Lesson ProgressPhase 4 of 6
Phase 4Independent Practice
Independent Practice: Polish Wizard Interface: Validation, Controls, and Auditability

Build the polished wizard with verification checkpoints and Definition of Done

Phase 4: Workbook Sprint

Polish the Wizard

Open your Lesson 5 workbook and add validation, controls, and an audit panel.

Starting Workbook

Open the workbook you built in Lesson 5. If you need a fresh start, download the starter.

Required incoming state: Your Lesson 5 workbook with named ranges, adjusting entries block, verification checkpoint, Adjusted TB, and Run Close button.

Reference Model: Layout Guide

Your finished workbook should have these new sections added to the Lesson 5 structure.

New SectionLocationPurpose
Validation RulesNext to each input cellFlag invalid inputs before the close runs
Period SelectorTop of Inputs sheetDropdown to select close period without editing formulas
Audit PanelTop-right of Inputs sheetShows period, inputs used, outputs, verification status
Updated Button FlowSame button, enhanced macroChecks validation before running, updates audit panel
Build Sequence with Verification Checkpoints
1

Add Validation Rules to Each Input

For each input cell (Supplies, PrepaidInsurance, etc.), add a Data Validation rule. Set minimum to 0, maximum to the account's unadjusted balance. Use conditional formatting to highlight violations in red.

Checkpoint: Type a negative number. The cell should show a red border or error message.
2

Build the Period Selector

Create a dropdown (Data Validation → List) with options: "March", "April", "May". Link it to a named cell called SelectedPeriod. Your formulas should reference this cell, not hard-coded month names.

Checkpoint: Change the dropdown. Any formulas that reference SelectedPeriod should update.
3

Create the Audit Panel

Build a small table at the top-right showing: Period (from SelectedPeriod), Total Adjustments (sum), Verification Status (OK/ERROR), and CloseStatus (Complete/Error). Use conditional formatting for green/red indicators.

Checkpoint: Run the close. The audit panel should update with the current period's data and show green indicators.
4

Update the Button Flow

Modify the macro to check validation before running. If any validation flag is active, show a message and stop. If all clear, run the close and update the audit panel.

Checkpoint: Enter an invalid input and click the button. It should refuse to run and tell you why.
Definition of Done

Your workbook is complete when all of the following are true:

  • Validation rules on every input cell (minimum 5 rules)
  • Period selector dropdown that drives formulas without editing them
  • Audit panel showing period, total adjustments, verification status, and CloseStatus
  • Button checks validation before running and refuses to proceed on errors
  • Conditional formatting makes violations and status visible at a glance
  • Workbook saved as .xlsm with all changes preserved
If You Get Stuck

Validation not triggering? Make sure Data Validation is applied to the correct cell range. Select the cell → Data tab → Data Validation → check the settings.

Dropdown does not change anything? The dropdown must be linked to a cell that your formulas reference. Check that your formulas use the named cell, not a hard-coded value.

Audit panel shows wrong values? Check that each audit panel cell references the correct named range or calculation block. Use the Name Manager to verify references.

If none of these help, open the teacher reference workbook and compare your layout step by step.