Best Excel Finance Courses Summary

Power Query

• Pros:
  • Great for advanced data manipulation and transformation.
  • Can streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Cons:
  • Still foreign to many in corporate finance.
  • Useless if not widely understood within the team.
• Quote:
  • "I basically only use PowerQuery for everything now. PowerQuery made formulas unnecessary."

Named Ranges

• Pros:
  • Can make formulas more readable and manageable.
• Cons:
  • Can cause issues when moving sheets between workbooks.
• Quote:
  • "Named ranges... give your spreadsheet AIDS and cause huge problems when moving sheets between workbooks."

VBA

• Pros:
  • Useful for automating tasks and making complex processes foolproof.
• Cons:
  • Requires admin access to install compilers on workstations.
• Quote:
  • "Using VBA and protecting sheets is an almost foolproof way to get other users... to use the said tool."

Advanced Excel Skills

• Pros:
  • Learning advanced Excel functions can lead to higher salaries.
  • Opportunity for career growth and improved efficiency.
• Cons:
  • Resistance from colleagues due to lack of understanding or unfamiliarity.
• Quote:
  • "Learning this stuff will bring you higher salaries.... Git gud, get paid."

Excel Course Recommendations

• Pros:
  • Useful for financial analysts and business intelligence professionals.
  • Provides valuable insights and tips for improving Excel skills.
• Cons:
  • Coupon codes may have limited redemptions or expiration.
• Quote:
  • "I think that's because Excel is used for everything.... Excel has a thousand abstract tools you can point at a diverse array of tasks."

Additional Insights

• Pros:
  • Courses focusing on Excel applications are in demand for finance and business analysts.
  • Valuable for expanding skills and advancing career opportunities.
• Cons:
  • Limited availability of free coupon codes for certain courses.
• Quote:
  • "I was recently hired as a financial analyst, and I was looking for ways to increase my competency."

In conclusion, Power Query is praised for its advanced data manipulation capabilities, while Named Ranges are cautioned against due to potential issues when moving sheets. VBA is recommended for automating tasks, though admin access may be required. Building advanced Excel skills is seen as crucial for career growth, despite resistance from colleagues. Courses focusing on Excel applications are highly regarded for financial and business analysts seeking to improve their competency and efficiency.