Wesley Kumar
Lead Methodology Designer
Spent 12 years building valuation models at investment banks before getting tired of 80-hour weeks. Now focuses on teaching analysts how to work smarter instead of just longer.
Building Models That Actually Work
Financial modeling isn't about fancy spreadsheets. It's about understanding what numbers mean and how they connect. We've spent years figuring out what works in real analyst work, not just in textbooks.
How We Structure Financial Models
Back in 2021, we noticed something odd. Analysts kept building models that looked perfect but broke when assumptions changed. So we developed a framework that prioritizes flexibility over perfection.
1
Data Foundation
Start with clean, organized inputs. Every assumption gets its own cell with clear labels. Sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many models skip this step and pay for it later.
2
Logic Layer
Build calculations that make sense to someone reading them six months later. Use intermediate steps instead of massive nested formulas. Your future self will appreciate this approach.
3
Validation Checks
Add flags that catch errors before they become problems. Simple balance checks and reasonability tests save hours of debugging when something doesn't add up.
4
Scenario Testing
Run multiple scenarios to see how the model behaves under stress. This reveals weak assumptions and helps identify which variables actually matter for decision-making.
5
Documentation
Document key assumptions and methodology choices. Not every cell needs explanation, but critical decisions should be clear enough that someone else can understand your logic.
6
Output Design
Present results in ways that support actual decisions. Charts that highlight key trends, tables that compare scenarios, and summaries that busy executives can actually use.
Real Project: Manufacturing Expansion Analysis
Challenge
The Initial Problem
A mid-sized manufacturer needed to decide between expanding their existing facility or opening a new location. Their existing financial model took three days to update and still couldn't answer basic "what if" questions.
The CFO was frustrated because every board meeting required manual recalculations. The team was spending more time fixing Excel errors than analyzing actual business decisions.
What We Built
A flexible three-statement model that updates in seconds. Built-in scenario manager that compares expansion options side by side. Clear output dashboards that show cash flow impacts under different timing assumptions.
Outcome
Results After Six Months
The finance team cut their model update time from three days to under two hours. Board presentations became more interactive because they could test assumptions in real-time during meetings.
More importantly, the model helped them identify that timing mattered more than location choice. They delayed expansion by four months to align with a major contract renewal, which improved the project's return significantly.
Key Takeaway
Good models support better decisions by making it easy to explore alternatives. The technical structure matters less than whether executives actually use the tool to think through options.
Who Develops These Methods
Our approach comes from people who've built models in actual finance departments, not just academic settings. Each person brings different industry experience that shapes how we teach.
Rita Thornton
FP&A Specialist
Developed planning models for three different Fortune 500 companies. Believes the best models are the ones that non-finance people can actually understand and use.
Marcus Friedman
Risk Modeling Expert
Former risk analyst who saw too many models fail during the 2020 volatility. Teaches analysts how to build flexibility into assumptions so models don't break when markets get weird.
How Financial Modeling Tools Keep Changing
The tools we use for financial modeling have shifted dramatically over the past few years. What worked in 2022 might be outdated by 2026. Here's what we're seeing and where things might go next.
Current State 2025
Excel Still Dominates
Despite predictions about its demise, Excel remains the core tool for most financial analysts. But how we use it has changed significantly.
- Power Query has replaced manual data imports for many teams
- Dynamic arrays make formulas cleaner and more maintainable
- Cloud collaboration through Microsoft 365 has reduced version control nightmares
- Python integration allows analysts to extend Excel without abandoning it
Emerging Trend 2025
Specialized Planning Software
More companies are testing dedicated FP&A platforms, though adoption remains uneven across industries and company sizes.
- Cloud-based tools offer better collaboration than spreadsheets
- Built-in workflow management helps with budget cycles
- Implementation costs and learning curves slow adoption
- Many teams end up using both Excel and planning software
2026 Outlook
Automation and Integration
The next wave focuses on connecting tools rather than replacing them. Analysts spend less time on data gathering and more on actual analysis.
- API connections pull data automatically from source systems
- Automated reconciliation catches discrepancies without manual checks
- Version control systems borrowed from software development
- AI-assisted error detection that actually helps instead of annoying
Long-term Direction
What Might Change By 2027
These predictions might be wrong, but current trends suggest modeling becomes more collaborative and less isolated.
- Real-time models that update as actuals flow in
- Better visualization tools that executives actually use
- Stronger integration between financial and operational data
- More focus on model governance and audit trails
The tools evolve, but the fundamental skills remain the same: understanding business drivers, building logical structures, and communicating insights clearly.
Want to Build Better Financial Models?
Our next intensive course starts in September 2025. You'll work through real modeling challenges with experienced analysts who've built hundreds of these things. No fluff, just practical techniques that work in actual finance departments.
Class size is limited to 16 people so everyone gets individual feedback on their models. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through July 2025.
180+ Analysts Trained
12 weeks Course Duration
4:1 Student-Instructor Ratio
2025 Next
Cohort Starts