Accounting and Finance Department launches Financial Modeling Society

Who says modeling is only in fashion? The Accounting and Finance Department at Middlesex University Dubai recently launched the Financial Modeling Society (FMS), a student-led initiative that provides hands-on training and experience in modeling and advanced Excel to all its members. Financial modeling involves building a mathematical representation of a real-world financial situation.

The FMS was launched on 21st November 2022, with a guest speaker session by Ian Schnoor, Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), Canada. Ian enthralled the large audience with best practices in financial modeling and shared tips and tricks on building a world-class model. 

FMI has been an academic partner of Middlesex University Dubai since February 2021. As well as offering discounts on their certification exams, FMI has offered five scholarships (two for Advanced Financial Modeler and three for Foundation Beta) to our students over the last two years. Three students, Vandhana Rajesh, Samson Dsouza and Shyam Sathish Kumar, have received scholarships from FMI to complete their financial modeling course and achieve a professional certification. 

Under the mentorship of Rashita Puthiya, the three final year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance students will then run five workshops to upskill their fellow students in the Society and prepare them for the first level of the Financial Modeling Certification. 

The student-led workshops commenced on 23rd November, with over 22 participants. The students learned to build dynamic revenue, cost schedule, and scenario analyses. After attending the five student-led sessions, all members will be offered a discount to pursue the certification from FMI. 

The Accounting and Finance Department hopes to enhance student employability through this initiative by giving them hands-on practice and additional certifications. Many thanks to Rashita Puthiya for organising and leading this fantastic initiative.