What You Need Before Starting
Building financial models isn't about jumping straight into formulas and spreadsheets. There's groundwork that makes everything else click into place. Think of it like learning to cook—you wouldn't start with a soufflé without knowing how to crack an egg.
Most people who struggle with financial modeling skip the foundation. They rush into Excel thinking software skills alone will carry them. But the real work happens before you open a single file. It's about understanding what you're actually modeling and why.
Let's walk through what actually matters before you start your learning journey in October 2025.
Core Skills That Matter
Basic Financial Literacy
You don't need an accounting degree, but you should know what revenue, expenses, and cash flow mean. If balance sheets confuse you, spend a few weeks with introductory finance resources. Understanding how businesses actually make money is half the battle.
Comfort with Numbers
This doesn't mean being a math genius. It means you're not intimidated by percentages, ratios, or simple algebra. If seeing a bunch of numbers makes you anxious, work on that comfort level first. Financial modeling is about relationships between numbers, not complicated equations.
Critical Thinking
Can you question assumptions? Do you ask "why" when someone tells you something? Financial models are only as good as the logic behind them. You'll need to think through scenarios, spot potential issues, and challenge your own reasoning constantly.
Patience for Detail
Models break when you miss small things. A misplaced cell reference or wrong formula can cascade into completely wrong outputs. If you rush through work without checking details, this field will frustrate you. Attention to accuracy isn't optional.
Learn From Kieran Voss
Lead InstructorI've been building financial models since 2011, first in banking, then consulting, and now teaching. The students who do well aren't always the ones with finance backgrounds. They're the ones who come in with genuine curiosity and willingness to think differently.
My approach focuses on understanding the business story behind the numbers. We don't just teach formulas—we teach you to think like someone who needs to make real decisions based on these models. That means questioning assumptions, testing scenarios, and building models that actually help people.
- 14 years building models for M&A deals and corporate strategy projects
- Previously with regional finance teams in Singapore and Bangkok
- Focuses on practical application over theoretical perfection
- Works with students to develop their own modeling approaches
Common Questions Answered
People reach out with similar concerns before starting. Here's what usually comes up and how to think about these situations realistically.
No Excel Experience?
That's actually fine. We start with Excel basics in the first two weeks. What matters more is your willingness to practice. If you can commit to spending time with the software between sessions, you'll catch up quickly. Most modeling work uses maybe 15% of Excel's features anyway.
Non-Finance Background?
About 40% of our students come from other fields—engineering, operations, marketing. They often bring fresh perspectives that finance people miss. You'll need to put in extra hours understanding business fundamentals, but that's manageable with the right resources and effort.
Limited Time Available?
Be honest about this. The course requires about 12 hours weekly—classes plus practice work. If you can't commit that consistently, you'll struggle. It's better to wait until your schedule allows proper focus than to rush through and not retain anything useful.
Learning Style Concerns?
Some people worry they're not "classroom learners." Our format mixes instructor-led sessions with hands-on building time. You'll spend more time doing than listening. If you learn by working through problems yourself, this approach tends to work well.
Industry-Specific Models?
We teach core principles that apply across industries—hospitality, manufacturing, tech, retail. The fundamentals stay consistent. Once you understand how to structure a model properly, adapting it to specific industries becomes straightforward with some research.
Age or Career Stage?
We've had students from 24 to 58 years old. Career stage matters less than motivation. If you have a clear reason for wanting this skill—whether career change, business planning, or professional development—age isn't the relevant factor. Commitment level is.
