Testing The New Microsoft Excel Agent for Finance Pros with Ian and Giles
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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 Learn
- What 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 Male
Follow 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
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