Secrets to Building Error-Free Financial Models with Cameron And Nicholas Hay

Financial Modeler's Corner

Welcome to the Financial Modeler's Corner (FMC), where we discuss the Art and Science of Financial Modeling with your host Paul Barnhurst.

Financial Modeler's Corner is sponsored by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the most respected accreditation in Financial Modeling globally.

In today’s episode, Paul engages in a conversation with Cameron and Nicholas Hay to discuss dynamic arrays in financial modeling. Cameron and Nicholas share their experiences and insights on using dynamic arrays to build fully dynamic models, avoiding common pitfalls, and the benefits of this approach.

Cameron and Nicholas are seasoned financial modeling experts and co-founders of Finomatic Consulting. Their practical advice and innovative tips have helped countless professionals enhance their modeling skills.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include:

• Use dynamic arrays to reduce the number of formulas and potential error points. Clearly separate inputs, calculations, and outputs into distinct sheets. This enhances clarity and ease of use.

• Ensure uniform column and row structures across sheets. This consistency minimizes errors and simplifies formula management, making models easier to audit and understand.

• Mixing traditional Excel formulas with dynamic arrays reduces the benefits. A complete commitment ensures better performance and error reduction.

• Using graphs and charts helps quickly identify trends and anomalies, making it easier to ensure realistic assumptions and accurate models.

• Establishes a solid foundation, ensuring you learn best practices early on, which prevents the development of bad habits and enhances overall modeling skills.

• Implementing dynamic arrays can drastically reduce the file size and complexity of models, making them more efficient and manageable.

• Issues like mixed calculations and unrealistic assumptions emphasize the importance of thorough checks and realistic inputs in financial modeling.

Download a sample fully dynamic 3-statement model Excel Files — The FP&A Guy (thefpandaguy.com) courtesy of Cameron and Nicolas Hay.

Quotes:

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode on financial analysis and modeling:

"A blank Excel workbook doesn't have any errors in it until you add data and formulas. Minimizing the number of formulas should reduce the error potential of the file.”

“With business, if you can understand how cash flows around a business, that's you can get in and really understand a business.”

“If you're going to dip your toe into dynamic arrays, you've got to make sure you commit fully with 100% commitment.”

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit. 

View and download the Financial Modeling Code at financial-modelling-code.ashx (icaew.com)

Follow Cameron and Nicholas:

• Cameron Hay LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-hay-ca-a31b4752/
• Nicholas Hay LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-hay-1992/
• Website - https://finomatic.co.uk/

Follow Paul:

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com  
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy 
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thefpandaguy 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376 

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In today’s episode:

[00:03] - Introduction

[00:40] - Guest Introduction and Theme for the Week: Dynamic Arrays

[01:50] - The Worst Financial Model the Guest Experienced

[02:00] - Horror Stories: Mixed Calculations and Unrealistic Assumptions

[04:10] - Key Takeaways from Horror Stories

[05:00] - Guests’ Backgrounds and Career Journeys

[10:00] - The Importance of Structure and Design in Financial Modeling

[14:10] - Introduction to Dynamic Arrays and Their Benefits

[21:30] - Challenges with Corkscrews and Lambdas

[31:20] - Rapid-Fire Session and Guests’ Contact Information