
QAS Self-Study

Intermediate

CPE Credits
6 Credits: Computer Software & Applications
Course Description
A dashboard is a dynamic tool that provides pertinent summary information to help assist in management decision making. Designed to provide an instant view into key performance indicators, a dashboard essentially provides the analysis which allows users to draw a quick conclusion based on the trends and comparisons shown. This course focuses on using Excel to create an effective dashboard using charts, conditional formatting, data validation, and more. The materials are presented in an easy to follow format, complete with practice exercise files to aid in the understanding of the techniques and tools provided.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define a dashboard, noting its characteristics, components, and how it differs from a report;
- Recognize the design component of the dashboard;
- Identify different types of charts and their appropriate usage, and note the process for creating and editing appropriate charts for a dashboard;
- Recognize the process of creating and editing in-cell charts and tables, noting efficient methods to format for consistency;
- Define a Sparkline and note its historical significance;
- Note the application of different linking methods in a dashboard;
- Note the different filtering techniques and data validation to data;
- Recognize absolute cell references and range names, noting their application;
- Recognize the pros and cons of pivot charts and how to use them in a dashboard;
- Recognize the different types of conditional formatting and how to apply them;
- Recognize the different functions within a dashboard, noting their syntax and application; and
- Recognize the process of protecting and distributing dashboards.
Course Specifics
Course ID 2174528 |
Revision Date November 30, 2022 |
Prerequisites Basic knowledge of Excel including formatting and charting as well as familiarity with Pivot Tables, formulas, and functions. |
Advanced Preparation Excel 2013/2016. Some features are not available with earlier versions. Differences in step by step instructions as well as screen shots are noted where applicable. |
Compliance information
CFP Notice: Not all courses that qualify for CFP® credit are registered by Western CPE. If a course does not have a CFP registration number in the compliance section, the continuing education will need to be individually reported with the CFP Board. For more information on the reporting process, required documentation, processing fee, etc., contact the CFP Board. CFP Professionals must take each course in it’s entirety, the CFP Board DOES NOT accept partial credits for courses.
Course Instructor

Patricia McCarthy, MBA, is a partner at CFO Resources LLC, a company focused on training and courseware for CPAs. Her focus is on Microsoft products, particularly Excel, and how to use these programs effectively in business. She’s also certified as an MOS expert in Excel. Patricia has been in software training for over 20 years, and her client list includes the Indiana CPA Society, which awarded her its Outstanding Discussion Leader award. She has been a contributor to the Journal of Accountancy and has published articles in several CPA society magazines, including societies in Indiana, Missouri, Texas, and Arizona. Patricia is a …
Drive Your Dashboard with Excel

CPE CREDITS
6 Credits: Computer Software & Applications
$174.00 – $204.00

QAS Self-Study

Intermediate

CPE Credits
6 Credits: Computer Software & Applications
Course Description
A dashboard is a dynamic tool that provides pertinent summary information to help assist in management decision making. Designed to provide an instant view into key performance indicators, a dashboard essentially provides the analysis which allows users to draw a quick conclusion based on the trends and comparisons shown. This course focuses on using Excel to create an effective dashboard using charts, conditional formatting, data validation, and more. The materials are presented in an easy to follow format, complete with practice exercise files to aid in the understanding of the techniques and tools provided.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define a dashboard, noting its characteristics, components, and how it differs from a report;
- Recognize the design component of the dashboard;
- Identify different types of charts and their appropriate usage, and note the process for creating and editing appropriate charts for a dashboard;
- Recognize the process of creating and editing in-cell charts and tables, noting efficient methods to format for consistency;
- Define a Sparkline and note its historical significance;
- Note the application of different linking methods in a dashboard;
- Note the different filtering techniques and data validation to data;
- Recognize absolute cell references and range names, noting their application;
- Recognize the pros and cons of pivot charts and how to use them in a dashboard;
- Recognize the different types of conditional formatting and how to apply them;
- Recognize the different functions within a dashboard, noting their syntax and application; and
- Recognize the process of protecting and distributing dashboards.
Course Specifics
Course ID 2174528 |
Revision Date November 30, 2022 |
Prerequisites Basic knowledge of Excel including formatting and charting as well as familiarity with Pivot Tables, formulas, and functions. |
Advanced Preparation Excel 2013/2016. Some features are not available with earlier versions. Differences in step by step instructions as well as screen shots are noted where applicable. |
Compliance information
CFP Notice: Not all courses that qualify for CFP® credit are registered by Western CPE. If a course does not have a CFP registration number in the compliance section, the continuing education will need to be individually reported with the CFP Board. For more information on the reporting process, required documentation, processing fee, etc., contact the CFP Board. CFP Professionals must take each course in it’s entirety, the CFP Board DOES NOT accept partial credits for courses.
Course Instructor

Patricia McCarthy, MBA, is a partner at CFO Resources LLC, a company focused on training and courseware for CPAs. Her focus is on Microsoft products, particularly Excel, and how to use these programs effectively in business. She’s also certified as an MOS expert in Excel. Patricia has been in software training for over 20 years, and her client list includes the Indiana CPA Society, which awarded her its Outstanding Discussion Leader award. She has been a contributor to the Journal of Accountancy and has published articles in several CPA society magazines, including societies in Indiana, Missouri, Texas, and Arizona. Patricia is a …
Drive Your Dashboard with Excel

CPE CREDITS
6 Credits: Computer Software & Applications
$174.00 – $204.00