The Excel Techniques for Modelers to Build Real World-Business Forecasts - Luke Phillips

Feb 3, 2026

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Luke Phillips, Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. Luke shares how he transitioned from Division I basketball to financial modeling, and how he helps clients solve complex budgeting and reporting problems using Solver, Excel, and Power BI.

Luke Phillips is a chartered financial modeler and the Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. He works with clients across mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and professional services to streamline budgeting and reporting through Solver and Excel. Luke holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he also played Division I basketball.

Expect to Learn

How a bad college project helped kickstart Luke’s modeling career
What Solver is and how it supports complex planning and reporting
Tips for simplifying models without losing value
The role of communication in building useful models
Luke’s take on AI and dynamic arrays in Excel

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

“We're not hiring you for your technical ability, we're hiring you for your potential.” – Luke
“I love spreadsheets, the way you can pull complex calculations together and form a view of a company.” – Luke

Luke Phillips brings a grounded, real-world perspective to financial modeling, shaped by both professional experience and athletic discipline. His approach blends technical skill with a clear focus on communication and usability. Whether solving client challenges with Solver or exploring new Excel features, Luke keeps modeling practical and purpose-driven.

Follow Luke:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-phillips-75859013a/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-analytic/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:

[02:09] - Life in Australia & Background

[03:16] - First Model Mistake & Lesson

[04:46] - From Basketball to Finance

[08:49] - What is Solver & Luke’s Role

[10:33] - Learning Supply Chain & Ops

[13:11] - Simplicity vs. Complexity

[18:24] - AFM & CFM Exam Journey

[22:46] - XLOOKUP Over INDEX MATCH

[27:46] - AI in modeling & Challenges