Course Summary:

This Financial Modeling Course, offered by Magna Skills, provides participants with the practical knowledge and analytical skills required to build, interpret, and apply financial models for business, project, and investment decision-making. The course blends financial theory with hands-on spreadsheet modeling techniques used by professionals in corporate finance, banking, government, and international development institutions.

Participants will learn to develop robust models for forecasting, budgeting, valuation, scenario analysis, and risk assessment. The program also emphasizes accuracy, transparency, and effective communication of model outputs to support management decisions. Through real-world examples, templates, and guided exercises, participants will gain the confidence to construct dynamic financial models aligned with global best practices.

Magna Skills ensures a practical and interactive learning experience, enabling participants to return to their organizations with ready-to-use financial tools for enhanced planning and performance analysis.

Course Objectives:

1. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

   1. Understand the fundamental principles and purpose of financial modeling in business and project contexts.

   2. Build structured and dynamic financial models using spreadsheet tools (Excel or Google Sheets).

   3. Apply models to analyze financial statements, cash flows, and business performance.

   4. Conduct scenario, sensitivity, and valuation analyses to support decision-making.

   5. Present model results effectively to stakeholders for strategic planning and investment evaluation.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Financial Modeling

   • What is financial modeling and why it matters

   • Types of models (forecasting, valuation, budgeting, feasibility)

   • Key characteristics of effective models

2. Structuring a Financial Model

   • Model planning and design principles

   • Linking assumptions, inputs, and outputs

   • Spreadsheet best practices and formula accuracy

3. Understanding Financial Statements

   • Review of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements

   • Relationships among financial statements

   • Building a fully linked 3-statement model

4. Forecasting Techniques

   • Revenue and cost projections

   • Growth assumptions and drivers

   • Inflation, taxation, and working capital considerations

5. Modeling Cash Flows

   • Operating, investing, and financing cash flows

   • Free cash flow calculation

   • Adjusting for non-cash and one-off items

6. Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis

   • What-if scenarios and data tables

   • Stress-testing assumptions

   • Presenting different business cases

7. Valuation and Investment Appraisal

   • Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modeling

   • Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback analysis

   • Evaluating project and investment feasibility

8. Risk Analysis and Model Validation

   • Identifying and managing modeling risks

   • Error checking and version control

   • Auditing and reviewing financial models

9. Visualization and Reporting

   • Using dashboards and charts for model outputs

   • Creating professional reports for management

   • Effective presentation of key findings

10. Case Studies and Practical Exercises

• Building a project finance model from scratch

• Modeling for SMEs, NGOs, and government projects

• Final group exercise: developing and presenting a financial model