We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Matthew Fried

This course teaches Microsoft Excel, Power Pivot and Power BI. It starts from the beginning and goes all the way through to (and including) VBA. Excel is an extremely powerful tool, one which we will see can be used to understand, analyze, and present data. It can be used to build financial models, do data analysis via data science, and much more. It is an all-encompassing tool that blends analysis with presentation (using pivot tables and the data model). We will go through buttons, charts, data validation and conditional formatting, as well as all the regular functions. We cover every tool in Excel, starting from the basics, and review each many times. The general structure of the course includes many practice examples that allow a student to either follow along with a PDF or to follow along with a video. The concepts are put together to show full ideas, giving students the chance to integrate various different meta-analysis tools to build models and explore data.

Read more

This course teaches Microsoft Excel, Power Pivot and Power BI. It starts from the beginning and goes all the way through to (and including) VBA. Excel is an extremely powerful tool, one which we will see can be used to understand, analyze, and present data. It can be used to build financial models, do data analysis via data science, and much more. It is an all-encompassing tool that blends analysis with presentation (using pivot tables and the data model). We will go through buttons, charts, data validation and conditional formatting, as well as all the regular functions. We cover every tool in Excel, starting from the basics, and review each many times. The general structure of the course includes many practice examples that allow a student to either follow along with a PDF or to follow along with a video. The concepts are put together to show full ideas, giving students the chance to integrate various different meta-analysis tools to build models and explore data.

It is based on a well-worn approach of practice, practice, and more practice. Each section has videos and written instructions to hone students' skills. The beginning of the course includes about twelve different "homework" sections, then the course goes on to a college level instruction, followed by two sections that give consolidated practice via "worksheets" and "a lesson a day" type structure. After this, various topic are discussed such as Monte Carlo as used in various pricing models, etc. There is particular focus on financial models since business applications are very important in Excel. There are also many sections that work through VBA - visual basic for applications to enhance the students understanding and develop further advanced methods.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create and write advanced functions.
  • Create charts and buttons
  • Sort and filter with regular and advanced filters
  • Build pivot tables and calculated columns
  • Use randomness for model prediction
  • Learn to use the data model and power bi.

Syllabus

Introduction
*Introduction
*How to Maximize this Course
HW #1: Excel Tools and Organization
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the range of Microsoft Excel capabilities, such as data analysis, presentation, and financial modeling
Develops skills in Excel through a well-worn approach of practice and incremental lessons
Emphasizes financial modeling, since business applications are a critical part of Excel
Incorporates VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to enhance understanding and develop advanced methods
Begins with twelve homework sections for foundational practice before moving to college-level instruction
Covers advanced topics such as Monte Carlo analysis and data validation

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive excel for data and finance

Learners say this course offers a highly comprehensive journey into Microsoft Excel, Power Pivot, and Power BI. Students appreciate its design, taking them from foundational tools to advanced functionalities, including VBA, financial modeling, and data analysis. The course emphasizes extensive hands-on practice through numerous examples and homework assignments, which is a significant strength. They learn to build financial models, perform data analysis, and create compelling data presentations using pivot tables. While broad, some learners may find the transition from basics to advanced topics like Monte Carlo simulations to be a fast-paced progression.
Offers a clear, step-by-step learning journey from basic to complex.
"I found the general structure of the course very helpful, starting with basics and building up."
"The course progresses logically from introductory tools to college-level instruction and advanced methods."
"The numerous quizzes and homeworks throughout each chapter helped reinforce my understanding."
Highly relevant for business use cases, especially in finance.
"I found the particular focus on financial models incredibly important for business applications."
"The course helped me learn how to build financial models and do data analysis via data science."
"I gained skills to blend analysis with presentation using pivot tables and the data model, useful for my work."
Strong emphasis on practical application through many exercises.
"I really appreciated the constant practice examples, homeworks, and worksheets provided."
"The course structure allowed me to follow along with both video and written instructions to hone my skills."
"I built my skills through many practice examples and consolidated practice via worksheets."
Aims to cover every tool and function in Excel, from basics to advanced.
"I found the course covered every tool in Excel, from basic functions to advanced financial models."
"It provided a full scope of Excel applications, including Power Pivot, Power BI, and VBA."
"I learned how to use regular functions and integrate different meta-analysis tools effectively."
The extensive breadth may lead to a rapid pace for some advanced topics.
"While comprehensive, I anticipate that covering so many topics from basic to VBA might make some sections feel rushed."
"I hope the transition from basics to advanced 'college level' topics is well-paced and doesn't overwhelm."
"I might need additional external resources to delve deeper into specific advanced areas, given the course's vast scope."

