Modelling Real World Complexities

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland

Price: USD 137

Duration: 5 Hours

Course details

Financial models are powerful tools but not without their limitations. Ignoring the complexities and uncertainties of the real world can lead to unrealistic results. This course explains how to decide which complexities to include in your financial models and how to include them.

You’ll be looking at what effect variable inputs, economic factors and scenario based inputs can have on models. The course also takes a look at the vital importance of the way in which data is presented, and how this can be a strength rather than a weakness.

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Learning Outcomes

Introduction – Levels of Complexity

What are real world complexities?
Why are businesses concerned about these real world complexities?
What challenges do real world complexities present?
Can I test a model to determine the effects of real world complexities?
Which complexities are particularly difficult to include in a business financial model?

Variable Inputs

What are variable inputs in relations to modelling real world complexities?
How can the model deal with unpredictable or “actual” inputs?
Should I include non-financial calculations to drive the costs and/or revenues?
Which ingredients are required to calculate the sales revenue?
How are the calculation blocks for the sales revenues constructed?

Economic Factors

What economic factors is a financial model likely to include?
Which ingredients are required to calculate the escalation factor?
How is the calculation block for the inflation factor constructed?
What should I consider when modelling cash flows which are denominated in different currencies?
How do I set up the model to deal with different currencies?
What do I need to know about interest rates?

Scenarios

Why might you want to test different scenarios in a model?
What if my assumptions turn out to be inaccurate?
How can I efficiently use my model to test a variety of assumptions?
What calculations need to be included?
How can I gain experience of using the model in this way?

Reporting Requirements

What do I need to know about reporting?
Does FAST apply the same rules to presentational sheets?
How can I incorporate the non-financial data in the output presentation?
What is a “dashboard” in the context of financial modelling?

Updated on 08 November, 2015

About Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland

Chartered Accountants Ireland (The Institute) is a membership body representing 23,000 influential members throughout the globe. their role is to educate, represent and support their members. their members work in senior positions in practice and industry. they are committed to restoring confidence at every level of the economy. they work with governments and businesses to raise awareness of the importance of sound financial advice.

Chartered Accountants Ireland was established as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland by Royal Charter in 1888. Its activities and those of its members are governed by its Bye-Laws and by Rules relating to professional and ethical conduct. These provisions are contained in the Handbook which is available to all members.

Chartered Accountants Ireland is governed by a Council and it is responsible for determining policy and monitoring its implementation. Council is lead by the Officer Group and supported by the Management Team and staff. A number of committees with voluntary member involvement also play a key role.

See all Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland courses

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