Excel for Finance & FP&A: Analysis, Forecasting, Modeling

Name: Excel for Finance & FP&A: Analysis, Forecasting, Modeling
Rating: 4.6 (299 reviews)

Learn professional Excel techniques for FP&A — forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis & dynamic financial modeling.

Created byRushan Rafiq

Last updated 6/2026

English

What you'll learn

Build dynamic Excel models for real-world FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) scenarios, including forecasting and variance analysis.
Analyze financial performance using data-driven techniques to uncover insights and trends.
Apply advanced Excel tools (Power Query, formulas, automation) to streamline FP&A workflows.
Develop bottom-up and top-down financial forecasts with scenario and sensitivity analysis.
Design clean, professional Excel models that can be easily updated and shared with management.
Strengthen your FP&A fundamentals—linking business drivers, budgets, and performance metrics.
Translate raw financial data into actionable insights that influence business decisions.
Gain the Excel and analytical confidence needed to advance your career in FP&A or finance.

Course content

8 sections • 72 lectures • 5h 59m total length

Course Introduction1:36
Course introduction.
About me1:41
Welcome! In this short lecture, I’ll introduce myself and share a bit about my background and how my FP&A experience has shaped the lessons in this course
Course Outline5:27
Get a quick overview of what this course covers and how each module builds your FP&A and Excel skills — from data preparation to forecasting and financial modeling.
Role of FP&A in Corporate World2:10
Understand the key responsibilities of FP&A professionals and how they support decision-making, budgeting, and performance management in modern organizations.

Module 2 Intro1:14
Get an overview of the key Excel formulas and functions you'll master in this module.
Arithmetic Functions: SUM & SUMIFS4:31
Learn how to use SUM and SUMIFS to aggregate financial data quickly and accurately.
Arithmetic Functions: COUNT & COUNTIFS3:33
Understand COUNT and COUNTIFS to count data dynamically based on business conditions.
Arithmetic Functions: MIN, MAX1:45
Discover how to find minimums and maximums from a range of numbers.
Logical Functions: IF, AND & OR6:32
Use logical tests to analyze data, flag results, and automate financial insights.
Exercise: Logical Functions Practice2:45
Apply IF, AND and OR functions in real world like example to solidify your learning.
Lookup Functions: VLOOKUP & HLOOKUP5:32
Lookup Functions: XLOOKUP Explained3:44
Learn the modern XLOOKUP function for flexible and easier data lookups.
Lookup Functions: Multiple Lookup Values2:26
Learn the combo technique when you want to lookup based on multiple lookup values.
Lookup Functions: Handling Errors2:55
Handle lookup errors gracefully to keep models clean and professional.
Text Functions: LEN, LEFT & TRIM5:41
Clean and format messy text data using LEN, LEFT, and TRIM functions.
Text Functions: CONCAT & TEXTJOIN5:09
Merge text and create readable outputs for reports using CONCAT and TEXTJOIN.
Date Functions: YEAR, MONTH & TODAY3:22
Work with date values and extract insights for time-based financial analysis.
Array Functions: Filter, Sort & Unique6:25
Explore array formulas to perform powerful calculations based on dynamic ranges.
Named cells and ranges7:35
Learn how to name and reference cells effectively for cleaner, scalable models.
Mini Project: Applying Core Excel Functions8:25
Put everything you have learned so far together to solve a real world analytical problem.
Module 2 Quiz

Module 3 Introduction1:12
Get an overview of the Excel data tools you'll learn — from validation to PivotTables — and how they simplify analysis.
Data Validation to Control Data Entry Errors5:33
Learn how to control user inputs with data validation and create dynamic drop-down lists for cleaner, error-free data entry.
Data Validation for Drop-Down Menus4:25
Learn how to control user inputs with data validation and create dynamic drop-down lists for cleaner, error-free data entry.
Conditional & Custom Formatting12:57
Discover how to highlight key trends and outliers using Excel’s conditional and custom formatting options.
Text Functions for Dynamic Formatting5:43
Learn excel's text functions to clean and transform data.
Sorting Data4:57
Master Excel’s sorting tools to organize and explore your data.
Filtering Data3:09
Learn excel's data filtering techniques.
PivotTables Part 1: Basics5:54
Understand the fundamentals of PivotTables and how to summarize large datasets with ease.
PivotTables Part 2: Filters, Slicers & Calculated Fields7:21
Take your PivotTable skills further with filters, slicers, and calculated fields for deeper insights.
Module 3 Quiz

