Financial Modelling in the Public Sector
Learn the good practices that will reduce errors and improve the usability of your spreadsheets in under an hour.
Spreadsheet software has transformed the work done by accountants in many ways and makes it possible to build complicated financial models for evaluating real world situations. There tends to be a lack of standards for spreadsheeting in public sector organisations. Each accountant creates spreadsheets and financial models in their own (self-taught, probably) way. That is OK until a spreadsheet has to be used by someone else. Or even more difficult, the spreadsheet has to be updated by someone else. Often they will find it easier just to build a new spreadsheet using their self-taught methods: an avoidable waste of time and effort.
This course will introduce you to a set of straightforward principles you can use in any spreadsheets and financial models you build. Whether you work in Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers or an Open Office spreadsheet application, by completing this course you will:
- understand the importance of following good practice financial modelling standards
- be able to build high quality financial models that are easier to use, easier to review and easier to update
- Make fewer mistakes by building checks into your spreadsheets
- Produce work that you're proud to share with others.
And, if you're a manager of a finance team you can use this knowledge to set financial modelling standards for your team.
The standard version of this course includes a PDF summary of the tips and the opportunity to have a FREE 15-minute call with me to answer any questions you have as a result of the course.
Who will benefit?
Accountants: improve your spreadsheet skills to improve the quality of your work and save time
Finance team managers: understand the importance of using consistent financial modelling standards so that you can lead your team in adopting them.
Aspiring finance professionals: prepare for your career in public sector organisations by learning financial modelling best practice.
"Overall it's very well presented. The videos and screen clips provide the learner with some good examples, which can be easily followed."
- Finance Manager, Rotherham Council
"This is very useful for my public sector accounting and auditing work to ensure effectiveness and productivity."
- KL, Chief Internal Auditor, District Secretariat, Sri Lanka
Your Instructor
Gary Bandy is a Chartered Public Finance Accountant with over 30 years' experience of public financial management. His career has included roles in accounting, audit and senior management, and since 2005 he has been an independent consultant.
Gary's first experience of teaching was in South Sudan in 2008. He discovered by accident how much he enjoyed teaching when delivering a short course in South Sudan in 2008. Since then he has taught on postgraduate courses for several universities and has written training material and online courses for several other organisations, including ACCA and the Open University.
Teaching led to writing textbooks. Gary's first book, Financial Management and Accounting in the Public Sector, was described as “an innovative and wonderful addition to the literature of public sector management.” His latest book, International Public Financial Management: Essentials of Public Sector Accounting was published by Routledge/CIPFA at the end of 2018.
In his spare time, Gary loves walking his dog and riding his bicycle.
"His experience working [in the] public sector as an accountant and auditor gives an insight into managing public money. He's creative! His Powerpoint presentation is fantastic!"
- MPA student, University of Nottingham
"This course was very learner friendly while providing the scope needed to tackle fundamental issues in public finance. It should be required reading not only for public managers but for the politicians as well."
- S.K., Open University online course student