Financial Forecasting and Modeling FLEXCAST

Overview

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.

Highlights

Financial forecasting. Financial modeling. Cash forecasting. Microsoft excel modeling.

Prerequisites

None.

Designed For

CPAs, auditors, consultants, and financial and managerial professionals.

Objectives

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.

Preparation

None.

Notice

This is a FlexCast (no exam required) and may be viewed only Monday - Saturday, 5am - 5pm PT. You may take up to one year from the date of purchase to complete the course. Pause your FlexCast and resume at a convenient day during the hours above. Partial credit for 2+ credit courses: If you are unable to complete the course in one sitting, partial credit can be awarded (minimum of one credit). To earn the remaining credits, you must return later and start the course from the beginning. Use chat to ask questions of a subject matter expert during the program.