Module 4 Introduction1:03
Module introduction: Get an overview of how Power Query and Power Pivot can automate data preparation and do the heavy lifting for us, if deployed smartly.
Power Query Basics: Overview5:55
Learn what Power Query is, why it’s powerful. We will do a small exercise in which we combine data from three different sheets into one pivotable using power query.
Power Query: Interface tour7:12
Connect Excel to an external excel files and explore the Power Query Editor ribbon and key tools.
Power Query: Transformations & Data Cleanup4:49
Perform essential data cleaning tasks like removing columns, replacing values, changing data types and filtering out data.
Power Query: Merging Queries8:47
Merge different queries to create consolidated, analysis-ready tables.
Power Query: Automated Data Refresh4:16
Automate data refresh so your reports and models always update with the latest information.
Power Query: Data Structures and Unpivoting5:36
Understand difference between wide and vertical data structures, use the unpivot feature to reshape datasets from wide to vertical format.
Power Query: Handling Multi-Header Columns3:55
Learn techniques for cleaning and restructuring data with multiple header rows into a usable tabular format.
Power Query: Appending Queries3:59
Stack similar datasets from different sources using the Append feature to build a unified data table.
Power Query: Connecting to a Folder & Combining Files6:27
Automatically retrieve and combine data from all files within a folder — perfect for monthly or regional reports.
Advanced Power Query and M Code - Optional Further Learning5:18
Introduction to Power Pivot & DAX12:35
Discover how to use Power Pivot and basic DAX formulas to set up automated variance calculations.
Module 4 & Part 1 Wrap-Up0:34
Congrats for completing part 1. Now we will apply all the skills from part 1 to real world scenarios.
Module 4 Quiz

Module 5 Introduction1:55
Get an overview of what you’ll learn in this module
Introduction to the P&L Statement1:57
Understand what a Profit & Loss statement is, its key components, and how FP&A teams use it to analyze business performance.
Manual Consolidation & Its Drawbacks4:50
Learn how to combine multiple P&L files using formulas and why this method becomes inefficient as data complexity grows.
Automate Consolidation using Power Query7:06
Discover how Power Query simplifies multi-file P&L consolidation and allows flexible slicing and analysis.
Error Handling and Mismatched Fields8:26
Learn how to manage mismatched descriptions, field names, and missing lines during P&L consolidation in Power Query.
Multi-Currency Consolidation – Basics9:25
Build a simple Power Query setup to consolidate P&Ls in different currencies into one group currency P&L.
Multi-Currency Consolidation – Reported Forex3:55
Perform P&L consolidation using reported FX rates that vary by year to reflect real-world financial reporting.
Multi-Currency Consolidation – Constant Forex6:57
Use constant currency FX rates for variance analysis and understand how this helps isolate operational performance.

Module 6 Introduction0:58
Get an overview of how variance analysis helps FP&A teams explain business performance and drive accountability.
Set up PNL Variances6:01
Learn to build a simple year-over-year variance analysis using Power Pivot and DAX formulas.
Understanding Price, Volume & Mix Drivers4:19
Explore the key variance components—price, volume, and mix—and how they reveal what truly drives results.
Decomposing Sales Variance into Price & Volume4:30
Break sales variance into price and volume effects for deeper performance insights.
Error Handling with New & Discontinued Products5:55
Learn how to treat new launches, discontinued items, and apply error handling for cleaner variance models.
Profit Variance: Focusing on % Change vs. Absolute Change7:33
Learn why percentage change provides better insight than absolute variance and calculate price and cost effects at product level.
Understanding and Calculating Mix Impact10:50
Explore the concept of mix variance and perform portfolio-level analysis to measure how product mix drives profitability.
Adding a Mix Impact Indicator by Product6:42
Build a dynamic mix indicator that shows whether each product contributes positively or negatively to total profit variance.
Handling New and Discontinued Items in Profit Variance5:37
Learn to adjust variance analysis to account for new launches and discontinued products without skewing results.
Applying Variance Techniques Beyond Sales and Profit1:11
Extend the same price, volume, and mix analysis techniques to other P&L lines for deeper FP&A insights.
Module 6 Quiz

