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Excel Skills Outline

· 3 min read
Kyeongsup Choi

1. Beginner​

Skills:​

  • Basic navigation and familiarity with the Excel interface (e.g., entering data, formatting cells, and using basic functions).
  • Ability to perform basic arithmetic using formulas (SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, etc.).
  • Sorting and filtering data in a spreadsheet.
  • Creating simple charts and graphs (e.g., bar charts, pie charts).
  • Basic formatting skills (e.g., changing fonts, adjusting column widths, and cell colors).

Example Tasks:​

  • Creating a simple budget or expense tracker.
  • Applying basic formatting for readability.
  • Using SUM and AVERAGE to calculate totals and averages.

2. Intermediate​

Skills:​

  • Proficient with more advanced formulas and functions (IF, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, COUNTIF, SUMIF).
  • Ability to work with large datasets, including filtering, sorting, and conditional formatting.
  • Experience with PivotTables for summarizing data and performing basic analysis.
  • Familiarity with data validation and creating drop-down lists for controlled data entry.
  • Knowledge of linking multiple sheets and workbooks together.

Example Tasks:​

  • Creating a dynamic sales report using PivotTables.
  • Using VLOOKUP to match data from different sheets.
  • Applying conditional formatting to highlight key data points (e.g., top 10 values, color coding based on thresholds).

3. Advanced​

Skills:​

  • Mastery of advanced formulas (e.g., INDEX, MATCH, ARRAY, OFFSET, INDIRECT).
  • Proficient with advanced data analysis tools like PivotCharts and data consolidation across multiple sources.
  • Knowledge of advanced data manipulation techniques, including data modeling and Power Query.
  • Proficiency in using Excel’s data analysis tools (e.g., Solver, Goal Seek, and scenario analysis).
  • Ability to create complex, dynamic dashboards with interactive elements (e.g., slicers, dynamic charts).

Example Tasks:​

  • Building a comprehensive financial model or business forecasting tool.
  • Using Power Query to clean and transform large datasets.
  • Creating advanced dashboards with PivotCharts and dynamic visualizations.

4. Expert​

Skills:​

  • Mastery of VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) for automating complex tasks and building custom Excel functions.
  • Ability to design macros for automating repetitive tasks and creating user-defined functions.
  • Extensive experience with Excel’s data analysis add-ins and external integrations (e.g., Power Pivot, Power BI).
  • Expertise in working with large datasets, advanced statistical analysis, and complex data visualizations.
  • Knowledge of collaborating with other tools and systems (e.g., integrating Excel with databases, APIs, or external applications).

Example Tasks:​

  • Automating report generation with custom VBA scripts and macros.
  • Designing complex financial or operational models with scenario analysis and sensitivity testing.
  • Creating custom functions or add-ins to extend Excel’s native capabilities.
  • Handling and analyzing data from external sources (e.g., SQL databases) and integrating it with Excel workflows.