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 Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel with these activities:
Attend Office Hours
Office hours provide opportunities to ask questions in a group setting and clarify areas of confusion.
Show steps
  • Identify Questions or Areas of Confusion
  • Attend Office Hours
  • Engage with Instructor and Peers
Build a Stock Pricing Model
Creating a stock pricing model allows for hands-on application of multiple techniques to enhance understanding of the complexities of financial modeling.
Browse courses on Monte Carlo Simulation
Show steps
  • Gather and Clean Data
  • Choose Appropriate Pricing Model
  • Implement Model in Excel or Python
  • Validate and Calibrate Model
  • Generate and Analyze Output
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analysts translate raw data into meaningful information for decision making and problem solving. They have knowledge of data analysis tools, statistics, and programming. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel lay a strong foundation for a career as a Data Analyst. Excel is a widely used tool in data analysis and this course provides a comprehensive overview of the software, including functions, data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide guidance to clients on investment decisions, evaluate companies for potential investment, and develop financial models. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, and many also have an MBA. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be helpful for Financial Analysts, as they cover topics such as financial functions, data analysis, and presentation.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial data to develop models for investment decisions. They typically hold a master's degree or phd in mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Quantitative Analysts, providing a foundation in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with businesses to understand their needs and develop solutions to improve their operations. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in business, information technology, or a related field, and many also have an MBA. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be helpful for Business Analysts, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants provide advice to businesses on how to improve their operations, increase efficiency, and achieve their goals. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field, and many also have an MBA. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be helpful for Management Consultants, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty in the insurance and finance industries. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field, and many also have a master's degree. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Actuaries, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to solve problems in business, industry, and government. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in operations research, industrial engineering, or a related field, and many also have a master's degree. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Operations Research Analysts, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use mathematical and statistical methods to extract insights from data. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field, and many also have a master's degree or phd. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be helpful for Data Scientists, providing them with a foundation in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers conduct research to understand consumer behavior and trends. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field, and many also have a master's degree. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be helpful for Market Researchers, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Budget Analyst
Budget Analysts prepare and manage budgets for businesses, governments, and other organizations. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, and many also have an MBA. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Budget Analysts, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, and many also have an MBA or CFP certification. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be helpful for Financial Planners, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts evaluate companies for potential investment. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field, and many also have an MBA or CFA certification. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Investment Analysts, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers manage investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field, and many also have an MBA or CFA certification. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Portfolio Managers, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers assess and manage risks for businesses and organizations. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, and many also have an MBA or FRM certification. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Risk Managers, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.
Statistical Analyst
Statistical Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or a related field, and many also have a master's degree. Courses like Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel can be useful for Statistical Analysts, providing them with skills in data analysis, presentation, and finance.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Functions, Data Analysis, Presentation and Finance w/ Excel.
Teaches you how to use Power Pivot and Power BI to create data models and business intelligence reports. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these powerful tools.
Teaches you how to use Excel to perform data analysis. It covers everything from basic data cleaning and preparation to advanced statistical analysis techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data analysis.
Comprehensive guide to Excel VBA programming, which is essential for automating tasks and creating custom Excel applications. It valuable resource for those who want to take their Excel skills to the next level.
This textbook covers all the basics of Excel data analysis and modeling with clear and concise explanations and detailed examples. This valuable reference book for Excel users who are familiar with the basics and want to learn more advanced techniques.
Teaches you how to use Power BI to create interactive data visualizations and reports. It covers everything from basic data preparation to advanced data analysis techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Power BI.
Shows you how to create effective Excel dashboards and reports. It covers everything from data preparation to visualization, and it provides plenty of examples and exercises to help you learn.
Comprehensive guide to VBA programming in Excel. It covers everything from basic programming concepts to advanced techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about VBA programming.
Teaches you how to use Excel to perform financial analysis. It covers everything from basic financial concepts to advanced analysis techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about financial analysis.
Quick reference guide to Excel statistics. It covers everything from basic statistical concepts to advanced statistical analysis techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about statistics or who needs a quick reference guide.
Teaches you how to use Excel to create effective data visualizations. It covers everything from basic charting techniques to advanced visualization techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data visualization.
Teaches you how to use VBA to create powerful Excel applications. It covers everything from basic programming concepts to advanced techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about VBA programming.
Is an excellent resource for learning how to automate tasks in Excel using Python, which can greatly enhance your productivity. Though not directly focused on Excel, it provides valuable knowledge for those interested in automating tasks.
Teaches you how to create effective presentations. It covers everything from planning and preparation to delivery and follow-up. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills.
Teaches you how to write effective technical documents. It covers everything from planning and organization to style and grammar. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser