Shaping Business Strategy: Ian Bennett's Insights on What Makes for a Great Financial Modeler

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 is joined by Ian Bennett, Partner, Deals Modelling team at PwC, Australia.

With over 20 years of experience as a professional financial modeler, Ian has constructed and assessed models critical for major transactions, infrastructure projects, and routine forecasting and reporting. Today Ian leads the deal modeling practice for Pwc Australia.

In addition to being a world-class Modeller Ian is incredibly dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (DI&W). This has propelled him through various positions within PwC and beyond. As a proud LGBTIQ+ ally, he serves on the Steering Committee of Shine@PwC, the firm's LGBTIQ+ employee network, and currently holds the role of wellbeing lead for the Financial Advisory business.

In this episode, expect to learn:

• Why understanding the stakeholders involved in a project is vital
• Why it's essential to listen actively to clients, understand their needs, and ask the right questions
• How to analyze the success and effectiveness of the financial modeling process
• What are the tools and technologies available in the market
• What are the new technologies and methodologies for financial modelers to stay effective and successful in their roles

Quotes: 

• “You need a desire to understand the power of the things you have in front of you and not be scared.”

• “Every model tells a story, and that story is known at the start of the project, and the questions that the model will be able to answer.”

• “Models are built for a single primary purpose at the time that they are conceived’

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation or FMI Fundamentals Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use code Podcast to save 15% when you register.

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit.

Follow Ian Bennett: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianrbennett

Website: https://www.pwc.com.au/deals/modelling.html

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy/

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In today’s episode:

00:20: Introduction

01:10: Problem that bettered Ian

03:00: Ian’s insights on financial models

05:18: Ian’s story

07:13: What is MFM and why did Ian pursue it?

08:35: Ian’s experience in the Global Excel Summit

10:49 Why Ian is passionate about financial modeling

11:52: Ian’s favorite industry that he likes to model

13:13: What makes a good financial modeler?

16:49: Things beyond the model that help in a project?

22:05: Approach and methodology 

27:00: Tools beyond Excel

34:40: Technical nugget when building new models

36:50:  Rapid fire 

39:08: Ian’s favorite function

45:00: Ian’s advice to become a better financial modeler

45:36: Wrap up