Search This Blog

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Financial Intelligence and Python Programming - August 1st, 2025

 Financial Intelligence for AI Startups using Python Programming - August 1st, 2025

Harnessing Python for Financial Intelligence in an AI Startup Introduction 
In today’s fast-paced financial markets, AI startups strive to turn vast streams of data into actionable insights. Python has emerged as the language of choice for building Financial Intelligence (FinInt) platforms, thanks to its ease of use, extensive libraries, and strong community support. This blog post explores how Python empowers AI-driven financial solutions—from data ingestion and exploratory analysis to machine learning, automation, and production deployment—enabling startups to deliver predictive analytics, algorithmic trading, risk management, and more. 1. Why Python?Readability & Rapid Prototyping Python’s clean syntax accelerates development, allowing data scientists and engineers to iterate models quickly. • Rich Ecosystem Libraries such as `pandas`, `NumPy`, `scikit-learn`, `TensorFlow`, and `PyTorch` cover data wrangling, statistics, ML/DL, and visualization. • Community & Support A vast network of contributors ensures up-to-date tools, tutorials, and best practices for financial analytics. • Integration & Deployment Frameworks like Flask and FastAPI simplify exposing models as RESTful services, while Docker and Kubernetes streamline scalability. 2. Data Ingestion & Preprocessing Accurate financial intelligence begins with robust data pipelines. Python excels at:
  1. Reading Diverse Sources
• CSV/Excel files with `pandas.read_csv()` • APIs for market data (e.g., `requests`, `yfinance`)  • Databases via `SQLAlchemy` or `psycopg2`
  1. Cleaning & Transformation
• Handling missing values, outliers, and duplicates • Feature engineering: generating moving averages, volatility metrics, sentiment scores from news feeds
  1. Scalability
• Batch processing with Dask or `pandas`’ built-in chunking • Streaming ingestion through Kafka consumers (`confluent_kafka`)

_Code Snippet: Loading and cleaning price data with pandas_

import pandas as pd

df = pd.read_csv('historical_prices.csv', parse_dates=['Date'])
df.dropna(subset=['Close'], inplace=True)
df['Return'] = df['Close'].pct_change().fillna(0)

3. Exploratory Data Analysis & Visualization Understanding data distributions and relationships is crucial before modeling. Python’s visualization tools include: • Matplotlib & Seaborn for static plots (line charts, heatmaps of correlations) • Plotly & Bokeh for interactive dashboards • Jupyter Notebooks to blend code, visuals, and narrative, fostering collaboration among quants, developers, and product stakeholders

Key EDA steps:

  1. Descriptive Statistics (mean, variance, skewness)
  2. Correlation Analysis to identify predictive features
  3. Time Series Decomposition for trend and seasonality detection

4. Machine Learning & Predictive Modeling Python’s ML frameworks enable sophisticated financial models: • scikit-learn for classic algorithms (linear/logistic regression, random forests, SVMs) • TensorFlow and PyTorch for deep learning (LSTM, Transformers for sequence modeling) • Prophet (from Facebook) for business-friendly time series forecasting

_Workflow:_

  1. Feature Selection: Recursive feature elimination, LASSO
  2. Model Training: Cross-validation with `GridSearchCV` or `Optuna` for hyperparameter tuning
  3. Evaluation: Metrics like RMSE for regression, AUC-ROC for classification (e.g., fraud detection)
  4. Ensemble Methods: Combining multiple models to improve robustness and reduce overfitting

5. Automation & Real-Time Intelligence To stay competitive, AI startups must automate data refreshes, model retraining, and live inference: • Airflow or Prefect to orchestrate ETL workflows and periodic backtests • Kafka or Redis Streams for real-time data feeds and event-driven triggering of trading strategies • Celery for distributed task queues (e.g., nightly model retraining)

By automating the end-to-end pipeline, teams minimize manual intervention, ensure consistency, and accelerate the time from data arrival to actionable signals.

