how to apply a managed model development process:

• Define the aims of a financial model or analysis
• Find out why it’s essential to follow a defined development process approach when building financial models or analysis
• Understand the six stages of development
• Learn how to incorporate stakeholders’ requirements into financial models
• Control inputs using data validation and combo boxes

Best practice 
Use best-practice standards in your financial models:

• Find out what 'best practice' is and why it is important
• Learn the 10 golden rules for best practice modelling
• Learn Excel shortcuts and function tips

 Model construction
Learn professional and efficient model construction set-up:

• Learn correct file management and naming conventions
• Learn custom number and date formats, conditional formatting, and styles
• Define a corporate colour palette
• Implement model checks
• Model timing flags and schedule events

Flexible forecasts
Develop flexible forecasts:

• Use a scenario manager to create scalable and flexible forecasts
• Incorporate and apply sensitivity analysis
• Apply escalations and indexation
• Use data tables for scenario and sensitivity analysis

Data analysis 
Analyse data using pivot tables:

• Manipulate large volumes of data using pivot tables
• Tailor pivot tables and create pivot charts
• Link pivot tables to management dashboards

Data processing 
Data processing and analysis techniques:

• Clean base data using data processing techniques
• Learn data mapping techniques to assist with data analysis
• Learn data analysis functions and techniques

Management reports
Create management reports and dashboards:

• Find out what management reports and dashboards are
• Create dynamic reports and dashboards
• Use dashboard reports for continuous analysis
• Increase effectiveness using conditional formatting and traffic lights

Advanced charting
Create powerful and accurate visual material:

• Optimise data layout for more efficient charting
• Learn chart formatting techniques and how to use chart templates
• Develop dynamic and interactive charts
• Create step charts

Testing and handover
Ensure quality, reduce errors and manage risk:

• Learn quality control techniques, including final testing and peer review
• Manage handover and issuing models to third parties
• Learn about including disclaimers in models

 
“The balance between teaching the beginners and those with a little more experience was achieved well.”

Course fees

Course fee per person

GST of 10% will be charged to Australian-based entities

Early booking discounts

Receive a 15% discount for booking and paying more than eight weeks in advance.

Group discounts

For group bookings each additional delegate after the first receives a 20% discount.

Maximum combined discount of 25% per person

Click here for our cancellations and refunds policy