Student Success Story: Rob

“My biggest win with Excel University was Jeff's speed loop process. That showed how to holistically think about a process, all the steps involved, and how to improve each one. We spend a lot less time in terms of processing data and more time using analytics.”

Results

  • Days of effort saved
  • The elimination of manual processes
  • Able to add more value to the business
  • Increased the departments capacity without adding staff members

Accounting Department Became More Efficient

  • Holistic solutions to Excel problems
  • Detailed tutorials
  • Solutions informed by industry experience
  • Clear progression through levels in the program
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What was life like before you joined Excel University?

My name is Rob, and I am based out of New York. My job title is Director of Accounting. A lot of our month-end close process was highly manual. There was a lot of copying and pasting and parsing of reports. 

The work done in order to get to the data, to do our analytical work, was very tedious. We were frustrated with the workload, because we knew that the data was there and it would be simple to process once we had it in a useful format. It was just a matter of getting it to that point!

 

What has changed since you joined Excel University?

Within our monthly close process, we are now able to focus a lot more on the analytics. 

Rather than spending so much time transforming data and getting it into the proper format, we are spending quality time adding value to the month-end close process. 

For our department, it allows us to contribute more and let management know what is driving the business.

 

What makes Excel University better than searching Google or YouTube?

It is really soup to nuts! By using Excel University rather than searching on Google, you learn the proper way to write a macro. 

Rather than solving the immediate problem at hand, Excel University gives you the tools to look at it more holistically.

What is one of your favorite time-saving techniques?

Previously, one of our main processes took us four days to complete. 

Using the concepts learned in the macro course, we were able to download 120 reports within a minute, process all the entries within a day, and have that process nailed down within one business day. 

My department and immediate reports have been able to take on additional work. We have been able to add companies under their responsibility without having to add headcount. So it is really tremendous.

 

Would you recommend Excel University?

Excel University is perfect for someone who is driven and wants to improve processes. Anyone who uses Excel will definitely benefit. 

Especially with the macro class, it is beyond what you see in the spreadsheets. It actually shows you how to maneuver Excel as an entire process. 

If you are someone who wants to improve your accounting department's handling of data, I think this is the course for you.