Math for Business Operations: Applied Accounting with Excel
This course turns spreadsheets into decision tools. You will build working Excel models, present to real audiences, and finish with a capstone that shows investor‑level thinking.
What you'll learn
- Core accounting (ledger → statements → KPIs)
- Excel automation (tables, SUMIF/SUMIFS, Goal Seek, data tables, macros)
- Decision skills (pricing, forecasting, cash flow)
How the class runs
- Six‑phase lessons with frequent checks for understanding
- Team projects with public‑facing demos
- Realistic datasets and authentic scenarios
How you're graded
- Formative: 60% (benchmarks, peer reviews, weekly reflections)
- Summative: 40% (capstone workbook, pitch, model‑tour video)
Our Six‑Phase Structure
Each lesson follows a clear rhythm so you always know what's next. You'll read short explanations, try a focused task, check your understanding, and reflect on what you learned.
A fast scenario or short video that pulls you into the problem.
Plain‑language teaching with examples that connect to real business.
We build together. You get feedback as you go.
You try it solo to show skill growth and confidence.
Quick checks for understanding. Fix mistakes while they are small.
Reflect, summarize, and preview what comes next.
Eight Hands‑On Units
Semester 1 builds solid accounting and Excel skills. Semester 2 assembles a full startup model and prepares you for the capstone.
- Unit 1: Smart Ledger Launch — Self‑auditing ledger and trial balance.
- Unit 2: Month‑End Wizard — Adjusting entries and macro‑powered close.
- Unit 3: Three‑Statement Storyboard — Linked I/S, B/S, C/F + KPI dashboard.
- Unit 4: Data‑Driven Café — Clean POS data, analyze, and forecast demand.
- Unit 5: PayDay Simulator — Payroll logic and reconciliation.
- Unit 6: PriceLab Challenge — CVP, Goal Seek, and sensitivity tables.
- Unit 7: Inventory Accounting — FIFO/LIFO, weighted average, and inventory KPIs.
- Unit 8: Fixed Assets and Depreciation — SLN/DDB depreciation and asset register management.
Second‑Semester Capstone: Investor‑Ready
Over 13 weeks you will extend your best mini‑projects into one investor‑ready business plan with a linked Excel workbook. You'll deliver a 10‑slide pitch, a 3‑minute model‑tour video, and a self‑auditing dashboard.
- Weeks 1–2: Proposal + research
- Weeks 3–8: Build revenue, budget, payroll, inventory tabs
- Weeks 9–11: Integrate 3 statements + scenarios
- Weeks 12–13: Pitch, model tour, final reflection
- Linked Excel model with validation checks
- 10‑slide investor pitch (+ Q&A)
- 3‑minute model‑tour video
- Weekly CAP reflections + peer reviews
- Model fidelity & automation (10)
- Analytic insight (10)
- Documentation & sourcing (5)
- Pitch quality (10) + peer critique (2)
See Capstone guidelines and rubrics for full details.
How learning feels in this course
A quick taste of our interactive checks and business simulations.
1. Which tool will you use most to build models in this course?
2. How is your course grade balanced?
3. What is a key deliverable for the Semester 2 capstone?
Cash Position
$25,000
HealthyDay
1 / 30
Incoming
$45,000
Outgoing
$38,000
Customer Payment A
5 days left
+$15,000
Customer Payment B
12 days left
+$20,000
Invoice Collection
25 days left
+$10,000
Supplier Payment
3 days left
-$12,000
Payroll
15 days left
-$18,000
ModifiedRent Payment
30 days left
-$8,000
How to succeed here
- Bring your laptop and keep files organized
- Build every day; small steps add up
- Ask questions early and often
- Share roles: modeler, designer, auditor
- Give kind, specific, helpful feedback
- Document sources and formulas
- No hard‑coded totals—formulas must show your reasoning
- Cite data sources; summarize AI help you used
- Keep a clear change‑log for major edits
Ready to start?