SS Terms

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering financial modeling, valuation, strategic growth, and industry-specific terms for Southern Star Financial Strategy.

Financial Modeling

The process of combining accounting, finance, and business metrics to predict future outcomes and support business decisions.

Financial Model

A spreadsheet or tool used to estimate the financial outcome of a project, investment, or business decision.

Financial Model Structure

How the financial model is organized, usually with inputs, assumptions, calculations, outputs, and recommendations.

Model Inputs

The data or numbers entered into a model, such as costs, demand, revenue, interest rates, or market data.

Model Assumptions

Estimates made before or during the model that help drive the calculations.

Valuation

The estimated value produced after running the model. It is an output of the calculations.

Scenario Analysis

Testing different business situations by changing multiple assumptions, such as upside, downside, or alternative scenarios.

Sensitivity Analysis

Testing how one key input affects the model’s results.

Key Levers

The inputs or assumptions that have the biggest impact on the model’s outcome.

Version Control

Saving multiple versions of a model so you can return to an earlier version if needed.

Model Checks

Built-in checks that help confirm the model is accurate and ties back to source data.

Traceability

Being able to see where each number came from and how it flows through the model.

Business Case Analysis

Evaluating whether a project, investment, or acquisition makes good business and financial sense.

Capital Investment Analysis

Analyzing whether Southern Star should invest money into long-term projects such as pipelines, infrastructure, or growth initiatives.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A;)

The process of evaluating and potentially buying or combining with another company.

Acquisition

When one company purchases another company or asset.

Due Diligence

Research and review done before making a major investment or acquisition.

Balance Sheet

A financial statement showing assets, liabilities, and equity.

Income Statement

A financial statement showing revenue, expenses, and profit.

Cash Flow Statement

A financial statement showing how cash moves in and out of a business.

Treasury

The function that manages cash, debt, liquidity, funding, and financial risk.

Credit Analysis

Evaluating whether a customer or company is financially strong enough to pay its obligations.

Credit Metrics

Measurements used to evaluate financial health and borrowing ability.

Corporate Financial Model

A broader company-level model used to evaluate long-term financial planning, funding, and credit metrics.

Business Intelligence

Using data, dashboards, reports, analytics, and technology to support business decisions.

Data Visualization

Presenting information through graphs, dashboards, and visuals so people can understand it more easily.

Executive Financial Reporting

Communicating financial results and recommendations clearly to leadership.

Strategic Growth

Identifying and supporting projects that help Southern Star expand and grow long-term.

Organic Growth

Growth from internal projects rather than buying another company.

Natural Gas Industry

The industry focused on transporting, storing, supplying, and managing natural gas.

Demand Forecasting

Predicting future customer or market demand.

Revenue Forecasting

Predicting future revenue based on data and assumptions.

Stakeholders

People or departments affected by a project or decision.

Commercial Services

The group that works with customers and commercial activity.

Rates & Regulatory

The area focused on pricing, rates, and regulatory requirements.

Actionable Information

Information that helps leadership make a decision.

Accuracy vs. Usability

Balancing correct numbers with information that people can actually understand and use.

Documenting Assumptions

Recording where inputs came from and why they were used.

Source Documents

Original documents that support the data, such as financial statements, invoices, contracts, or filings.

Don't Boil the Ocean

Do not try to solve everything at once; break the problem into smaller, manageable steps.