Power Query Magic to Become a Financial Modeling Master with Ken Puls.

Welcome to the Financial Modeler's Corner (FMC), where we discuss the Art and Science of Financial Modeling with your host Paul Barnhurst.

Financial Modeler's Corner is sponsored by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the most respected accreditation in Financial Modeling globally.

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ken Puls, a renowned expert in financial modeling and Excel. The discussion delves into the intricacies of financial modeling, the evolution of tools like Power Query and PowerPivot, and how they are revolutionizing data management and reporting. Ken shares insights from his extensive experience and offers practical advice for both novice and seasoned financial modelers.

Ken Puls is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Microsoft Excel MVP. He is the founder of Excel Guru, a platform dedicated to Excel-based solutions, and the co-founder of Skill Wave Training, which offers comprehensive courses on Power Query, PowerPivot, and Power BI. With a career that bridges both finance and IT, Ken has become a leading voice in the world of financial modeling and data analysis.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include:

• Ken's personal journey and how he became a leading figure in Excel and financial modeling.
• The importance of simplifying data entry and reducing errors through automation.
• Key features and benefits of Power Query and PowerPivot.
• Practical tips for financial modelers, including the use of VBA and dynamic arrays.
• Insights into the future of AI in financial modeling and its current limitations.
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Follow Ken:

• Website - http://www.excelguru.ca/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenpuls/
• Level up Your Skill with Ken’s book - https://excelguru.ca/master-your-data/

 Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376  

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  

• LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  
• Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984
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In today’s episode:

[01:15] - Introduction to the show 

[01:55] - Welcome to the guest

[02:15] - Horror Stories in Financial Modeling: Ken and Paul share their worst financial modeling experiences.

[04:50] - Lessons Learned: Key takeaways from those early modeling experiences.

[06:02] - Ken’s Background: Detailed overview of Ken’s career and expertise.

[08:24] - Current Projects: Ken discusses his current ventures, including Excel Guru and Skill Wave Training.

[12:14] - Technology in Accounting: How being tech-savvy has benefited Ken in his accounting career.

[16:04] - Discovery of Power Query: Ken shares how he first learned about Power Query and its impact on his work.

[26:04] - Getting Started with Power Query: Recommendations for beginners on how to learn and use Power Query.

[29:00] - Building Financial Statements with PowerPivot: Overview of Ken’s course and its benefits.

[37:46] - Rapid Fire Questions: Ken answers quick questions about financial modeling preferences.

[46:47] - AI and Financial Modeling: Discussion on the role of AI in the future of financial modeling. 

[48:59] - Conclusion: Final thoughts and where to find more information about Ken’s work.