Module 7 Introduction1:06
Get an overview of what you’ll learn — how to build driver-based forecasts and structured budget models in Excel.
Three Core Skills for Successful FP&A Forecasting6:06
Learn the three critical skills every FP&A professional needs to manage the forecasting process — technical knowledge, communication skills, and business acumen.
Designing Input Templates: Sales Volume Forecast4:33
Understand key principles of effective input design and build a clean, user-friendly template for sales volume forecasting.
Setting Up Sales Price Input Templates1:50
Create and structure sales price input sheets to capture assumptions clearly, keep it power query friendly and relevant for users.
Designing Cost Input Templates1:14
Build cost input templates that can later link directly to volume assumptions for a complete margin view.
Overheads Input Template Setup2:28
Learn how to structure overhead input templates that align with business functions and cost centers.
Consolidating Input Templates using PQ7:07
Combine your sales, price, and cost input templates using power query and keep entire setup dynamic and easily refreshable.
Consolidating Overheads & Building Forecast P&L12:20
Merge overhead data, complete the forecast P&L, and compare results versus last year for performance insights.
Forecast Model Review2:02
Walk through the completed forecasting model and see how it supports future variance analysis and management discussions.

Module 8 Introduction1:20
Get an overview of how sensitivity and scenario analysis help finance professionals test assumptions and guide smarter decisions.
Perform Sensitivity Analysis in the Forecast Model3:25
Learn how to perform quick what-if and sensitivity tests in your forecast model to see how changing key drivers impacts results.
Scenario Analysis: Building Best-Case, Worst-Case Forecast Scenarios13:26
Set up structured scenario analysis in Excel to compare best-case, worst-case, and base forecasts side by side for clear management insights.

Requirements

Basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel (entering data, simple formulas, and formatting).
A genuine interest in financial analysis, planning, or FP&A — no prior FP&A experience required.
Microsoft Excel 2016 or later (or Microsoft 365) installed on your computer.
No prior financial modeling experience needed — each concept is explained step-by-step with practical examples.

Description

Are you looking to elevate your Excel skills and learn how finance teams use them to analyze data, forecast performance, and drive smarter business decisions?

This course teaches you how to combine finance fundamentals with modern Excel automation tools — including Power Query, dynamic formulas, and structured modeling techniques — to transform how you work with data and build professional-grade financial models.

You’ll learn to design an end-to-end FP&A model that connects multiple entities, automates updates, and enables quick scenario testing — just like in real corporate environments. Along the way, you’ll also explore principles of forecasting, how to collaborate across departments, and manage stakeholder expectations during budget and review cycles.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

Build a consolidated Profit & Loss (P&L) model for multiple entities
Use Power Query to clean, combine, and transform data automatically
Develop flexible forecasting and budgeting templates driven by assumptions
Perform variance, sensitivity, and scenario analyses with ease
Understand the people and process side of FP&A — including alignment, communication, and collaboration best practices

Whether you work in finance, accounting, analytics, or business operations, this course gives you the tools, techniques, and mindset to bridge technical Excel skills with real-world business impact and automation efficiency.

Who this course is for:

Excel users who want to move beyond formulas and learn how Excel is used in real-world financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
FP&A analysts, accountants, and finance professionals who want to strengthen their analytical and modeling skills to deliver sharper business insights.
Business and finance students who want to learn practical Excel and FP&A techniques not covered in university.
Professionals preparing for FP&A or financial analyst roles and want hands-on experience with forecasting, modeling, and performance analysis.
Managers and decision-makers who want to understand how FP&A teams build models and support strategic decisions.

Excel for Finance & FP&A: Analysis, Forecasting, Modeling

What you'll learn

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Course content

Welcome & Course Overview4 lectures • 11min

Essential Formulas & Functions16 lectures • 1hr 12min

Tools for Effective Data Analysis9 lectures • 51min

Power Query & Power Pivot for Automation13 lectures • 1hr 10min

P&L Consolidation and Currency Translation in Excel8 lectures • 45min

Variance Analysis10 lectures • 54min

Building Forecasts and Budgets in Excel9 lectures • 39min

Sensitivity and Scenario Analysis in Excel3 lectures • 18min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: