Day 1: Preparing Financial Excel Models

Financial Workbook Structure

• Separate inputs calculations and outputs
• Use consistent account and period labels
• Identify hidden links and dependencies
• Document model purpose and scope

Data Cleaning for Finance

• Normalize account codes and descriptions
• Standardize dates currencies and signs
• Identify duplicate transaction records
• Flag missing financial dimensions

Formula and Logic Review

• Explain formulas before changing them
• Check references across periods
• Identify hard-coded values in calculations
• Test formula consistency by row

Day 2: Analysing Performance with AI

Trend and Variance Analysis

• Compare actuals across relevant periods
• Calculate growth and variance consistently
• Identify unusual financial movements
• Prioritize material changes for investigation

Ratio and Driver Analysis

• Define ratios using approved formulas
• Trace movement to underlying drivers
• Compare ratios with meaningful benchmarks
• Avoid interpretation without business context

Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis

• Identify variables driving outcomes
• Set base upside and downside cases
• Change one assumption systematically
• Show impact on key financial outputs

Day 3: Validating and Presenting Financial Insights

AI-Assisted Insight Drafting

• Prompt from verified financial results
• Request concise evidence-linked insights
• Separate observation from explanation
• Generate follow-up questions for anomalies

Financial Model Verification

• Reconcile key outputs to sources
• Check totals signs and units
• Stress-test material formulas
• Review errors before presentation

Financial Analysis Workbook Pack

• Organize clean inputs and outputs
• Add assumptions and source notes
• Present verified insights clearly
• Prepare finance workbook for governed reuse

• Case analysis applying Financial Workbook Structure to realistic work
• Hands-on workshop developing Trend and Variance Analysis with evidence
• Peer review challenging Financial Model Verification against clear criteria
• Final lab producing Financial Analysis Workbook Pack for workplace use