Excel Skills for Business: Advanced from Coursera

Spreadsheet software remains one of the most ubiquitous pieces of software used in workplaces around the world. Learning to confidently operate this software means adding a highly valuable asset to your employability portfolio. Across the globe, millions of job advertisements requiring Excel skills are posted every day. At a time when digital skills jobs are growing much faster than non-digital jobs, completing this course will position you ahead of others, so keep reading.

In this last course of our Specialization Excel Skills for Business you will build on the strong foundations of the first three courses: Essentials, Intermediate I + II. In the Advanced course, we will prepare you to become a power user of Excel - this is your last step before specializing at a professional level. The topics we have prepared will challenge you as you learn how to use advanced formula techniques and sophisticated lookups. You will clean and prepare data for analysis, and learn how to work with dates and financial functions. An in-depth look at spreadsheet design and documentation will prepare you for our big finale, where you will learn how to build professional dashboards in Excel.

What's inside

Syllabus

Spreadsheet Design and Documentation

As an intermediate Excel user, you have the basics down. The first module of the Advanced course focusses on creating and maintaining accurate, flexible, responsive and user-friendly spreadsheets. You will learn how to design flexible and auditable spreadsheets, construct transparent calculations, create user-friendly navigation, and use styles, themes and formatting to tie it all up in a nice bow.

Advanced Formula Techniques

Excel often requires you to perform complex analysis on large sets of data. This can be made a lot easier using array formulas, which can perform multiple calculations simultaneously and ensure the accuracy of your spreadsheet. This module covers the use of array formulas, how to build them and use them effectively.

Data Cleaning and Preparation

Been handed a messy spreadsheet? This module focuses on data cleaning and preparation. You will learn how to use dynamic and automated fixes, clean messy data, automate these processes through functions, and ensure data remains clean dynamically. We will use functions to fix dates, replaces blanks and remove unwanted characters from data – all to help us build an efficient solution that lasts.

Financial Functions and Working with Dates

This module introduces financial functions into our Excel knowledge base. Financial functions are often used in businesses and Excel has a variety of tools to help you with that. This week, you will learn to apply date formulas in calculations, create loan schedules with financial functions, as well as use depreciation functions.

Advanced Lookup Functions

It is always a good idea to make your spreadsheets (and work!) more automated. Automated lookups can make your work fast and efficient. This module builds on your array capabilities and explores a range of functions to create dynamic lookup ranges – INDIRECT, ADDRESS, OFFSET and INDEX.

Building Professional Dashboards

To bring it home, this module guides you through the steps of building a professional dashboard. Data is meaningless unless it tells a story and can be used as business intelligence. This module will help you set up a dashboard – learn how to visualise data through graphs and charts, create data models, and add interactivity.

Final Assessment

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines spreadsheet design and documentation following industry best practices

Covers advanced formula techniques, including array formulas, ensuring spreadsheet accuracy

Focuses on data cleaning and preparation, improving efficiency and automating processes

Teaches financial functions and working with dates, essential for business applications

Explodes advanced lookup functions, enabling dynamic and efficient data retrieval

Guides learners in building professional dashboards, transforming data into actionable insights

Reviews summary

Advanced excel skills

learners say this course is largely positive and engaging, with difficult exams and assignments. Students who took this course have found that they are able to do their jobs more efficiently and professionally with the skills they learned. However, some learners say that the course lacks practice challenges and can be frustrating.

A well structured courses which has everything about Excel you need for excelling in your career. Videos, Practice Challenge and Final Assessment are really good to understand each and everything about different Excel functions to the core.

"Learned a lot about the advanced look-up functions and cleaning data. This are extremely useful things that I can already see myself applying in my job."

"Really difficult course, especially week 5. I usually find that the explanations are clear from the videos, but not for week 5."

"The best course for Excel I have found so far! I fully recommend it. Even if you have years of experience using spreadsheets, this course will teach you many new techniques that will make your life a thousand times easier. And also, it is super entertaining and didactic!"

This gives details in simple way and easy to understand. Successfully completed the Specialization and this change my works in to an easy, attractive way.

"Very difficult course, especially week 5."

"Week 4 and Week 5 - Was extremely challenging. More contents more clearer training should be provided. for example Offset/Address etc . These are extremely powerful but not satisfy they way Course 1/2/3 conducted."

Some of concepts not clearly explained so that it was difficult to apply it during the quiz and assessments . More examples would help the learner to understand how to apply an use the functions

"Not enough practice for weeks 2, 5 and 6. I felt that week 1 was completely redundant and could be substituted with better topics."

"introduced a lot of new formulas and really liked the "Dashboard" week. But would have like to seen more details on syntax, embedding multiple formulas together, and a resource page for where to go for help. Overall, good course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Excel Skills for Business: Advanced with these activities:

Review previous Excel courses

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Review the concepts and skills covered in previous Excel courses to strengthen your foundation and prepare for advanced topics.

Browse courses on Excel Fundamentals

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Identify core concepts from previous Excel courses.
Review course materials, including notes, exercises, and assignments.
Complete practice exercises to refresh your memory.

Follow online tutorials on advanced Excel functions

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Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials that cover advanced Excel functions and techniques.