6. Deployment & Scalability Moving from prototype to production demands reliability and performance:
  1. Model Serving
FastAPI or Flask to wrap models as microservices with auto-generated OpenAPI docs • TensorFlow Serving or TorchServe for high-throughput inference
  1. Containerization & Orchestration
• Dockerizing applications ensures environment consistency • Kubernetes clusters enable horizontal scaling and self-healing deployments
  1. Monitoring & Logging
• Prometheus/Grafana for performance metrics • ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for centralized logging and anomaly detection 7. Real-World Applications & Impact Python-powered financial intelligence drives a spectrum of solutions: • Algorithmic Trading: Custom strategies exploiting arbitrage, momentum, and mean-reversion • Risk Management: Value-at-Risk (VaR) calculators, stress-testing using Monte Carlo simulations • Credit Scoring & Fraud Detection: Classification models flagging suspicious transactions in real time • Portfolio Optimization: Markowitz framework extended with ML-derived expected returns and covariances

These applications help startups deliver differentiated products—automating complex analyses, reducing human error, and responding rapidly to market shifts.

Conclusion 
Python’s combination of readability, extensive libraries, and deployment frameworks makes it the cornerstone for developing financial intelligence in AI startups. From seamless data pipelines and interactive analyses to advanced machine learning and robust production services, Python empowers teams to build scalable, maintainable, and insightful financial solutions. By leveraging its ecosystem and best practices, startups can unlock deeper market insights, streamline operations, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Financial Intelligence is derived from the Three Financial Statements created Annually.

EMBEDDED LINKEDIN POST ABOUT FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

====================================================================
CA Vikram Shankar Mathur
ahmedabadfca@gmail.com
vsmathur@ahmedabadfca.com
====================================================================




Wednesday, July 30, 2025

CA Vikram Shankar Mathur (www.vikramshankarmathur.link)

 

Partner, KARTIK T. VAYEDA & CO., Chartered Accountants


About Vikram Shankar Mathur

I’m a Chartered Accountant and a seasoned technology consultant with over 30 years of experience in building smart business solutions using a unique blend of finance, technology, and automation. (www.vsmathurcoin.blogspot.com, vsmathurcoinshop.blogspot.com)

🔹 Advanced Excel Specialist

With in-depth knowledge of over 125–150 Excel formulas, I push Excel far beyond the ordinary. I also create powerful User-Defined Functions (UDFs) tailored to solve unique business challenges — making Excel not just a spreadsheet, but a smart system. (www.exceltrainerahmedabad.com, www.vbacoder1962.com)

🔹 Financial Management & Modeling Expert

Over the past three decades, I’ve developed numerous custom financial models based on the unique requirements of my clients. My deep understanding of financial principles ensures models that are not only functional but decision-focused. (www.ahmedabadfca.com, www.excel-vba-ahmfca.com)

🔹 Tally Accounting Software Authority

My journey with Tally began in 1995 with the DOS version, and continues today with Tally Prime 6. I’m recognized for creating flawless Chart of Accounts structures and managing accurate opening balance entries, even for datasets involving over 1,300 ledgers. (www.vikramshankarmathur.com, www.cavsm1962.co.in)

🔹 VBA Programmer & Excel-based Software Developer

I’ve been programming in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) since the early 2000s. My Excel + VBA projects include:

  • Payroll Management Systems

  • Cashbook Automation Tools

  • Income Tax Return Prep Software (2003–2009)

  • ITNS 281 Challan Entry & Payment Modules

All built entirely using Excel and VBA, and customized for accuracy, automation, and ease of use. (www.vbacoder1962.in, www.vikramshankarmathur.info)

🔹 AI-Powered Problem Solver

Now fully immersed in the world of Artificial Intelligence, I can rapidly craft powerful prompts and implement AI-enhanced solutions. Whether it's automating tasks, generating reports, or training teams — I can bridge traditional methods with the power of today’s AI tools. (www.excel-vba-ahmfca.in, excel-vba-ahmfca.blogspot.com, cavsmathur.blogspot.com, deadlyvbaprogrammer.blogspot.com)


CA Vikram Shankar Mathur
https://www.vikramshankarmathur.link
https://www.cavsm1962.co.in
https://www.vikramshankarmathur.info
https://www.cavsm.in
https://www.cavsm.info 

 

 

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Accounting and Artificial Intelligence



**AI's Impact on Accounting: A Summary of Key Themes and Considerations**

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the accounting profession, offering opportunities for increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced decision-making. This summary synthesizes key themes from various texts, highlighting AI's applications in accounting, the challenges and ethical considerations it presents, and the evolving skills required for accountants in the age of AI.

