Financial Modeling Institute (AFM) Exam Solution

Description
The financial model is built based on the FMI case study data and the exam questions and outline provided.

FMI candidates are required to build this model in 4 hours as part of their practical assessment and accreditation to being a certified financial modeler under the FMI.

This particular exam question is for the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) certification exam, being the level 1.

Despite the fact that it is the level 1 exam, there is still a low pass rate as most participants do not have the required skills and experience in building balanced 3-way models.

The 3-way includes IS, BS and CFS including some complex calculations require as a result of the cirular nature of the interest calculations.

The current FMI solution allows this circular reference to remain with the use of iterations.

Whilst this is an option, we prefer using 2 other alternatives which breaks the circularity and avoids the use of iterations which can cause other issues in the model.

Both of those 2 alternatives are demonstrated in this model either through a copy and past manual process or a macro driven solution.

It is suggested that candiates be familiar with all 3 approaches and practice solving this prior to taking the exam. In addition to practicing this exam solution one should ensure you build up the necessary skills in using shortcut keys, consistent formula logic and similar techniques to build the model quickly and accurately.

The model has been designed to assist students wIth learning the fastest way to complete the exam, but not necessarily the best way to present such a model to clients. For example models should contain charts and outputs, table of contents etc.

These have been excluded as they are not required for the exam and no additional marks are provided for creating these.

Hence this model is very much a technical solution, not a client demonstration version.



If you want further assistance or training on how to use this be sure to contact us

We have also used the advanced Excel auditing tool called Excel Analyzer and provided reports on the 2 model solutions ie iterations with no macro and 1 with a macro.