Foundations of Financial Modeling

Foundations of financial modeling gives finance and project professionals a structured, applied pathway from core financial accounting principles through to sophisticated Excel-based financial models used in real project and investment environments.

The course begins with financial statements, ratio analysis, budgets, OPEX and CAPEX, and financial terminology before building into Excel fundamentals, flowcharting, pivot tables, and the steps to develop a financial model from scratch.

Financial modelling content covers forecasting the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, budgeting models, purchase and finance decisions, and capital investment appraisal using payback, ARR, NPV, and IRR in Excel.

Risk modelling is addressed through sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, break-even analysis, and interest rate and exchange rate modelling — with specific application to the oil and gas sector.

The course closes with project performance modelling, covering variance analysis, critical path analysis, GANTT charts, earned value analysis, and project simulation — giving delegates a complete end-to-end modelling capability.

This foundations of financial modeling course is designed to give delegates a working command of financial accounting principles, Excel modelling techniques, financial forecasting, risk analysis, and project performance modelling — with direct application to oil and gas project environments.

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Prepare and interpret financial statements: Develop and analyse income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements using ratio analysis and financial performance frameworks.
• Apply financial modelling foundations in Excel: Use core Excel functions, input tables, pivot tables, and flowcharting techniques to structure and build financial models.
• Build financial forecast models: Forecast financial statements, develop budgeting models, and model purchase, equity, debt, and capital investment decisions in Excel.
• Apply capital investment appraisal techniques: Evaluate capital projects using payback, ARR, NPV, and IRR within Excel-based models.
• Model risk and uncertainty: Apply sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, break-even analysis, and interest rate and exchange rate modelling to risk management scenarios.
• Apply risk modelling to oil and gas: Identify and model the major risks and uncertainties specific to oil and gas sector financial decisions.
• Model project financial performance: Conduct variance analysis, critical path analysis, earned value analysis, and project simulation using GANTT charts and Excel-based project models.

This foundations of financial modeling course is designed for finance, project, and operations professionals who need to build structured financial modelling capability — particularly those working in or with oil and gas project environments.

This course is suitable for:

• Finance and Accounting Professionals: Those who need to develop financial modelling skills to support budgeting, forecasting, and investment decision-making in their organisations.
• Project Finance Professionals: Those involved in oil and gas or capital-intensive project environments who need to model project financial performance, variances, and risk scenarios.
• Financial Analysts: Those building or reviewing financial models who need a structured foundation across Excel techniques, financial statement forecasting, and capital appraisal.
• Engineers and Technical Professionals Moving into Finance Roles: Those with technical backgrounds who need to develop financial literacy and modelling capability to engage effectively with financial decisions.
• Project Managers and Planners: Those responsible for project planning and performance management who need to integrate financial modelling, earned value analysis, and critical path analysis into their project oversight.
• Operations and Commercial Professionals: Those involved in purchase decisions, capital investment proposals, or cost management who need stronger financial modelling skills to support commercial analysis.

This foundations of financial modeling course is delivered through structured technical instruction and applied Excel modelling sessions integrated throughout every stage of the course — ensuring delegates build real, transferable modelling capability alongside the financial and project management frameworks that underpin each model.

Delivery methods include:

• Instructor-Led Technical Sessions: Expert facilitators guide delegates through financial accounting principles, Excel foundations, financial forecasting, risk modelling, and project performance analysis in a structured, progressive sequence.
• Excel Modelling Exercises: Delegates build financial models directly in Excel throughout the course, covering input tables, pivot tables, forecast models, capital appraisal tools, sensitivity analysis, and project performance models.
• Financial Statement Modelling: Delegates develop and forecast income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements within structured modelling exercises that reflect real financial reporting and planning scenarios.
• Risk Scenario Modelling Sessions: Sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, break-even analysis, and interest rate and exchange rate modelling are applied in dedicated sessions focused on oil and gas risk environments.
• Project Performance Modelling Workshops: Variance analysis, critical path analysis, GANTT chart construction, earned value analysis, and project simulation exercises give delegates applied experience of modelling complex project financial performance.

• AZTech Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the training course