New Excel Functions Every CPA Should Know

Course Description:

This course is designed specifically for CPAs who want to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently using the latest tools in Excel 2021 and Microsoft 365. Whether you're handling large datasets, preparing reports, or streamlining workflows, these newer functions can significantly reduce manual work and improve accuracy. The eBook is paired with a hands-on workbook, allowing you to follow along step-by-step, with a complete answer key to reinforce your learning.

Discussion starts with XLOOKUP(), the long-awaited replacement for VLOOKUP(). It’s more powerful, easier to use, and eliminates many of the common errors and limitations CPAs encountered with VLOOKUP(). If you’ve relied on INDEX/MATCH, you’ll also benefit from XMATCH(), which adds even more flexibility and precision.

Text functions such as CONCAT(), TEXTJOIN(), TEXTBEFORE(), TEXTAFTER(), and TEXTSPLIT() are essential for anyone working with imported or unstructured data.

When it comes to summarizing and analyzing data, newer tools such as GROUPBY(), PIVOTBY(), and PERCENTOF() provide powerful alternatives to traditional methods. For data analysis and reporting, newer functions such as GROUPBY(), PIVOTBY(), and PERCENTOF() allow you to summarize information quickly—without relying as heavily on traditional pivot tables.

And if your work involves complex logic, enhanced functions like IFS(), MAXIFS(), and SWITCH() simplify nested formulas, making them easier to build, audit, and maintain.

If you're a CPA looking to stay current, increase efficiency, and deliver higher-value insights, this course will give you practical tools you can start using immediately.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand what new functions are replacing older functions and why
• Recognize new Excel functions and when to use them