*   **AI Fundamentals and Applications:**
    *   Introduces core AI concepts like machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), robotic process automation (RPA), and text mining.
    *   Focuses on practical applications in financial accounting (cash reconciliation, accounts payable/receivables, inventory management), management accounting (decision-making, operational performance), and auditing (planning, data gathering, risk assessment).
    *   Explores applications in tax (data extraction, classification, deduction identification, pricing analysis) and business advisory (lease accounting compliance).
*   **Text Mining in Accounting:**
    *   Covers techniques for document representation, morphological normalization, semantic analysis, and text summarization.
    *   Highlights advantages such as efficiency gains, insight discovery, and consistency.
    *   Addresses challenges including complexity, the need for human effort, and lack of transparency.
*   **Ethical Considerations and Challenges:**
    *   Discusses algorithmic bias, security and privacy risks, and change management risks.
    *   Emphasizes the need for accountability, fairness, transparency, and adherence to regulations like CCPA, GDPR, GLBA, and HIPAA.
*   **Evolving Skillsets and Education:**
    *   Highlights the need for accountants to develop skills in data science, critical thinking, and system auditing.
    *   Stresses the importance of integrating AI and data analytics into accounting education.

In conclusion, AI presents a transformative force in accounting, offering significant potential for automation, efficiency, and improved decision-making. However, successful implementation requires careful consideration of ethical implications, proactive management of risks, and a commitment to developing the necessary skills and knowledge among accounting professionals. By embracing these changes and addressing the associated challenges, the accounting profession can effectively leverage AI to enhance its value and adapt to the evolving landscape of the industry.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

20250715 - How is Financial Intelligence related to the 3 financial statements?

 
How is Financial Intelligence satisfied by analysis of 3 Finance Statements, and how to decide what Financial Model will work best in breaking even?
Financial intelligence involves the ability to interpret financial data to make informed business decisions. The analysis of three key financial statements—the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement—is crucial for achieving comprehensive financial intelligence.

Understanding the Three Financial Statements

a. Income Statement:
This shows a company’s revenues and expenses during a specific period, resulting in the net profit or loss.

Analysis: Look for trends in revenue growth, profit margins, and expense management to assess operational efficiency.

b. Balance Sheet:
This provides a snapshot of a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.

Analysis: Assess the company's liquidity, solvency, and financial stability by calculating ratios such as the current ratio, quick ratio, and debt-to-equity ratio.

c. Cash Flow Statement:
This statement tracks the flow of cash in and out of the business from operating, investing, and financing activities.

Analysis: Evaluate cash flow trends to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations and investments. Positive cash flow indicates that the business can sustain its operations and fund its growth.

How to Satisfy Financial Intelligence
To satisfy financial intelligence through these analyses, follow these steps:

Trend Analysis: Look for patterns over multiple periods in each of the statements.
Ratio Analysis: Use financial ratios derived from the statements to assess profitability, efficiency, and liquidity.
Benchmarking: Compare financial metrics against industry standards or direct competitors to understand relative performance.
Scenario Analysis: Use data from these statements to model various business scenarios (e.g., sales growth rates, expense changes) to forecast future performance.

Deciding on a Financial Model for Break-Even Analysis
To determine the best financial model for breaking even, follow these guidelines:

a. Understand Contributions:
Calculate contribution margin (Revenue - Variable Costs) to assess how much each sale contributes to covering fixed costs.

b. Determine Fixed and Variable Costs:
Categorize your costs appropriately. Fixed costs remain constant regardless of output, while variable costs fluctuate with sales volume.

c. Break-Even Point Calculation:
Use the basic break-even formula:

{Break-Even Point (units)} = {Fixed Costs} / {Selling Price per Unit - Variable Cost per Unit}

This calculation helps identify how many units need to be sold to cover all costs.

d. Choose the Appropriate Model:
If your business has stable prices and relatively predictable costs, a linear model might suffice.
For businesses with varying prices or complex cost structures, consider a more sophisticated model such as a multi-product break-even analysis or a contribution margin model.

e. Sensitivity Analysis:
Analyze how changes in selling price, variable costs, and fixed costs affect the break-even point. This helps in understanding risk and potential adjustments needed to reach profitability.

