Coursera

Financial Data Storytelling & Executive Reporting in Excel

Coursera

Financial Data Storytelling & Executive Reporting in Excel

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Create dynamic, insightful financial dashboards that tell a compelling story.

  • Apply the Situation-Complication-Resolution (SCR) narrative framework to financial reporting.

  • Use Advanced Excel and visualization techniques to transform complex data.

  • Leverage Generative AI tools to accelerate chart creation and narrative drafting.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

April 2026

Assessments

22 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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This course is part of the Excel Financial Modeling Mastery: In-Depth Training Professional Certificate
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
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  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 6 modules in this course

This module will guide you from a raw dataset to a powerful, interactive analytical tool. You will first learn the technical foundations of building dynamic dashboards, using PivotTables, PivotCharts, and slicers to turn static data into an interactive report. Then, you will master the art and science of effective data visualization. Guided by expert principles, you will learn to eliminate "chart junk" and optimize for clarity and user-comprehension. The result is a dashboard that is not only functional but communicates insights with maximum impact, ensuring your data drives clear, informed decisions.

What's included

5 videos4 readings5 assignments

This module focuses on financial storytelling, teaching you to build a compelling narrative before creating a single slide. You will master the Situation-Complication-Resolution (SCR) framework to structure a powerful argument, drawing inspiration from iconic pitch decks like Airbnb's. You will then translate your narrative into a professional presentation by mastering effective data visualization, using case studies like Spotify's direct listing to learn what makes a pitch compelling. The module culminates in a project where you build a complete, professional pitch package, proving you are ready to present complex financial models with confidence and clarity.

What's included

4 videos2 readings4 assignments

This module elevates your skills beyond simply making charts to designing financial visualizations that convey a powerful, instant message. Drawing on examples from Tesla and The Economist, you will learn to build an effective "Management Snapshot." To ensure your reports are instantly understood, you will master the "5-second test," a powerful technique to measure clarity and overcome designer bias. Using this feedback, you will then learn to iterate on your designs, refining charts for maximum impact, much like Netflix has with its public reporting. You will practice justifying these data-driven improvements to ensure your reports are truly effective.

What's included

5 videos3 readings5 assignments

This module will teach you to tell a powerful financial story, starting with the visuals. You will move beyond basic charts in Excel to create dynamic, presentation-ready graphics that tell a clear narrative, inspired by best-in-class examples from Apple and Tesla. But a great visual is not enough. Drawing lessons from cautionary tales like Target's Canadian expansion, you will learn the critical soft skills needed to ensure your story has an impact. You will master how to analyze constructive feedback and refine your presentation's flow and clarity, ensuring your data-driven insights are both seen and understood.

What's included

4 videos3 readings5 assignments

This module is your hands-on guide to leveraging generative AI for high-impact financial reporting and data storytelling. Learn to use AI as a co-pilot to accelerate chart generation, draft compelling narrative summaries, and create executive-ready reports in a fraction of the time. You will master writing precision prompts to turn raw data into production-ready visuals and learn to evaluate different AI models to select the right tool for the job. Critically, this module teaches you to develop the professional skepticism needed to verify every AI output, implement ethical safeguards, and confidently defend your data-driven stories.

What's included

2 readings2 assignments

In this module, you will work on a project that transforms a financial model into an actionable executive story. You will build a dynamic, single-page Excel dashboard with interactive controls and a concise slide deck using the Situation-Complication-Resolution framework to present a clear recommendation. Validate your work with readability tests and a model-check appendix to deliver a trusted, polished reporting package that turns complex data into decisive insights for leadership.

What's included

2 readings1 assignment

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.