Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of awarding our exclusive “Certified Financial Modeller” qualification to our latest graduate – Zanenhlanhla Nothemba Sithole – Top35 Investment Analysis at Agile Capital, a Private Equity Fund that pursues investments in a number of diverse sectors in the South African market.
Zane, as she prefers to be called, completed our arduous, rigorous Certification Program – over a period of 8 weeks, involving 4* 2-day modules. In total 50 training hours and 11 hours of examinations, plus building complete model based on a detailed specification, in her own time.
Simply put, a substantial amount of effort.
We introduced this optimal financial modelling training program in March 2021, to address the issue of TMI – too much information – being conveyed in too short a time – typically 4 all-day training sessions.
Given the constant pressure of time, delegates, all full-time employees of one or other company – never had the luxury of reflecting on the lessons learned – or to revise the course content. Furthermore, there was no time to test their comprehension and retention.
The deliberate spacing of the 4 modules in the Certification Program – normally 1 to 2 weeks apart – has solved both problems – and allowed us to increase the content and subject matter.
Here is my message to Zane
Dear Zane,
It is my great pleasure to advise that, with effect from the 17th of June, you have been awarded the status of Certified Financial Modeller!
Congratulations, you have now become part of an exclusive group of people who were also successful.
I was a pleasure working with you and thanks for all you hard work.
And here is her response.
Dear Colin,
Thank you very much for your email and for the good news.
I am honoured to have been awarded the Certified Financial Modeller designation and to have successfully completed the programme.
I appreciate all the time, effort, guidance, and support you provided throughout the course.
I thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. The course has not only sharpened my financial modelling skills but has also given me a much deeper understanding of the work and the thought processes behind building robust and effective models.
The practical nature of the training and your insights were invaluable, and I have already found myself applying many of the concepts in my day-to-day work.
Thank you as well for your kind words. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from you and for the encouragement you provided throughout the programme.
Kind regards,
Zane Sithole
Sometimes a few words from someone who has walked the walk is all that is necessary to endorse the benefits of our program.
Friends and business associates sometimes remark on my enthusiasm and commitment to financial modelling. My response –“it changed my life” – is no exaggeration.
Having an effective, flexible, predictive financial compass was a major advantage during my long and diverse business career.
If you want to find our more, please send me a mail – [email protected] – and Ill gladly engage with you.
Colin Human CA(SA)
Goalfix Financial Modellers
