The dynamic nature of the business world makes it imperative for businesses to constantly assess their financial standing to manage potential hazards and plan ahead.
The best way to achieve this is by identifying current economic trends, spotting and fixing issues and analysing and predicting future events that may affect the company’s financial performance.
Financial models assist analysts in doing just this and more.
An essential tool for businesses of all sizes, financial modelling provides insights into their financial health and enhances their decision-making processes. It is critical to adopt the best financial modelling practices to ensure the accuracy and efficacy of financial models.
You are on the right page if you are searching for answers to “what are financial modelling practices?” and the best practices to follow in 2023. Read on to learn about the best financial modelling practices.
What is a financial model?
A financial model is an instrument to predict a company's future financial performance. It uses accounting, finance, and business metrics to forecast a company's expected outcomes. The process of creating a financial representation of some or all features of a business or securities is known as financial modelling. Financial models can help organisations determine their worth, decide whether to raise capital or expand their business, and make investment decisions.
Financial modelling practices to follow in 2023
Creating an accurate and reliable financial model can be challenging. However, sticking to certain tried and tested practices can yield desirable results. Here are some key financial modelling practices businesses can implement to develop reliable models.
Assess common financial models: Businesses typically use five financial models. They are Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, Comparable Company Analysis (CCA), Precedent Transactions Analysis (PTA), Sum of the Parts (SOTP), and Leveraged Buyout (LBO). Each model has its benefits as well as drawbacks. Hence, selecting a model that best suits your analysis is crucial.
Maintain a natural flow: Your financial model should flow from left to right and top to bottom. Supporting schedules should be followed by key output worksheets at the end of the model. This ensures that the model is logical, easily understandable, and flawless.
Limit important inputs and calculations: To make your model explicit, convenient and user-friendly, keep all major inputs, assumptions, and calculations on a single worksheet. The more the number of spreadsheets, the more difficult it is to keep track of your inputs and calculations, and the higher the probability of errors.
Build your model as follows: Regardless of the type, every financial model's structure comprises inputs or assumptions, a processing method, that is, calculations, and outputs or outcomes. Ensure the structural integrity of your model by organising inputs, calculations, and outputs in a clear and logical manner.
Keep your model flexible: An ideal financial model should be flexible enough to accommodate changes in the business environment. You can make your model more flexible by using range names for inputs, assumptions, and outputs. Doing so makes adjusting the model as needed easier without breaking formulas.
Use sensitivity analysis: Sensitivity analysis helps you understand how changes in key inputs impact the model's outputs. This tool is essential to make sound business decisions. You can use Excel's built-in sensitivity analysis features, such as Data Tables and Scenario Manager, or third-party applications to conduct sensitivity analysis.
Use clear and consistent formatting: Consistently formatting your model helps to guarantee that it is easy to read and understand. For numbers, headings, and formulas, use clear and consistent formatting. This makes it easier to identify errors and ensures that your model is easily understandable.
Test your model: It is essential to thoroughly test it before using it to ascertain that it is reliable, accurate, and error-free. Stress testing, scenario testing, and backtesting can all be used to examine the efficiency of your model. These tests help you identify potential weaknesses in your model and ensure it is robust.
Keep yourself up-to-date: Financial modelling is constantly evolving, with new methodologies and improved practices coming up all the time. Consider following financial modelling blogs such as eFinancialModels, which offer insights into financial modelling in Excel, financial analysis, and raising finances to remain current on the newest developments.
Conclusion
The best financial modelling practices for 2023 involve choosing the right model, keeping it simple, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. By following these practices, businesses can create accurate and effective financial models that inform decision-making and drive success.
If you wish to make a career in financial analysis, knowing the core concepts of financial modelling is essential. Enrol in Imarticus’s Financial Analysis Prodegree course offered in collaboration with KPMG to learn all about financial analysis. With a comprehensive industry-approved curriculum and real-world case studies, the programme will transform your career.
