Excel for Finance

About this course

Spreadsheets are still the everyday tool for financial analysis, budgeting and reporting in most organisations. This course shows you how to structure a financial model so inputs and outputs are clearly separated, use the formulas and lookups that finance work relies on, build checks that catch errors early and format reports so readers can follow them. The content is general information about spreadsheet practice and is not accounting or tax advice.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to build a financial model with clearly separated inputs and outputs
• You'll be able to use functions for totals, lookups and scenario analysis
• You'll be able to apply checks that catch errors before reports go out
• You'll be able to format financial reports for clear reading

Course outline

1. Structuring a Financial Model

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A financial model is easier to trust and maintain when its structure is clear. Separating inputs, calculations and outputs means anyone can see where a number came from and what would change it.
2. Essential Financial Formulas

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A small set of formulas handles most financial calculations. Mastering SUM, SUMIFS, growth and percentage formulas gives you a reliable foundation for budgets, forecasts and variance reports.
3. Lookups and Scenario Analysis

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Lookups bring data from one table into another, and scenario analysis shows how results change under different assumptions. Together they make a model flexible and useful for decisions.
4. Error Checks and Controls

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Good models include checks that flag errors before anyone relies on them. Simple control totals, balance checks and clear flags make errors visible rather than hidden.
5. Formatting Reports for Readers

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A well-formatted report helps readers find the message quickly. Consistent number formats, clear headings and restrained colour make financial results easier to read and less prone to misreading.
6. Tools you'll need

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   You can build financial models with free or existing tools. Advanced add-ins and paid software can help with scale but are not required to learn these skills.
7. Careers & next steps

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Excel skills for finance are valued in accounting, planning, analysis and management roles. This lesson shows where these skills lead and how to check what they may be worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.