Participants will learn shortcuts and efficiency-saving tools for working in MS Excel models specifically designed to improve overall efficiency when building and working with valuation models. Techniques and tips will be based on the presenter’s 20+ years of experience in with building models and working with Excel for valuations both domestically and internationally. Insights will help reduce use of the mouse and improve the use of the keyboard when modeling. Participants will learn how to custom format cells and best practice techniques in building formulas for calculating cash flows and data lookups. The course will also cover simple formula review tools to make understanding complex formulas easier. Participants will also learn simple troubleshooting techniques for improving model performance.

A brief introduction to using VBA will be included as well as looking at newly introduced Microsoft 365 functionality. Participants will spend time doing hands-on simple exercises in Excel to improve the retention of learned skills. While basic and intermediate Excel users will get the most out of the class, the course is designed in such a manner as to provide insights that even advanced users of Excel will find useful when working with Excel.

Participants will receive an Excel exercise book for work during the course as well as be provided with a quick reference sheet (in pdf format) that can be referenced anytime in the future while working in Excel.

Introduction;

• Optimally setting up Excel:
  
  • Startup screen and security settings;
    
  • The workspace area and QAT; and
    
  • Slow-start model troubleshooting.
    
• “Hands-on” exercises together to transition from mouse clicks to keyboard:
  • Shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts:
    
    • Stealthy formatting;
      
    • Stealthy navigation; and
      
    • Stealthy viewing.
      
• Using built-in and custom functions;
  
• Transferring client data without melting down your model:
  
  • Importing sheets versus unformatted data; and
    
  • Financial statement conversion workpaper.
    
• Best practices for formula building:
  
  • Organization techniques; and
    
  • Nesting.
    
• Simple model review techniques:
  
  • Formula level;
    
  • Sheet level; and
    
  • Software.
    
• BV tricks:
  
  • Ranking company financial metrics;
    
  • Footnoting; and
    
  • Customized formats.
    
• VBA coding for beginners.

1. Improve overall efficiency in modeling in Excel by:
   Setting up Excel for success; and
   Hardwire shortcuts and tricks into your daily Excel routine.
2. Learn some simple rules for transferring client data to your Excel model to prevent model meltdowns;
   
3. Run simple audit techniques to check a model for errors;
   
4. Learn how to avoid common “missteps” in modeling;
   
5. Introduction to the VBA editor interface and learn some simple ways to code in VBA; and
   
6. Become familiar with various useful new and existing Excel capabilities and functions.