About this episode
In this episode of The ModSquad on Financial Modeler's Corner, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male explore Microsoft’s newly released Excel Agent, a beta tool designed to bring AI into Excel Online. The team compares its performance to Rosie AI, running both through a range of tasks, including formula building, audit reviews, and a full five-year model forecast. Along the way, they test the tools against real modeling challenges like the Excel Esports case and a creative custom case, "The Humble MVP." This isn’t just about flashy tech. It’s a deeper conversation on where AI can help, where it falls short, and why core financial modeling skills still matter.Expect to LearnWhat happened when Excel Agent tried to build a full five-year forecast model.Why solid modeling skills still beat "one-click" AI hype.Where AI tools succeed, and fail, in reviewing formulas and detecting issues.Why you should never fully trust AI without understanding what it’s doing.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“Building a model is like flying a plane; you don’t want a rookie in charge when something breaks.” - Ian Schnoor“You can’t hit a prompt, go get a coffee, and expect a working model.” - Giles MaleFollow Ian Schnoor:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/Follow Giles Male:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/In today’s episode: [02:21] - What is an Excel Agent and why does it matter?[05:37] - Sharpen Your Modeling Skills[06:51] - Modeling Requires Human Judgment[09:27] - Esports Case: Rosie AI vs Excel Agent Test[19:39] - Excel Agent Hangs in Beta Mode[25:26] - Testing PVM in the Smoothie Business Case[30:01] - Ian Takes Over: Testing Excel Agent on AFM Model[44:11] - Building a five-year forecast model from scratch[55:19] - Adding a revolver to the model[01:00:12] - Why the balance sheet doesn’t balance[01:03:46] - Final thoughts and takeaways