Conclusion
Financial intelligence is derived from a thorough analysis of financial statements, while effective break-even analysis depends on accurately categorizing costs and understanding revenue dynamics. By utilizing these tools and approaches, businesses can make informed decisions regarding pricing, cost management, and strategic planning to enhance financial performance and sustainability.


Friday, July 4, 2025

Monday, June 30, 2025

Implementation Zoho Books Proposal June 2025

https://www.zoho.com/in/books/



When in Rome, do like the romans do. Appealing to all those service provider's and manufacturers who have yet not gotten into a proper accounting system, switch to Zoho Books today!

We, at AhmedabadFCA, are just qualified to, as experienced Chartered Accountants, to help you implement this significantly advanced system to manage your working capital cycles most efficiently!

Contact vsmathur@ahmedabadfca.com today, or call +918460890111.

CA Vikram Shankar Mathur
vsmathur@ahmedabadfca.com
http://www.ahmedabadfca.com

Sunday, June 15, 2025

June 15th, 2025 - Excel Using AI Workshop


Excel Using AI Workshop by OfficeMaster.IN
Excel Using AI Workshop by OfficeMaster.IN

Proud to announce attending, completing and being certified by OfficeMaster.IN and Aditya Goenka for the "EXCEL USING AI WORKSHOP" on June 15th, 2025 from 11:00AM to 02:00PM.

CA Vikram Shankar Mathur
June 15th, 2025 | 17:50 Hours IST

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Financial Modeling in Excel For Dummies

 By Danielle Stein Fairhurst

Financial Modeling in Excel For Dummies by Danielle Stein Fairhurst – book overview & hands‑on guide

📘 Overview of Financial Modeling in Excel for Dummies

  • Author credentials

  • Book purpose

    • Designed for beginners and intermediate users, empowering them to create robust financial models without specialized software (youtube.com)

    • Emphasizes real‑world applicability across all business sizes—from solos to multinationals

  • Hands‑on, learn‑by‑doing approach

    • Includes practice models with templates and step‑by‑step breakout exercises (dummies.com, linkedin.com)

    • Companion site offers downloadable Excel workbooks alongside the print material (datarails.com)


🧭 Part 1 – Getting Started with Financial Modeling

  • Introducing the basics

    • Defines a financial model as a structured, quantitative tool for business decision-making (dummies.com)

    • Debunks the myth that you need advanced math—emphasizes logic and structure over complexity

  • Planning & designing models

    • Emphasizes clarity in structure: sheet layout, modular assumptions, and systematic flow (2022.globalexcelsummit.com, datarails.com)

    • Encourages thinking of the output/report first to guide the layout

  • Best practices for model-building

    • Sixth “crucial rules” include labeling clearly, separating inputs/outputs, auditing formulas, and ensuring consistency (2022.globalexcelsummit.com)

    • Stresses adopting naming standards, documenting sources, color-coding, and version control

  • Working with existing models

    • Strategies to review, edit, and validate models built by others (dummies.com)

    • Warns of dangers from hidden rows and inconsistent formulas, and how to detect them


🧰 Part 2 – Diving Deeper into Excel

  • Essential Excel tools & techniques

    • Covers Data Validation, Keyboard Shortcuts, Watch Window, Inspector, conditional formatting, FILTER, and structured tables (linkedin.com)

    • Encourages using Power Query and Power Pivot for large datasets (dummies.com)

  • Core functions for finance

    • Focus on SUMIF(S), COUNTIF(S), IFERROR, XLOOKUP, INDEX–MATCH, logical and financial functions (NPV, IRR, PMT) (dummies.com)

    • Includes Goal Seek, Scenario Manager, and “What‑If” Data Tables (dummies.com)

  • Errors, checks, and testing

    • Advocates for built‑in error checks, circular reference alerts, consistency auditing (dummies.com)

    • “Garbage in, garbage out” reinforces the need for assumption testing and stress-testing (dummies.com)

