Skills and Resources
This competition requires a broad set of applied spreadsheet, data analysis, and productivity skills commonly used in professional business environments. Participants must demonstrate both technical proficiency and sound problem-solving judgment across multiple Excel features and related tools.
Spreadsheet Organization and Workbook Management:
Participants must be able to create, rename, reorder, and manage multiple worksheets within a single workbook. This includes documenting work clearly, maintaining logical sheet structure, and ensuring consistency across related sheets.
Formula and Function Proficiency:
Strong skills in building and applying formulas and functions are essential. This includes:
Arithmetic calculations and growth modeling
Relative, absolute, and mixed cell referencing
Rounding functions
Date functions
Lookup functions (such as XLOOKUP)
Logical functions (IF statements)
3-D references across multiple sheets
Participants must also be able to extend formulas efficiently across ranges and quarters while maintaining accuracy.
Financial and Business Calculations:
The competition requires understanding and computing common business metrics, including:
Gross Revenue
Cost of Goods Sold
Gross Profit
Total Expenses
Net Profit
Competitors must accurately calculate monthly, quarterly, and yearly totals while applying growth factors and aggregation logic.
Data Formatting and Presentation:
Participants must apply professional formatting standards, including:
Number formatting (comma style, decimal control)
Borders for emphasis and readability
Cell styles and fill colors
Merged and centered titles
Consistent formatting across sheets
Attention to visual clarity and consistency is critical.
Table and Structured Data Skills:
The competition requires converting data ranges into Excel tables, naming tables, applying table features, and using structured references. Conditional formatting rules must also be applied correctly based on defined criteria.
Data Analysis and Summarization:
Participants must summarize data using:
Conditional aggregation (by product, region, or customer)
Pivot tables to analyze sales data across multiple dimensions
Query tools to import and filter external data sources
These tasks require logical thinking and the ability to interpret data relationships.
Charting and Visualization:
Competitors must select and create an appropriate chart type to represent proportional data clearly. This includes labeling charts and ensuring the visualization accurately communicates the underlying data.
Automation and Advanced Features:
The competition tests familiarity with advanced Excel capabilities, including:
Macros for automating filtered data output
Assigning macros to buttons
Using external text files as data sources
This demonstrates efficiency, precision, and higher-level Excel competency.
Accuracy, Attention to Detail, and Time Management:
Because the competition is detailed and multi-step, success depends on:
Careful reading and execution of instructions
Accuracy in formulas and references
Verifying results
Managing time effectively under pressure
Microsoft Word – Skills Required for Competitive Performance:
Document Creation & Formatting
Create professionally structured documents using headings, styles, and consistent formatting
Apply advanced text formatting (styles, section breaks, columns, headers/footers)
Use page layout controls (margins, orientation, spacing) to meet specifications
Insert and format tables, images, and charts appropriately within documents
Translate business scenarios into clear written deliverables
Organize information logically for clarity, readability, and professional tone
Follow detailed instructions precisely with minimal errors
Edit and proofread for grammar, consistency, and formatting accuracy
Microsoft PowerPoint – Skills Required for Competitive Performance
Slide Design & Structure
Design clear, logically sequenced presentations aligned to business objectives
Apply consistent themes, layouts, and slide masters
Use effective visual hierarchy (titles, bullet structure, spacing)
Avoid clutter while maximizing clarity and impact
Use charts, tables, icons, and images appropriately to support messaging
Apply color, typography, and alignment for professional appearance
Ensure slides support oral or executive-style presentation
Maintain accuracy and consistency across slides
Align slide content closely with given requirements and instructions
Emphasize key findings, recommendations, or conclusions
Team
Teams may consist of one or two participants. Teams may consist of one or two participants. Solo entries are welcome, and two person teams are encouraged to collaborate and share responsibilities.