Budget Analysis Techniques Boot Camp

More effective analyses lead to better budget decisions for the organization and improved financial performance. Using the various features and functions of Excel, participants will learn how to perform the analyses to support budgetary decisions and present data graphically for stakeholders.

You will spend 80% of your class time working in Microsoft Excel to gain hands-on experience that you can apply on the job.

Who Takes This Course: This course is designed for program and financial management personnel who want to understand and apply Excel's analytical techniques to support budget decision-making in their organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Perform basic Excel functions in support of the principles of analysis
• Query databases using the Filter tool and Advanced Filter tool
• Apply benefit-cost analysis to determine the net benefit, benefit-cost ratio, and return on investment (ROI) for a project or program
• Determine how costs and benefits impact budget decisions
• Determine how the time value of money impacts budget decisions
• Determine how time-based decision criteria measures impact budget decisions
• Apply sensitivity analysis to budget data to support decision-making
• Construct and display frequency distributions using histograms, descriptive statistics, the normal distribution, and Z-scores
• Use time series components, line graphs, trendlines, equations, and r-squared values to forecast budget amounts
• Perform a graphical analysis of data
• Present data and analyses effectively by linking datasheets, charts, or tables to a Word or PowerPoint file