Financial Modeling Accelerator

Prompt

Build a [MODEL TYPE: 3-STATEMENT / DCF / LBO / COMPS] financial model for [COMPANY OR HYPOTHETICAL].

Model purpose: [INVESTMENT ANALYSIS / FUNDRAISING / M&A / ACADEMIC]
Data available: [HISTORICAL FINANCIALS / PROJECTIONS ONLY / BOTH]
Model user: [SELF / TEAM / EXTERNAL PRESENTATION]
Excel skill level of user: [INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED]

**MODEL ARCHITECTURE**

1. **Assumptions Tab** — Central location for all input assumptions:
   - Revenue drivers (volume, price, market share)
   - Margin assumptions by line item
   - Working capital days (DSO, DIO, DPO)
   - Capex % of revenue
   - Tax rate, D&A, other non-cash items
   - Financing assumptions (debt terms, equity raises)

2. **Income Statement** — 5-year projection with historical context. Show revenue build, gross margin, operating leverage.

3. **Balance Sheet** — Full balance sheet tied to the income statement. Explain each balance sheet driver.

4. **Cash Flow Statement** — Starting from net income, building to free cash flow. Tie all three statements.

5. **Valuation Module** — DCF with WACC build, terminal value, and sensitivity table.

6. **Charts and Outputs** — Key visual outputs: revenue waterfall, margin bridge, FCF growth, leverage chart.

7. **Error-Checking** — Balance sheet check, cash flow tie-out, and circular reference safeguards.

Provide formula-level guidance for complex calculations. Flag best practices to maintain model integrity.