Master the key pillars of financial model formatting—lock core assumptions with absolute references, spotlight critical insights using conditional formatting, frame each sheet with clear headers and footers, configure print-friendly layouts, and uphold clean structural conventions—so your spreadsheets look polished, remain error-proof, and communicate insights effortlessly.

Lay the groundwork for a robust financial model with a clear planning framework: review historicals, map out assumptions and schedules, structure formulas for transparency, and tackle nine critical questions to align scope, design, and outputs with decision-making needs.

Master your financial models with clear guidance: dispel common myths, follow the key dos & don’ts, then explore eight foundational tips plus sixteen advanced best practices to build accurate, transparent, and user-friendly spreadsheets.

Transform your financial modeling in Excel with five concise video lessons from Ian Schnoor, CFM. You’ll learn to automate text so your narrative updates as assumptions change, simplify and modularize formulas for easier auditing, eliminate hard-coded values by centralizing inputs, navigate sprawling workbooks at lightning speed, and jump straight into any precedent cell to inspect calculations with a single click. Apply these techniques to streamline your workflows, reduce errors, and build models that communicate insights clearly and adapt effortlessly to new scenarios.

Discover why financial modeling is indispensable for every strategic decision—from valuing acquisitions and assessing credit risk to planning budgets and stress-testing scenarios. This post unpacks how turning raw data into structured models delivers critical outputs like NPVs and sensitivity analyses, and why weaving those numbers into a clear, concise narrative is equally vital. By guiding stakeholders through the “what,” “why,” and “how” of each recommendation, a well-crafted model not only informs but inspires confidence and drives action.

Circular references are amongst the most contentious issues in the world of financial modeling. Views on the appropriateness of circularity vary by region, by sector and by company, so be sure to utilize the approach in the organization where you work.

In this webinar, Ian Schnoor, FMI’s Executive Director, will explore the key components of building a strong financial model. The session will cover topics such as optimizing model flow, managing assumptions effectively, creating a scenarios page, important modeling ideas, and practical tips to enhance your skills.

Join Ian Schnoor CFA, CFM, Executive Director of FMI for the Checking and Reviewing a Financial Model on-demand webinar where he will cover skills to check a financial model and the process and methodology to review a model.

When it comes to financial modeling, there are two main approaches to tab structure: vertical and horizontal. Some professionals also use a hybrid of the two. Ultimately, the choice of structure depends on the specific needs of the model and the preferences of the financial professional. Regardless of the approach selected, it’s important to apply best practices and follow a clear tab structure to ensure an effective and efficient modeling process.

In this video Ian Schnoor, FMI’s Executive Director, explores how to customize number formatting in Excel, helping you present financial data clearly and efficiently. These techniques will streamline your workflow and improve data presentation. Watch now for practical Excel formatting tips that enhance your financial models.