Financial Forecasting and Scenario Modelling Training Course

This five-day course builds the skill to forecast financial performance and model the future under different scenarios. It covers forecasting methods and drivers, building forward looking financial models, and the scenario, sensitivity and stress testing that reveal how robust a plan really is. Participants leave able to build credible forecasts, model a range of futures, and give decision makers a clear view of risk and opportunity.

Every plan rests on a forecast, and every forecast rests on assumptions about an uncertain future. The danger is a single confident number that hides how much it could be wrong. The skill is to build forecasts that are driver based and transparent, and to model the range of outcomes so that decision makers can see not just the expected result but the risks around it.

This course builds that skill. It covers the methods used to forecast revenue, cost and cash, the construction of driver based forecast models, and the scenario, sensitivity and stress testing techniques that turn a single forecast into a clear picture of risk. The emphasis throughout is on credibility: forecasts that are defensible, traceable and useful. Participants leave able to build a forecast that holds up under scrutiny, model best, base and worst cases, and present a view of the future that helps an organisation plan with its eyes open rather than closed.

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Apply sound forecasting methods and principles.
• Identify and model the drivers of performance.
• Build a driver based forecast model.
• Forecast revenue, cost and cash credibly.
• Build best, base and worst case scenarios.
• Apply sensitivity analysis and data tables.
• Stress test forecasts and plans.
• Communicate uncertainty and risk clearly.
• Turn forecasts into decisions and plans.

This course is designed for:
•Financial planning and analysis staff

•Financial analysts and modellers

•Finance managers and business partners

•Budgeting and forecasting professionals

•Strategy and commercial finance staff

•Treasury and cash management staff

•Consultants and advisers building forecasts

•Managers who plan and own targets

The course is hands on and model based. Forecasting and scenario techniques are demonstrated and then built in Excel using realistic data, so participants construct forecast and scenario models over the week. The focus is on credible assumptions and clear presentation, with a daily practical session building the model forward.
• Live demonstration in Excel
• Forecast and scenario model building
• Sensitivity, data tables and stress testing
• Worked forecasting cases
• A daily practical session and a final forecasting clinic

Organizations that invest in this training for their teams will benefit from:
•Forecasts that are credible and defensible

•A clear view of risk around every plan

•Better decisions made with eyes open

•Earlier warning of downside scenarios

•More disciplined, traceable assumptions

•Stronger planning and resource allocation

•Plans that flex as conditions change

•A more forward looking finance function

Participants that enroll in this training will benefit from:

•Confidence to build credible, defensible forecasts

•The ability to model a range of futures

•Stronger driver based modelling skills

•Sharper sensitivity and stress testing technique

•A clearer way to communicate risk and uncertainty

•Greater command of the assumptions behind a plan

•A valued forward looking analytical skill

•Reusable forecast and scenario templates

At Strategic Revenue Africa, our certification goes beyond proof of attendance—it represents practical competence and measurable capability. Upon successful completion of our training programs, participants are awarded a Certificate of Completion from Strategic Revenue Africa, recognizing their ability to apply acquired knowledge in real-world settings. As an organization focused on architecting sustainable revenue and strengthening organizational performance, our certifications signal that participants are equipped with skills that drive results, not just theory.

A working knowledge of Excel and a basic understanding of financial statements are assumed. Some modelling experience helps but is not essential. A laptop with a current version of Excel is required, and a working command of English is sufficient.