  • Scenario & sensitivity analysis

    • Guides on setting up “best/base/worst” scenarios using drop‑downs and Data Tables (2022.globalexcelsummit.com)

    • Encourages looking side‑by‑side across multiple scenarios to reveal key drivers


📊 Part 3 – Presenting Results & Managing Models

  • Data visualization best practices

    • Dynamic charts that update directly from model inputs (dummies.com)

    • Clear, simple visuals—avoid clutter and keep charts linked to assumptions

  • Formatting & labeling for clarity

    • Use of color, borders, labels, comments, and bolding to guide users (dummies.com)

    • Documentation and version control for collaboration and auditability

  • Presentation & reporting skills

    • Guides on telling the “story” of the numbers: distilling key insights for executives (dummies.com)

    • Designing boardroom‑ready summary reports and slides


💼 Part 4 – Sample Case Study

  • End‑to‑end model build

    • Guided exercise walks readers through building an integrated model featuring income statement, cash flow, and balance sheet projections (dummies.com)

    • Highlights depreciation schedules, free cash flow, terminal value, and DCF valuation

  • Putting it all together

    • Showcases how assumptions feed into outputs; scenario toggles impact charts and summaries

    • Illustrates iterative tuning for accuracy and realism


🧩 Why It Works

  • Accessible, practical

    • Reviewer notes: “Don’t be fooled by the Dummies branding—this is a meaty, excellent reference”

    • Another says it's a great baseline for fixing broken workbooks and auditing models (linkedin.com)

  • Bridges theory & real-world needs

    • Balances technical Excel functions with high‑level design and layout guidance

    • Preps readers for collaborative work, audits, and consulting contexts (dummies.com)

  • A career booster

    • Ideal for analysts, FP&A professionals, consultants and freelancers

    • Builds career-ready skills: clear layouts, auditability, scenario planning, and presentation


📝 Takeaway Tips for You

  • Highlight author credibility—MVP status, consulting background, global teaching presence

  • Emphasize learn-by-doing style—step-by-step, downloadable models, real case study

  • Stress balance—strong Excel techniques + design/communication skills

  • Call out differentiators—scenario analysis, error checking, Power Tools integration

  • Quote reviews to build trust:

    “A great reference for analysts of all skill levels ... control the model, or the model controls you.” (datarails.com, linkedin.com)


Conclusion

Financial Modeling in Excel for Dummies is a thorough yet approachable guide. It empowers readers to:

  • Plan smartly and layout models logically

  • Master key Excel functions and tools

  • Implement robust checks and scenario analysis

  • Present polished charts and professional summaries

Whether you're in FP&A, consulting, or anywhere financial insights matter, this book is a practical handbook and career‑builder. Danielle’s blend of skill‑building, design principles, and real‑model walkthroughs makes this a standout resource. Highly recommended for you, my precious audience!


CA Vikram Shankar Mathur
vsmathur@ahmedabadfca.com
https://www.ahmedabadfca.com
https://www.exceltrainerahmedabad.com
https://www.cavsm1962.co.in
https://www.cavsm.in
https://www.vikramshankarmathur.link
https://www.vbacoder1962.com
https://vsmathurcoin.blogspot.com
HTTPS://CODER.VIKRAMSHANKARMATHUR.INFO





Friday, June 6, 2025

Financial Management & Management Accounting

WHY IS AHMEDABADFCA.COM SYNONYMOUS WITH FM / MA?

First, let us understand the two books below, based on which there will be more posts over a period of time. These are:

(A) Financial Management: Text, Problems and Cases by M.Y. Khan and P.K. Jain is a widely used textbook in the Indian market that covers the core principles and practices of financial management [Buy Financial Management : Text Problems & Cases book : My ...]. It uses a comprehensive approach, combining theoretical concepts with practical problems and real-world case studies [Financial Management: Text, Problems and Cases, 8e - M. Y. Khan ...][Financial management : text, problems and cases [6 ed ...][Buy Financial Management : Text Problems & Cases book : My ...]. The book aims to provide students with a solid understanding of financial decision-making in various contexts [A Study on the Effectiveness of Debt Management and Financing ...].

