Introduction
Financial modeling is essential for business planning, but building Excel models from scratch is time-consuming. Flik generates professional financial models with formulas, formatting, and charts in minutes.
This guide teaches you how to request financial models, understand the structure, and customize them for your needs.
What You'll Learn
- How to request financial models from the AI
- Understanding assumptions sheets and formulas
- Creating editable models that update automatically
- Different types of financial models (SaaS, budgets, forecasts)
- Downloading and editing Excel files
Step 1: Describe Your Financial Model
In Agent mode, describe the financial model you need. Be specific about:
- Type: SaaS model, annual budget, P&L statement, cash flow forecast
- Timeframe: 12 months, 24 months, 36 months
- Starting values: Initial revenue, expenses, growth rates
- Metrics needed: Runway, burn rate, profit margins, etc.
Example request:
"Create a 36-month SaaS financial model. Starting MRR is $50,000, monthly growth rate is 15%, and monthly burn is $16,667. I need to track MRR growth, revenue, expenses, net income, cash balance, and runway."
Step 2: Review the Structure
The AI will show you the planned structure before generating:
- Assumptions Sheet: Inputs you can edit (growth rate, burn rate, starting values)
- Forecast Sheet: Formulas that calculate automatically based on assumptions
- Charts: Visual representations of key metrics
- Summary Metrics: Key performance indicators
💡 Key Concept: Models use Excel formulas that link to assumptions. When you change an assumption cell, the entire model recalculates automatically. This lets you test different scenarios quickly.
Step 3: Generate Your Model
Once you approve the structure, the AI generates the Excel file with:
- Professional formatting with headers and styling
- All formulas linked to assumption cells
- Number formatting (currency, percentages)
- Multiple sheets organized logically
- Ready-to-download .xlsx file
Step 4: Download and Customize
Download the generated Excel file and open it in Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers:
- Open the Assumptions sheet - This contains all your inputs
- Change any assumption - Try changing growth rate from 15% to 20%
- Watch the model update - All forecasts recalculate instantly
- Test scenarios - What if burn is higher? What if growth is slower?
Common Financial Models
SaaS Financial Model
Track monthly recurring revenue (MRR), growth, burn rate, and runway:
"Create a SaaS model with MRR starting at $50K, 15% monthly growth, $20K monthly burn, track for 36 months"
Annual Budget
12-month budget with revenue and expense categories:
"Create a 2025 annual budget. Revenue growing 5% monthly, expenses: $50K salaries, $10K rent, $15K marketing"
P&L Statement
Profit and loss statement with revenue, costs, and net income:
"Create a P&L for 2024 Q4. Revenue: $850K, COGS: 30%, OpEx: $220K"
Tips for Better Financial Models
- Be specific with timeframes - "36 months" is clearer than "several years"
- Provide starting values - Give exact numbers upfront
- Name your metrics - Request specific calculations you need
- Request scenario testing - Ask for sensitivity analysis or what-if tables
- Iterate and refine - After seeing the first model, request additions or changes
Use Cases
- Startup fundraising: Show investors your financial projections
- Business planning: Model different growth scenarios
- Budget management: Track actuals vs plan
- Financial reporting: Generate monthly/quarterly reports
- Scenario planning: Test what-if assumptions
Next Steps
- Revenue Forecasting — Advanced SaaS metrics and projections
- Excel Spreadsheet Generation — Create any type of spreadsheet
- Building Presentation Decks — Present your financial models