Spreadsheet Skills for Planning, Forecasting & Budgeting

  • Category: Accounting, Finance & Budgeting Courses

Spreadsheet Skills for Planning, Forecasting & Budgeting

  • Course Type: Classroom-based Course
  • Code: ARUK201C
  • Duration: 1 week
  • 30 CPD hours
  • Languages: Arabic, English

Course Overview

This 5-day intensive course is designed to enhance spreadsheet skills specifically for planning, forecasting, and budgeting. Participants will learn advanced techniques for building and managing financial models, creating accurate forecasts, and developing robust budgets using spreadsheet tools. The course includes practical exercises and case studies to help participants apply these skills effectively in real-world scenarios.

Target Audience

• Financial planners and analysts
• Budgeting and forecasting professionals
• Accountants and finance managers
• Business analysts and operations managers•


Course Objectives

• To master advanced spreadsheet functions and features for financial planning
• To develop skills in building and managing forecasting models
• To create and maintain effective budgets using spreadsheet tools
• To apply best practices for data analysis and presentation in financial spreadsheets
• To address common challenges and enhance spreadsheet efficiency in financial contexts

Day-by-Day Course Outline

Day 1: Advanced Spreadsheet Functions and Features

• Overview of essential spreadsheet functions: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH
• Advanced formulas: Array formulas, nested functions, and dynamic ranges
• Data validation and error checking: Ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Practical exercise: Building complex formulas and using data validation techniques

Learning Outcome:

Participants will gain proficiency in advanced spreadsheet functions and features, improving accuracy and efficiency in financial planning tasks.

Day 2: Building Financial Models for Forecasting

• Fundamentals of financial modelling: Structure, assumptions, and scenarios
• Techniques for creating dynamic forecasting models: Sensitivity analysis and scenario planning
• Using data tables and pivot tables for advanced data analysis
• Practical exercise: Developing a financial forecasting model based on historical data

Learning Outcome:

Participants will learn how to build and manage dynamic financial models for effective forecasting and scenario analysis.

Day 3: Budgeting Techniques and Best Practices

• Designing and structuring budgets: Fixed vs. flexible budgets, zero-based budgeting
• Techniques for budget creation: Templates, roll-forward models, and variance analysis
• Integrating budgets with financial models: Linking budgets to forecasting models and reports
• Practical exercise: Creating and managing a comprehensive budget using spreadsheet tools

Learning Outcome:

Participants will develop skills in designing and managing budgets, and integrating them with forecasting models for accurate financial planning.

Day 4: Data Analysis and Presentation

• Advanced data analysis techniques: Trend analysis, regression analysis, and visualisations
• Creating effective charts and graphs: Best practices for data presentation and interpretation
• Automating reports and dashboards: Using macros and custom functions to streamline reporting
• Workshop: Analysing financial data and creating a presentation-ready report or dashboard

Learning Outcome:

Participants will enhance their data analysis and presentation skills, enabling them to create clear and impactful financial reports and dashboards.

Day 5: Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Efficiency

• Common spreadsheet challenges: Performance issues, version control, and error management
• Best practices for spreadsheet design: Organising data, documentation, and usability
• Advanced tips and tricks: Keyboard shortcuts, conditional formatting, and template management
• Group project: Developing a comprehensive financial planning model incorporating all course elements
• Course wrap-up and feedback session

Learning Outcome:

Participants will be equipped to address common spreadsheet challenges and apply best practices to enhance efficiency in financial planning and analysis.

By the End of the Course, Participants Will Learn:

• Advanced spreadsheet functions and features for financial analysis
• Techniques for building and managing financial forecasting models
• Best practices for budgeting and integrating budgets with financial models
• Skills for advanced data analysis, presentation, and reporting
• Solutions to common spreadsheet challenges and strategies for enhancing efficiency

Course Delivery Methods

• Expert-led lectures and interactive presentations
• Hands-on exercises and practical case studies
• Workshops on financial modelling, budgeting, and data analysis
• Group projects for applying spreadsheet skills in real-world scenarios
• Demonstrations of advanced spreadsheet tools and techniques

Course Dates and Venue locations:

The Certificate:

After attending and completing the entire ARUK training course, delegates will be issued a Certificate of Completion

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4500 £ (Inc. VAT)