Aug
Dates
Aug 10 - 14, 2026
Fee
$6,050.00
Reserve Your Place
Finance & Accounting
EXAM PREPARATION FOR FMI ADVANCED FINANCIAL MODELER – AFM 1
Duration5 Days
FormatPublic · Virtual-Live
LanguageAR / EN
Available Dates & Locations
Aug
Dates
Aug 10 - 14, 2026
Fee
$3,850.00
Reserve Your Place
Oct
Dates
Oct 26 - 30, 2026
Fee
$6,050.00
Reserve Your Place
Oct
Dates
Oct 26 - 30, 2026
Fee
$3,850.00
Reserve Your Place
Overview
The Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) is the first of three certification levels offered by the FMI. This exam preparation course forms the foundation for subsequent certification levels and focuses on the skills required to design and build integrated financial models. The AFM exam provides participants with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their modeling proficiency through an intensive modeling exam within a controlled environment. Participants who pass the exam will achieve the Advanced Financial Modeler credential.
Objectives
The AFM is the foundational level for earning the most respected financial modeling certification in the industry. It sets the global standard in financial modeling proficiency and allows you differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive financial environment. Consider how obtaining the AFM can accelerate your career:
- Skill Validation: Demonstrate advanced financial modeling proficiency to yourself and employers.
- Personal Development: Invest in yourself by earning certifications that are challenging and revered by the industry.
- Career Flexibility: Obtain a skillset that is globally relevant and respected across multiple lines of business.
Note
This course requires the use of laptops with Excel 2016/2019/365. Delegates must bring their own laptops with Windows-based Excel fully installed.
Key Competencies
- Financial model layout and best practices
- Intermediate-to-advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Excel efficiency
- Scenarios Analysis
- Accounting fundamentals including financial statement construction and linkages
- Model schedules (e.g. Fixed vs Variable Costs, Working Capital, Deferred Taxes, Debt and Equity)
Course Outline
1
FINANCIAL MODELING BEST PRACTICES
- Modeling as a Discipline Model Planning
- Error-checking techniques
- Performing Top/Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
- Model Purpose
- 11 Questions to ask the Modeler
- Design and Presentation
- Design Tips
- Headers/Footers
- Cover Page Rules
- Table of Contents
- Naming Conventions
2
FINANCIAL MODELING BEST PRACTICES (CONTINUED)
- Tab Structure
- Vertical versus Horizontal
- Cover, Summary, Assumptions, Scenarios,
- Schedules Tab, Model, Output
- Model Construction TipsStructural Tips
- Formatting Tips
- Formula Tips
- Circularity in Financial Models
3
MODEL ATTRIBUTES
- Dynamic
- Flexible
- Intuitive
- Transparent
- Printable
- Transferable
4
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
- Navigating Shortcuts
- Selecting Cells
- Function Keys
- Function Shortcuts
- Formatting Shortcuts
- Editing Shortcuts
- ALT Navigation Key Shortcuts
5
PROFESSIONAL EXCEL SKILLS
- Excel Tools
- Custom Formatting
- Lookup Functions
- Absolute References
- Paste Special
- IF Statements
- Conditional Formatting
- Forms & Drop-down Boxes
- Printing
6
SCENARIO ANALYSIS
- Rationale for Scenario Analysis
- Base Case
- Upside Case
- Downside Case
- Scenario Analysis Skills
- CHOOSE
- INDEX
- OFFSET
- Saving a Model
7
MODEL COMPONENTS
- Financial Statements
- Income Statement
- Cash Flow Statement
- Balance Sheet
- Statement of Comprehensive Income
- Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
- Sector-specific Statements
8
MODEL SCHEDULES
- Revenue Schedule
- Operating Cost Schedule
- Capex/Depreciation Schedule
- Income Tax Schedule
- Working Capital Schedule
Debt Schedule - Equity Schedule
9
ACCOUNTING MICROSOFT EXCEL & FINANCIAL MODELING
Outline and competencies are indicative; the final agenda is tailored and confirmed with VIFM.
Who Should Attend
The AFM program is open to anyone who has an interest in or currently works in business analysis, business planning, and financial modeling. From finance students to seasoned industry professionals, the AFM designation is ideal for those who:
- Understand the fundamentals and methodologies of financial modeling
- Want to hone and validate their skills
- Work as part of a larger team to provide support for improvement or new projects
- Work extensively with Excel in their day-to-day work to make material financial decisions
Methodology
This course demonstrates core principles in Financial Modeling and utilizes Excel in performing modern and creative techniques of Modeling. Real-life case studies, individual workshops, and team presentations by participants.
Interested in this programme?
Reserve your place and our learning advisor will contact you.
