Even small Excel mistakes can lead to big problems. In this practical, example-driven session, Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA shows you how to confidently review, audit, and validate even the most complex spreadsheets—so you can trust your numbers before they’re shared, submitted, or relied upon for decisions.

This presentation focuses on real-world auditing techniques you can use immediately. You’ll learn how to uncover hidden errors, verify calculations, monitor workbook changes, and understand exactly how data flows through formulas and pivot tables.

David demonstrates every technique step-by-step—first using clear, numbered slides, then live inside Microsoft 365 Excel, with guidance on how features differ in Excel 2021, 2019, 2016, and earlier versions. Attendees also receive a downloadable Excel workbook with hands-on examples used during the session.

What You’ll Learn : 

• How to audit formulas using Excel’s built-in error-checking and formula evaluation tools
• Practical ways to verify totals, spot inconsistencies, and detect duplicate data
• How to track the impact of small changes using the Watch Window
• When and how to use Show Formulas, Trace Precedents, and related auditing features
• How to safely convert pivot tables to static values for reporting or archiving
• Techniques for drilling into pivot table results to validate underlying data
• How to manage and audit pivot table behavior, including refresh settings and summarization issues
• Best practices for identifying and auditing pivot table data sources

Pivot Table Skills You’ll Master: 

• Removing data from pivot tables using multiple methods
• Sorting and filtering pivot tables correctly (and why they differ from worksheet sorting)
• Collapsing and expanding fields to reduce information overload
• Understanding why Excel sometimes counts instead of sums—and how to fix it
• Adding blank rows correctly within pivot table layouts
• Refreshing one pivot table vs. all pivot tables in a workbook

Your Benefits for Attending: 

• Improve the accuracy and reliability of your Excel spreadsheets
• Gain confidence when reviewing spreadsheets created by others
• Learn repeatable auditing techniques you can apply to any workbook
• Reduce the risk of costly reporting or calculation errors
• Save time by quickly identifying problem areas in complex files

Who Should Attend:

This session is ideal for accountants, auditors, analysts, finance professionals, and Excel power users who review spreadsheets created by others—or who want to strengthen the integrity and reliability of their own work.