Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “update the forecast and budget model”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today and, for AI fixes, a prompt to copy.

180 min
typically, once a month
40%
of the time can be automated
A small project
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Move the forecast into an FP&A tool that pulls actuals itself

FP&A platforms load actuals from the ledger and collect inputs from budget owners, so you stop rebuilding the model every month.

Typically saves about 40% of the time16 h to set up
  1. 1Write down where your current model breaks or eats time (actuals load, version control, inputs).
  2. 2Trial a tool sized for you: Cube or Datarails (stay in Excel), Abacum, Pigment, Planful or Workday Adaptive Planning.
  3. 3Connect the ledger and HR system first, then move one model over.
  4. 4Run old and new side by side for one cycle.

Tools: Cube · Datarails · Abacum · Pigment · Planful · Workday Adaptive Planning

Fix 2 of 2

AI

Have AI check your model for broken formulas and odd assumptions

Copilot in Excel, or an approved AI with file upload, can scan a model for hard-coded numbers, inconsistent formulas and assumptions that look off.

Typically saves about 25% of the time5 min to set up
  1. 1Save a copy of the model and remove anything confidential you are not allowed to share.
  2. 2Upload it or open Copilot in Excel and use the prompt below.
  3. 3Fix the issues it finds; ignore any it cannot explain.
Prompt to copy
Review this forecast model. List: 1) cells with hard-coded numbers inside formula ranges, 2) formulas that are inconsistent across a row or column, 3) broken links or #REF errors, 4) growth or margin assumptions that look out of line with history, with the cell reference for each. Do not change anything; just report.

Tools: Copilot in Excel · ChatGPT or Claude with file upload

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

FP&A analystCFO / finance manager

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for FP&A analysts