The book covers topics such as:
The book is structured to help readers understand both the theoretical underpinnings and the practical application of financial management techniques. It includes numerous problems and cases to illustrate the concepts and provide hands-on experience in financial problem-solving [Financial Management: Text, Problems and Cases, 8e - M. Y. Khan ...][Financial management : text, problems and cases [6 ed ...]()[Buy Financial Management : Text Problems & Cases book : My ...].
 

(B) Management Accounting: Text, Problems and Cases by M.Y. Khan and P.K. Jain is a comprehensive book that explains the use of accounting information for managerial decision-making and defining long-term organizational goals 3. It covers financial accounting, financial analysis, cost accumulation, profit planning, cost control, and decision-making 3.

The book is divided into seven parts 3. The first part introduces the nature of management accounting 3. The second part focuses on financial accounting, covering generally accepted accounting principles, accounting standards, accounting cycles, and financial statements 3. The third part deals with financial analysis, including cash flow statements and the analysis of financial statements 3.

The fourth part explains cost accumulation, examining cost concepts and costing in various management aspects like labor and material control 3. The fifth part discusses profit planning, covering budgeting, profit planning, and volume-cost-profit analysis 3. The sixth part covers cost control concepts such as standard and quality costs, variance analysis, and responsibility accounting 3. The final part focuses on decision-making, including capital budgeting and short-run decision analysis 3.

The book includes additional information on accounting standards, cash flow statements, and understanding corporate financial statements, along with a new section on service costing 3. It also features numerous case studies to enhance understanding 3. The book is available in multiple editions, including the 6th and 7th editions 1256711.

========== CA Vikram Shankar Mathur ==========
========== ahmedabadfca@gmail.com ==========
========== www.exceltrainerahmedabad.com ==========
========== www.vbacoder1962.com ==========
========== www.vbacoder1962.in ==========
========== www.excel-vba-ahmfca.com ==========
========== www.cavsm1962.co.in ==========
========== www.vikramshankarmathur.link =========
========== www.vikramshankarmathur.info ==========
========== vsmathurcoinshop.blogspot.com ==========
========== www.cavsm.in ==========


Friday, May 30, 2025

Using RubberDuck to Optimize VBA Code

Done! Here's what I came up with:

Using the Rubberduck add-in for VBA is a fantastic way to optimize and improve your VBA code. Rubberduck is an open-source tool that provides advanced features for VBA development, such as code inspections, refactoring, and unit testing. Here's how you can use it effectively:

1. Install Rubberduck

  • Download Rubberduck from its official website or GitHub repository.
  • Install it and ensure it integrates with your VBA editor (e.g., in Excel, Access, or other Office applications).

2. Run Code Inspections

  • Open your VBA editor and navigate to the Rubberduck menu.
  • Use the Code Inspections feature to analyze your code. It will identify:
    • Unused variables or procedures.
    • Poor naming conventions.
    • Potential performance bottlenecks.
    • Logical errors or redundant code.
  • Review the inspection results and address the flagged issues to improve code quality.

3. Refactor Your Code

  • Rubberduck offers tools to refactor your code for better readability and maintainability:
    • Rename Variables/Procedures: Use meaningful names for clarity.
    • Extract Methods: Break down large procedures into smaller, reusable methods.
    • Encapsulate Fields: Convert public fields into private ones with property accessors.
  • These changes make your code more modular and easier to debug.

4. Leverage Unit Testing

  • Rubberduck includes a Unit Testing framework for VBA.
  • Write test cases to validate the functionality of your procedures and functions.
  • Regularly run these tests to ensure your code behaves as expected, even after modifications.

5. Use Code Metrics

  • Rubberduck provides metrics like cyclomatic complexity, which helps you identify overly complex code.
  • Simplify complex procedures to enhance performance and maintainability.

6. Explore Other Features

  • Smart Indentation: Automatically format your code for better readability.
  • Code Explorer: Navigate through your modules, classes, and procedures easily.
  • Annotations: Add meaningful comments and documentation to your code.

By using Rubberduck, you can systematically improve your VBA code, making it cleaner, faster, and more reliable. It's like having a coding assistant right inside your VBA editor!





Financial Intelligence and Python Programming - August 1st, 2025

 Financial Intelligence for AI Startups using Python Programming - August 1st, 2025 Harnessing Python for Financia...