Browse courses on Excel Functions

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Identify reputable online sources for Excel tutorials.
Select tutorials that align with your learning goals.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques.

Practice spreadsheet exercises

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Practice various spreadsheet operations and techniques to improve proficiency and muscle memory.

Browse courses on Excel

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Find example exercises or create your own based on course materials.
Complete the exercises, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Mentor a peer or junior in Excel

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Share your Excel knowledge and skills by mentoring a peer or junior, reinforcing your understanding and helping others grow.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify a peer or junior who needs support in Excel.
Schedule regular mentoring sessions to provide guidance and support.
Answer questions, provide feedback, and share your expertise.

Design a spreadsheet dashboard

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Design and create a professional spreadsheet dashboard to showcase your advanced Excel skills and data visualization abilities.

Browse courses on Spreadsheet Design

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Identify the purpose and key metrics for the dashboard.
Gather and clean the necessary data.
Design the layout and visuals of the dashboard.
Build the dashboard using Excel's charting and visualization tools.
Test and refine the dashboard for usability and effectiveness.

Build a data analysis project using Excel

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Apply your advanced Excel skills to a real-world data analysis project, demonstrating your problem-solving and data manipulation capabilities.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify a problem or business question to address.
Gather and clean the necessary data.
Analyze the data using advanced Excel functions and techniques.
Draw insights and conclusions from the analysis.
Present your findings in a clear and compelling manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Spreadsheet Developer

As a Spreadsheet Developer, you are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining spreadsheets for various business applications. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the specialized skills needed to excel in this role. You will master advanced formula techniques, sophisticated lookups, and spreadsheet design principles, enabling you to create robust and efficient spreadsheets that meet the unique needs of your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Spreadsheet Developer

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you use your technical skills to extract insights from data. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced can provide a solid foundation for your career in this field. You will learn how to clean and prepare data, work with dates and financial functions, and create sophisticated lookups, which are valuable skills for managing and analyzing large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Financial Planner

As a Financial Planner, you help individuals and businesses manage their financial resources. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn how to apply financial functions, create loan schedules, and use depreciation functions, which are essential for developing accurate financial plans and providing sound financial advice.

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Auditor

As an Auditor, you are responsible for examining and verifying financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn how to clean and prepare data, work with dates and financial functions, and create sophisticated lookups, which are essential for managing and analyzing large datasets.

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Tax Accountant

As a Tax Accountant, you are responsible for preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn how to apply financial functions, create loan schedules, and use depreciation functions, which are essential for calculating taxes and ensuring compliance.

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Forensic Accountant

As a Forensic Accountant, you use your accounting and investigative skills to uncover and prevent fraud. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn how to clean and prepare data, work with dates and financial functions, and create sophisticated lookups, which are essential for managing and analyzing large datasets.

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Market Researcher

As a Market Researcher, you collect and analyze data about markets and customers. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills to excel in this role. You will learn how to clean and prepare data, work with dates and financial functions, and create sophisticated lookups, which are essential for managing and analyzing large datasets.

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Statistician

As a Statistician, you collect, analyze, interpret, and present data to inform decision-making. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced can enhance your proficiency in this field. You will learn how to clean and prepare data, work with dates and financial functions, and create sophisticated lookups, which are valuable skills for managing and analyzing large datasets.

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Quantitative Analyst

As a Quantitative Analyst, you use mathematical and statistical modeling to solve complex financial problems. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this role. You will learn how to apply financial functions, create loan schedules, and use depreciation functions, which are essential for developing accurate financial models and providing sound financial advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Actuary

As an Actuary, you use mathematical and statistical skills to assess and manage risk. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in this highly specialized field. You will learn how to apply financial functions, create loan schedules, and use depreciation functions, which are essential for developing accurate financial models and providing sound financial advice.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be involved in the analysis of business processes to identify inefficiencies and improve performance. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced can be a beneficial addition to your skillset. You will gain proficiency in advanced formula techniques and sophisticated lookups, which will empower you to conduct in-depth data analysis and develop more accurate and efficient solutions for your clients.

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Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you use your critical thinking and technical skills to find meaningful insights from complex data. The topics covered in Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will prove useful by widening your understanding of Excel's functionality. You will learn how to clean and prepare data, work with dates and financial functions, and create sophisticated lookups to ensure accurate spreadsheet design and documentation. By mastering more advanced techniques, you'll enhance your skillset and stay ahead in this in-demand field.

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Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you are responsible for providing insights and recommendations on financial matters. This course can be an asset to your career by enhancing your Excel skills. You will learn how to apply financial functions, create loan schedules, and use depreciation functions, which are essential for accurate financial analysis and forecasting.

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Operations Research Analyst

As an Operations Research Analyst, you use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems. Excel Skills for Business: Advanced can enhance your skillset in this field. You will learn how to use array formulas, build dynamic lookup ranges, and clean and prepare data, which will enable you to develop more efficient and accurate models and solutions for your clients.

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Management Consultant

As a Management Consultant, you advise businesses on how to improve their performance. The skills you gain in Excel Skills for Business: Advanced will provide you with an edge in this competitive field. You will learn how to build professional dashboards, visualize data through graphs and charts, and create data models, which are key skills for effective data analysis and presentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant