THE ELEPHANT IN THE SPREADSHEET
Let’s talk Excel.
This isn’t about calling anyone out — or showing off what I can do. But after 20+ years in finance, I genuinely believe there’s an unspoken truth that needs saying:
Most people in finance aren’t that great with Excel.
Not terrible. Just… not equipped for the level of data handling most roles demand today.
Why Does That Matter?
Because spreadsheets still drive so many critical processes — and the cracks are showing.
Recruitment hasn’t helped. The benchmark for years has been:
“Can you do a VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, and a Pivot Table?”
If the answer is yes, it’s game on.
But that bar is too low.
Modern finance teams need to be able to wrangle, reconcile, and analyse large sets of data — not just copy last month’s file and hope for the best. It’s not about memorising formulas. It’s about using the tool properly, spotting issues, and understanding how to fix them before they cause problems.
The Deeper Issue?
The Deeper Issue?
There are many people in finance who truly get how to use spreadsheets well — the ones who understand data, build smarter ways of working, and quietly hold processes together. But they’re often spread thin. Most businesses have one or two at most.
And when those people leave?
The process usually crumbles. No documentation. No upskilling. No continuity.
The even deeper issue?
Sometimes, those very people — the ones with all the know-how — get overlooked. They might not have the letters. They might be QBE. But they’ve got the experience, the scars, and the practical skills that keep things moving.
In my opinion? That should count for a lot more than it often does.