Financial Modeling Tips

Home › Resources › Questions & Answers › Financial Modeling › Financial Modeling Tips

List of Financial Modeling Tips

Here is a list of top financial modeling tips: (1) always keep the model as simple as possible, (2) separate assumptions or inputs from calculations or formulas, (3) avoid adding any hardcodes within a formula, (4) avoid excessively completed formulas, (5) clearly label assumptions and formulas with color-coding, (6) create your own error checks, (7) perform sensitivity and scenario analysis, (8) create charts, graphs, and tables to display the results, (9) stress-test and sense-check the model, and (10) summarize your analysis in a presentation.

Additional Questions and Answers

CFI is the official global provider of financial modeling and valuation analyst FMVA DesignationFinancial Modeling CertificationFinancial Modeling Certification - earn your certificate as a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)® for careers in investment banking, FP&A,. CFI’s mission is to help anyone become a world-class financial analyst and has a wide range of resources to help you along the way.

In order to become a great financial analyst, below are some additional questions and answersKnowledgeCFI self-study guides are a great way to improve technical knowledge of finance, accounting, financial modeling, valuation, trading, economics, and more. for you to explore further:

What are the types of financial models?Types of Financial ModelsThe most common types of financial models include: 3 statement model, DCF model, M&A model, LBO model, budget model. Discover the top 10 types
What is sensitivity analysis?What is Sensitivity Analysis?Sensitivity Analysis is a tool used in financial modeling to analyze how the different values for a set of independent variables affect a dependent variable
What is bookkeeping?AccountingOur Accounting guides and resources are self-study guides to learn accounting and finance at your own pace. Browse hundreds of guides and resources.
What are the most common valuation methods?Valuation MethodsWhen valuing a company as a going concern there are three main valuation methods used: DCF analysis, comparable companies, and precedent transactions

Example Excel Model

Below is a screenshot from one of CFI’s online analyst training and certification courses, offered 100% online.

To learn How to Build an Excel Model step-by-step, click on the image below.

Analyst Certification Program