It is mandatory for all participants to be equipped with a laptop, pre-installed with either Microsoft Excel 2021 or latest version to optimise the learning experience. If you have a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you will need to have a locally installed Excel 365 application in your PC or laptop. Macros cannot be executed when the workbook containing them is opened in Excel online. Also, kindly note that Mac Excel version has limited Excel functionality. Access to a Generative AI platform such as ChatGPT-4, which supports interactive financial analysis and automated reporting.

Budgeting remains the cornerstone of planning and control within every organization. Microsoft Excel continues to be the most widely used tool by financial professionals for its flexibility, accessibility, and analytical strength. However, traditional budgeting methods that dependent on manual spreadsheets and static models are increasingly prone to errors and inefficiencies in today’s fast-changing business environment.

This course equips participants with the practical skills to build accurate, efficient, and dynamic budgets by integrating traditional budgeting techniques with modern automation and AI technologies. Participants will learn how to design structured and standardised Excel budgeting models, utilise advanced analytical tools for forecasting and optimization, and apply Generative AI to automate repetitive tasks, predict future trends, and generate insightful financial reports.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Create fast, reliable budgets and forecasts using efficient planning methods;
2. Build error-resistant Excel budget models with structured layouts for better audits;
3. Perform scenario budgeting and sensitivity analysis;
4. Set targets and allocate resources optimally using optimization analysis; and
5. Boost data handling and reporting by leveraging advanced Excel functions, VBA, and AI, ensuring alignment to KPIs and business objectives.

Programme Outline

Day 1 – Budgeting Foundations and Excel Modeling Essentials

• Module 1: Budgeting Overview & AI Context
  • Strategic vs. Tactical Budgeting
  • Approaches to Budgeting
  • The AI Revolution in Finance
  • The Human-AI Partnership
• Module 2: Spreadsheet Design & Core Functions
  • Principles of Good Model Architecture
  • The Essential Function Engine
  • Dynamic Arrays in Excel 365
  • Refining Data Integrity
• Module 3: Building Core Budgetary Statements
  • The Three-Statement Model
  • Budgeting Methodologies in Excel
  • Cash Flow and Liquidity Planning
  • Asset and Capital Budgeting
• Module 4: Forecasting Techniques
  • Qualitative vs. Quantitative Methods
  • Time-Series Analysis
  • Statistical Regression

Day 2 – Advanced Modeling, Automation, and AI Integration

• Module 5: Advanced Analysis – Optimization & Risk
  • Optimization Analysis
  • Goal Seek Analysis
  • Quantifying Financial Risk
• Module 6: Scenario Planning & Sensitivity
  • Sensitivity Analysis with Data Tables
  • Scenario Manager
  • Stress Testing
  • Visual Narrative & Dashboards
• Module 7: Automation & Budget Consolidation
  • Automation via Power Query
  • Advanced Consolidation
  • Automation and VBA
• Module 8: Integrating Generative AI
  • Prompt Engineering for Finance
  • AI-Driven Analysis
  • Predictive Policy Recommendations
  • Validation & Governance

Training Methodology*

Intended For

Participants are expected to have prior experience in budgeting or forecasting, a foundational understanding of financial statements (including P&L, cash flow and capital budgeting), and basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel. This course is designed for accountants, finance managers and controllers, department heads and senior managers, as well as managers and FP&A professionals involved in the preparation of budgets and cash flow forecasts, particularly those embracing digital transformation.

Competency Mapping

Category 5 = 14.00 Hours

Programme Facilitator(s)