Technology has transformed the world of finance. For both financial services, like banking and investing, and financial management in corporations, technology has improved efficiency and effectiveness in the way we manage money. Applications like Microsoft Excel and Python allow finance professionals to better manage large datasets and models and provide a means for quick and actionable financial analysis. The explosion of fintech means that the stakes are ever higher for up-and-coming finance professionals: it is critical for students of finance to learn technology skills.
Two of our newest offerings hit the nail on the head by integrating technology as a key skillset for future finance professionals.
Financial Management with Excel
Microsoft Excel is an invaluable tool for financial analysis and decision-making. Excel is a near-universal language among business professionals, and its flexibility and wide range of functionalities has earned it a time-tested place in the world of finance. That’s why it’s so critical for students to gain proficiency in Excel as a powerful tool for financial management.
In MyEducator’s Financial Management with Excel resource, students are introduced to key topics in finance and use Excel to solve problems by working through case studies. From time value of money calculations to financial modeling, students will see the value of using Excel for financial management. They will gain confidence in their ability to conduct financial analysis to support decision-making.
Finance is key for decision-making in modern business, so learning financial skills in Excel benefits not just finance students but business students of all types. Future business professionals may never have to direct an ad campaign or generate a balance sheet, but they will likely be responsible for meeting (or setting) financial goals, optimizing investment returns, and, ultimately, creating value.
This resource is best suited to current or prospective MBA students. Teaching an introductory-level undergraduate course? Check out our Principles of Finance with Excel resource, or add a module with Excel practice to your current learning resources.
Financial Analysis in Python
The finance industry has an increasing demand for professionals equipped to handle both big data and high-performance computing. Python is the most popular choice to meet this growing need. Like Excel, Python is useful for a wide range of tasks and is easy to adapt for different business needs. As an open-source, object-oriented programming language, Python is beginner-friendly, and there are many free supporting tools and libraries that can be used for financial analysis and data processing.
In MyEducator’s Financial Analysis in Python resource, students begin by learning Python in a strategic manner tailored to finance and data analytics, along with some foundational statistics. Then, students are introduced to key finance topics and use their newly developed Python skills to solve problems as they work through case studies.
A Final Word
Technology skills are becoming increasingly important in the world of finance, and there is no better time for finance and business students to learn Excel and Python than now. These skills will help them succeed in careers in financial management, financial analysis, business management, and more. It only remains to be seen how the students of today will change the future of finance!
Sources
Bosacki, Adrian. “How Is Python Used in Finance? — Python Applications in Finance.” Soft Kraft. https://www.softkraft.co/how-is-python-used-in-finance/.
Rosenberg, Eric. “The Importance of Excel in Business.” Investopedia, November 27, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/032415/importance-excel-business.asp.
Violino, Bob. “Why Does Excel Survive in Finance Departments?” CFO, April 12, 2022. https://www.cfo.com/technology/spreadsheets/2022/04/excel-survive-finance-departments/.
