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.

Master the art of financial modeling by building a dynamic, transparent tool that not only forecasts performance but tells a compelling story. This guide walks through integrating seven essential schedules—from revenue and operating costs to debt and equity—instilling six key attributes for flexibility, clarity, and transferability, and structuring your workbook into logical sections (cover page, executive summary, assumptions, scenarios, and the calculation “engine”). Apply these principles to deliver a model that guides stakeholders step by step and drives confident decision-making.

Becoming an advanced financial modeler goes beyond building accurate spreadsheets. It requires proficiency in Excel, accounting, design, and finance to create models that decision makers trust. From clear scenario analysis and capital structure modeling to hidden skills like risk mitigation and strategic questioning, these are the capabilities that set strong financial modelers apart. Here are the skills that advanced financial modelers bring to their work—both what decision makers see and what they don’t:

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.

The best Excel tip you've never heard of. Try Excel’s Watch Window explained by FMI’s Executive Director, Ian Schnoor, CFA, CFM, and use it to monitor how changes to your assumptions impact key metrics like KPIs.

Have you ever reviewed a financial model that contains errors? Most people have. The reality is that many models contain errors. This Guide will help you check and review a financial model to ensure that it is accurate. Together these tips are a powerful suite of options to help find errors in a model.