FP&A Today

Danielle Stein Fairhurst: Using Excel for Business and Financial Modeling

Jun 6, 2023

Danielle Stein Fairhurst, Excel MVP and author, discusses the importance of Excel in business, her journey from investment banking to financial modeling, and the challenges of teaching online. They also talk about budget consolidation, differences between competition and work assignment models, the longevity of Excel, and the importance of learning Excel for a career in FP&A.

52:00

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Episode guests

Danielle Stein Fairhurst

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Excel proficiency is essential for FP&A professionals, enabling efficient financial modeling and analysis.

Sound design principles are crucial in building effective financial models, focusing on structure, efficiency, and simplicity.

Vigilance in error detection is necessary to maintain model integrity, relying on error-checking techniques and data validation.

Deep dives

Importance of Building Excel Skills

Building strong Excel skills is crucial, especially for those starting a career in FP&A. Excel is a foundational tool that will be used throughout one's career, allowing for efficient financial modeling and analysis. Being proficient in Excel opens up opportunities for involvement in budgeting and forecasting projects, and enhances one's value as a financial professional. Staying up-to-date with new Excel features and constantly improving Excel skills is vital in remaining competitive in the industry.

Introduction

2min

From Investment Banking to Financial Modeling: A Journey of Passion and Demand

11min

Making a Difference through Teaching

17min

Streamlining Budget Consolidation and Excel Modeling for FP&A

4min

Differences Between Financial Models for Competitions and Work Assignments

2min

The Longevity and Versatility of Excel in Business and Financial Modeling

11min

Favorite Excel Features and Functions

2min

Importance of Learning Excel for a Career in FP&A

2min

Danielle Stein Fairhust literally wrote the book on Excel and Financial Modeling. Well two books, actually. Using Excel for Business and Financial Modelling and Financial Modeling in Excel for Dummies.

Here, the Excel MVP from Australia provides her secrets to financial modeling.

Her road to financial modeling after traveling for seven years, and leaving investment banking Why Excel is so crucial for businesses
Budgeting and forecasting vs financial modeling
How she was commissioned to write her famous books
Difference between creating a LinkedIn course vs writing a book
Encouraging and raising the profile of women in financial modeling
Secrets to training and behind the scenes of the Financial Modeling World Cup
How to Become an Excel MVP
The biggest issue people face with financial modeling
The Financial Modeling Institute work and how to ace the test
Favorite Excel Function?
Biggest advice for someone starting in FP&A today?

Links

Danielle Stein Fairhurst: Using Excel for Business and Financial Modeling

Danielle Stein Fairhurst: Financial Modeling in Excel For Dummies

Danielle’s LinkedIn course (new), Excel: Financial Functions in Depth.

Follow Danielle Stein Fairhurst on LinkedIn

YouTube video of the episode

Follow Paul Barnhurst on LinkedIn

Follow Datarails on LinkedIn

FP&A Today is brought to you by Datarails.

Datarails is the financial planning and analysis platform that automates data consolidation, reporting and planning, while enabling finance teams to continue using their own Excel spreadsheets and financial models.

Get in touch at www.datarails.com

For AFP FP&A Continuing Education credit please complete the course via the Earmark Ap, must pass the quiz with 80% accuracy and send the completed certificate to pbarnhust@thefpandaguy.com for issuance of 1 hour of credit toward your AFP FP&A Certification.

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FP&A Today

Danielle Stein Fairhurst: Using Excel for Business and Financial Modeling

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of Building Excel Skills

Recognizing Design Challenges in Financial Models

Importance of Constant Vigilance for Error Detection

Benefits of Participating in Financial Modeling Competitions

Addressing the Gender Gap in Finance and Financial Modeling

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podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

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FP&A Today

Danielle Stein Fairhurst: Using Excel for Business and Financial Modeling

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of Building Excel Skills

Recognizing Design Challenges in Financial Models

Importance of Constant Vigilance for Error Detection

Benefits of Participating in Financial Modeling Competitions

Addressing the Gender Gap in Finance and Financial Modeling

Get the Snipdpodcast app

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Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

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Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
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