Financial Forecasting and Modeling (CPE Course)

CPE Credit: 5 hours

Course Type: Downloaded PDF materials with online test

Price (with PDF Textbook): $50

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Course Description
The ability to construct a reliable financial model that projects future performance is essential for the forward-looking business professional. This course provides the essential knowledge needed to become proficient at forecasting and modeling. It does so by discussing the different types of forecasting methodologies, the situations in which they should be used, and how to construct them. The course also examines the layout and formulation of a financial model, and addresses specific issues within such a model, including the treatment of depreciation, debt, equity, and working capital. Further, the course describes the construction of short-term and longer-term cash forecasts, and concludes with a review of the Excel functions that can be used for financial forecasting and modeling.

Author: Steven Bragg

Course Number: FN1022

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Financial Forecasting
Chapter 2. Financial Modeling
Chapter 3. Cash Forecasting
Chapter 4. Microsoft Excel Modeling

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize the characteristics of the Delphi method.

  • Identify the best uses of the different forecasting methods.

  • Specify the situations in which a smoothing constant can be used.

  • Recognize the different types of leading and lagging indicators.

  • State which report makes use of the accounting equation.

  • Specify how an income statement is used.

  • Identify the key inputs to a financial model.

  • Recognize the complications caused by the use of a plug within a financial model.

  • Specify the circumstances under which a business could fund its own growth.

  • Recognize the cases in which an expansion of a financial model might be warranted.

  • Specify the sources of the receipts and disbursements method.

  • Identify the duration periods for the different types of forecasts.

  • Specify why the results of an automated cash forecasting system may be incorrect.

  • Recognize the reliability levels of the different types of cash forecast information.

  • State the reasoning behind the use of a cash forecast reconciliation.

  • Specify which Excel functions will fit straight and curved lines to the data.

  • Identify the types of information provided by the different Excel functions relating to forecasting.

  • Recognize the inputs required for the different Excel functions relating to forecasting.

Level: Overview

Instructional Method: QAS Self-Study

NASBA Category: Finance

Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of Excel functionality

Advance Preparation: None

Latest Review Date: August 2024

Program Registration Requirements: Click on "Purchase Course" near the top of this page to pay for and access the course. You will then be able to download the course as a PDF file, then take an on-line examination, and then download a certificate of completion if you pass the examination.

Program Refund Policy: For more information regarding administrative policies concerning complaints, refunds, and other matters, see our policies page.

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AccountingTools, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

The NASBA sponsor identification number for Accountingtools, Inc. is 115881.

AccountingTools is an IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider. We are compliant with the requirements for continuing education providers (as described in sections 10.6 and 10.9 of the Department of Treasury’s Circular No. 230 and in other IRS guidance, forms, and instructions). Our IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider number is 72821.