Advanced Excel for Business

The Advanced Excel for Business course is designed to help learners master Excel as a powerful business tool for data analysis, financial modelling, and decision-making. While Excel is often seen as a basic spreadsheet programme, its advanced features make it indispensable for business professionals seeking to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions. This self-paced course with a recommended duration of 20 hours guides learners through the full range of advanced Excel functions, preparing them to use Excel confidently in complex business environments.

Course Structure and Content

The course is divided into ten modules that progressively build from advanced foundations to specialised business applications:

1. Introduction to Advanced Excel for Business Discover the advanced capabilities of Excel, how they are applied in professional business contexts, and why Excel remains a cornerstone of modern data-driven decision-making.
2. Data Cleaning and Transformation with Power Query Learn how to use Power Query to efficiently import, clean, and transform raw data into structured formats for deeper analysis.
3. Advanced Formulas and Functions for Business Analysis Explore complex formulas such as INDEX-MATCH, nested IFs, LOOKUPs, TEXT, DATE, and logical functions, enhancing your ability to solve real-world business problems.
4. Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts for Data Analysis Gain expertise in creating and customising pivot tables and pivot charts to summarise, analyse, and visualise business data.
5. Data Visualisation with Advanced Excel Charts Learn to design and customise advanced charts such as waterfall, histogram, combo, and dynamic charts that make business insights easier to communicate.
6. Using Power Pivot for Data Modelling Understand how to create sophisticated data models using Power Pivot, including relationships, measures, and calculated fields for multidimensional analysis.
7. Automating Reports and Dashboards with Excel Develop interactive dashboards and automate repetitive reporting tasks to save time and enhance productivity.
8. Excel for Forecasting and Budgeting Apply advanced forecasting techniques, scenario analysis, and budgeting models to support strategic financial planning.
9. Excel for Advanced Financial Analysis Master tools for valuation, sensitivity analysis, financial ratios, and risk modelling, enabling data-driven financial decisions.
10. Advanced Excel Tips and Tricks for Business Efficiency Discover lesser-known Excel features, shortcuts, and productivity hacks that can significantly improve efficiency in business tasks.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in advanced Excel functions to manage and analyse data effectively.
• Use Excel to clean, transform, and analyse datasets for business insights.
• Create dynamic dashboards, financial models, and forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Automate reports and business processes using Excel Macros and VBA, improving efficiency.
• Leverage Excel for advanced business scenarios, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Learning Materials

The course provides learners with a variety of resources for an interactive and practical learning experience, including:

• Recorded video lectures explaining advanced Excel features step by step.
• Visual slides and guides for quick reference to functions and formulas.
• Case studies and real-world business scenarios demonstrating Excel’s role in professional contexts.
• Hands-on exercises designed to reinforce skills through practical application.

Assessment

Learners will complete an online quiz at the end of the course, consisting of 20–30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to test knowledge and application of advanced Excel techniques. Unlimited retakes are available, allowing learners to strengthen their understanding and achieve mastery.

Mode of Study

This course is delivered fully online in a flexible, self-paced format. Learners can access the content at their convenience, making it ideal for working professionals and students looking to upgrade their Excel skills for real-world business applications.  

Sample Lecture: