Careers, FAQs

1. What is Financial Modelling?

Financial modelling is the process by which an organisation constructs a spreadsheet-based financial model that integrates all projected revenues and costs from all activities. The model acts as a tool to assist with decision making by projecting future cash flows.

2. Which sectors are F1F9 involved in?

F1F9 work with companies in the energy, power, social infrastructure, insurance, waste management, automobile and transport sectors.

3. What services does F1F9 provide?

F1F9 provide services such as financial modelling, Excel automation, and software quality checks.

4. What are F1F9′s strengths compared to its competitors?

F1F9 use the FAST Modelling Standard, a structured model building methodology that allows both modellers and non-modellers to understand calculations. It makes the model more structured and transparent and therefore easier to understand.

We also use a number of software tools that help make the build process as well as the spreadsheet itself more efficient.

5. What is FAST?

The FAST Modelling Standard is a set of rules on the structure and detailed design of spreadsheet-based financial models to ensure that models are flexible, appropriate, structured and transparent. For more details refer www.fast-standard.org.

6. How is a financial modelling profile different from a research profile?

In financial modelling you are required to analyze, evaluate and present client’s modelling requirements, in conformance with local or international accounting standards.

When taking a research profile you are expected to work on a given Excel template with your own assumptions or required to prepare a research report by collating information from various financial databases available on the internet.

7. What is the career growth path of the candidate?

F1F9 offers clear career progression.

Candidates start as Associate Analysts and can expect to be promoted to Junior Financial Modeller in two years. Another two years should see them in the position of Senior Financial Modeller. They can then progress through the roles of Project Manger and Manager. The step after that is to become Senior Manager.

8. What traits do you look for in an employee?

The candidate should have natural analytical and mathematical aptitude, good finance knowledge along with basic Excel skills and excellent communication skills. While financial modelling experience is not required, experience of management accounting, business analysis, and computer programming is an advantage.

9. I do not recognise your job titles. Why are you not looking for analysts?

F1F9 has a unique approach and our job profiles are not that well known in the industry or at educational establishments. In the past, we used titles such as Financial Analyst. That gave the wrong message and we got candidates that expected to do company profiles. That is not what we do: we do spreadsheet modelling. We now use job titles that may be unfamiliar to potential candidates but better describe what we do. It is important to us that potential candidates understand what we do but also what we do not do.

F1F9 are pioneers in many ways. We are growing the team and hope that this and the other pages on this site explain what we do well enough that our titles make sense. We hope to set an example to the industry so that we will see titles like Financial Modeller in other companies too.

10. What is F1F9′s work culture?

F1F9 is a flat organisation. It follows an open workplace environment and a collaborative culture that offers enormous opportunity to learn and develop skills.