Financial Modelling
A financial model is a core and powerful analytical tool used by businesses to aid the decision making in financial planning, investment analysis, valuation, and strategy. Financial modelling is the process of creating this models which require a set of practical skills, techniques, methodology and discipline.
The modern-day business environment has become so complex and highly competitive such that just having an academic or professional qualification on its own is not enough. While employers consider good spread sheet skills as an essential requirement for candidates, financial modelling skills are widely regarded as specialist skills and highly sought after by major blue-chip firms. Developing or sharpening such skills will give students a strong competitive advantage and unique selling point; and significantly boost their careers prospects.
The ability to develop high quality financial models is a valuable asset to prospective and successful City analysts. Learning about the latest financial modelling techniques, and how to apply them in different situations, will give students the confidence and ability to develop highly sophisticated financial models.
Financial Modelling Master class Course Structure
The Financial Modelling Master class comprises of three levels which could be taken together or as stand-alone depending on the level of skill of each student. Each course builds on knowledge acquired from the previous levels, therefore it is highly recommended for students to take the courses in a chronological order. Students who successfully complete all three levels will be awarded a Certification in Financial Modelling subject to completion of a course assessment. Students who only complete individual modules will receive a certificate of attendance.
Level I: Mastering Excel for Financial Modelling
Microsoft® Excel is a powerful spread sheet application used by businesses to perform accurate and rapid calculations, analyse data, prepare budgets, manage lists, generate charts and create financial and valuation models. This course focuses on developing the skills set and acquiring the tools required to accurately and confidently perform financial analysis in Excel. It adopts a practical hands-on approach; walking students through key Excel features & functions, and their practical application to real-life cases.
Level II: Introduction to Financial Modelling
This course teaches students the core skills, techniques and conceptual framework required to create world-class financial models that are robust, accurate, well-structured and user-friendly. The course focuses on industry best practices, model structure and design; and the construction of a model from scratch using Excel application. By the end of the course, students will be well equipped with the skills set they will directly use to excel during interviews and on the job; and gain the speed and confidence required to develop professional models.
Level III: Advanced Financial Modelling
This course builds upon knowledge acquired from previous levels. Students learn advanced techniques and methods in financial modelling through hands-on application to a complex case study. Students will be able to estimate the value of a company using advanced valuation methods and consolidate their theoretical knowledge in free cash flow and valuation. By the end of the course, students would have enhanced their financial modelling skills from a basic to an advanced level, as well as become proficient in using advanced Excel features and functionalities.
Key Learning Outcomes
The financial modelling Master class programme been specifically designed to equip students with the set of skills, techniques, framework, methods and discipline required to develop ‘state-of-the-art’ financial models from scratch that are accurate, efficient, robust, easy to understand and review, user-friendly and presented in a highly professional manner.
The modelling approach adopted throughout the courses represent best practice and applied in the same way as it is done at major financial institutions, accounting and consulting firms. Student will also develop core knowledge in Excel features, formulae and their practical application in spread sheet modelling and analysis.
Course Methodology
The highly interactive, practical and hands-on nature of the courses will enable students develop solid Excel and financial modelling skills through a step-by-step application of the skills and techniques learned to real-life cases.
Students will receive a pre-course questionnaire to ensure that the course director gains an understanding of the objectives of each student as well as the class mix to ensure that each course is tailored to the needs of the overall group.
Teaching Format
The course is presented by a leading City practitioner and financial modelling specialist with many years of direct relevant experience, using a highly effective and intuitive case-study approach. The courses are highly interactive and practical in nature.
For each new modelling concept introduced, the tutor will explain the techniques and modelling approach followed by an illustration of the concept with a hands-on exercise. The tutor will also provide students with alternative approaches where necessary. Students will then be provided with a set of data inputs and will be required to apply these new techniques and concepts to the case study. The tutor will then work through the case study with the class. By the end of the programme students will have developed a fully integrated financial model from scratch that represents best practice.
Course Timetable
Lectures will take place once a week from 6pm to 9pm. A weekend option is available subject to interest. Details of the course timetable are found on the individual course brochures.
Class Size
Each class will be limited to a maximum of 25 students to ensure that each student benefits from a high one-to-one interaction with the course director. Secure your place now!
What do I need to bring along?
All students will be required to bring along a laptop computer with Microsoft Office 2003 or later versions installed. Students who do not have a laptop computer can use the PCs available. Excel 2007 will be used for class illustrations. Any routines or techniques unique to either Excel 2003 or 2010 will be fully explained.
Course Assessment
At the end of the course, students will be given a practical modelling test similar to tests given at the top 10 UK accounting firms and Banks during job interviews, to construct a full financial model. Class attendance is mandatory and will form part of the overall assessment. Students who successfully complete all three courses and practical test will receive a Certification in Financial Modelling.
What happens after the course?
On-going support will be available to ensure that past and present students continue to develop and apply the newly acquired financial modelling skills. Students will also benefit from mentoring and career coaching from the course director.
Course Director: Atem Akoh-Arrey
Atem is a financial modelling specialist and global expert in project finance with many years’ experience which spans across the accounting, consulting and banking sectors. He is currently an Associate Director at a leading German bank based in the City of London and focuses mainly in the Energy, Infrastructure and Oil & Gas sectors within Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA).
Major Banks such as Barclays, HSBC, Nationwide, RBS, Bank of Ireland, AIB, SMBC, and Nord LB; Government Institutions; Construction and Project investment companies have relied on his models to make multi-million pound financing and investment decisions. To date, he has developed financial models with a transaction size in excess of £10 billion.
Prior to joining his current employers, he was senior consultant at a top 10 UK firm of accountants & business advisors, providing financial advisory and modelling services to both private and public sector clients. He began his career at a Big 4 Accounting firm.
Atem is an expert trainer in financial modelling and spreadsheet analysis courses; and presents courses to both individual and corporate clients. He introduced, designed, developed and delivered financial modelling courses at Quartic Training Ltd based in the City of London. He has also developed and presented in-house financial modelling courses for the equity research team at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
In 2009 he set up 3A Financial Modelling Ltd, a company involved in education and consulting on financial and business modelling.
Atem is a qualified accountant (ACCA) and a former student of LCA. He holds a Bachelors’ degree in Accounting & Finance and is currently working his way through the CFA® Program.
Contact Information:
To enrol or find out more on the Financial Modelling Master class courses, please contact the reception
