FIN2508. The Value of Information: Creating Accurate Financial Forecasts

Accurate financial forecasting isn’t just a critical skill for finance practitioners, it’s vital for a company’s strategic decision making. Yet, many organizations struggle to generate forecasts that are both reliable and actionable. In this session, an FP&A practitioner/Microsoft MVP will provide guidance through the essential components of effective forecasting and Excel modeling to elevate their financial planning — ranging from data integrity and driver selection to scenario analysis and interactive reporting. You’ll receive actionable tools and real-world strategies to bridge the gaps between data and business partner needs. Leave with a greater sense of peace and confidence to build forecast models that drive smarter decisions and inspire trust.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key elements of high-quality financial data and understand how to ensure data integrity for forecasting purposes.
• Select appropriate financial and operational drivers to improve forecast accuracy and relevance.
• Determine clear and actionable forecasts that support strategic decision making and communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.
• Apply scenario planning techniques to anticipate risks, opportunities, and the impact of external factors on financial outcomes.