AI-Powered Financial Analysis: Budgeting, Forecasting & Excel Modeling

Important note: This training may demonstrate AI tools that are not approved for use with Stanford data. Inclusion in this session does not imply institutional approval. Participants should refrain from entering Stanford data into unapproved tools. An up-to-date list of approved and reviewed tools is available on the GenAI Evaluation Matrix page.

Code	Date	Delivery	Cost
ITS-1234	Tue Jun 16, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Thu Jun 18, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm	Live Online : 2 sessions	$450
ITS-1234	Tue Aug 11, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Thu Aug 13, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm	Live Online : 2 sessions	$450

Before each live online session, Tech Training will provide a Zoom link for live online classes, along with any required class materials.

Discover essential Excel skills and AI tools for managing financial data. Covers financial functions, shortcuts, forecasting, and using AI to accelerate modeling, validate calculations, and generate insights for budgets, forecasts, and financial models.

Michael Magreta

I have over 20 years of experience working with Microsoft programs in both educational and professional settings. This experience spans from simple, as-needed problem-solving techniques, to very complex, pro-active strategies to increase efficiency and production. Learn more about Michael Magreta

Program Description

Explore essential skills and AI-powered tools to manage financial data in Excel more efficiently. This session covers fundamental financial functions, shortcuts, and forecasting techniques, and explores how AI can accelerate complex financial modeling, validate calculations, and generate insights from your financial data. Whether you're building budgets, creating forecasts, or developing financial models, learn how to combine Excel's financial capabilities with AI assistance to work faster and with greater confidence.

Goal: To become better acquainted with the financial capabilities of Excel enhanced by AI tools

Learning Objectives

Identify and work with essential financial functions in Excel
Increase fluency with shortcuts and time-saving techniques
Discover how AI can validate and optimize financial formulas
Accurately forecast data using traditional methods and AI-enhanced approaches
Create dynamic financial models with AI assistance
Use AI to explain complex financial concepts and troubleshoot errors
Generate AI-powered insights from financial data and models

Topic Outline

Core Financial Functions:

Present Value (PV) / Future Value (FV)
Net Present Value (NPV)
Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Payment (PMT) and related loan functions
Date functions (EOMONTH, YEARFRAC, etc.)

Analysis Tools:

Goal Seek for target-based calculations
Data Tables for sensitivity analysis
Scenario Manager for multiple scenarios
Correlation analysis
Regression analysis

Logical & Decision Functions:

IFS, AND, OR for complex conditions
Nested IF statements for financial rules
Mixed cell references for flexible formulas

Visualization & Reporting:

Sparklines for trend visualization
Icon sets for performance indicators
Conditional formatting for financial thresholds
Dashboard elements for executive reporting

AI-Enhanced Capabilities:

Natural language formula generation for financial functions
AI-powered model validation and error checking
Automated scenario and sensitivity analysis
AI forecasting method recommendations
Plain-English interpretation of financial results
AI-generated model documentation

Prerequisites

Intermediate Excel knowledge (comfort with formulas and basic functions)

Credits

6 Professional Development Units (PDU)
0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEU
6 Professional Development Hours (PDH)
Stanford Technology Training Program Certificate of Completion Awarded

Custom training workshops are available for this program

Technology training sessions structured around individual or group learning objectives. Learn more about custom training

Special Group Rates

For groups of 5 or more within the same team or department, special rates are available. Please contact techtraining@stanford.edu for more details.

University IT Technology Training sessions are available to a wide range of participants, including Stanford University staff, faculty, students, and employees of Stanford Hospitals & Clinics, such as Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Stanford Medicine Partners, and Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Additionally, some of these programs are open to interested individuals not affiliated with Stanford, allowing for broader community engagement and learning opportunities.