Build Business Spreadsheets Using Excel

This is the best introduction to Excel spreadsheets I have ever seen (out of several I own). If you want to learn how to create professional financial spreadsheets easily, get this book. It covers function keys and typing short-cuts in Excel not easily found elsewhere. The book's only shortcoming is that it does not explain how to create charts or graphics. Nevertheless highly recommended. Postcript Feb 2010: Unfortunately the advent of Excel 2007 made the hot key/short-cut advice in this book obsolete. Microsoft angered a lot of Excel users with their 'ribbon' change to the new Excel. The book needs to be updated to cover Microsoft Office 2007.

Adkins' book is packed with little-known shortcuts and tips on Excel functionality. The author doesn't waste time reviewing the more obvious points of the program, but gets right down to it with all the do's and dont's of creating a financial model. The book is easy to read & well-organized, so it's more like a reference guide than a textbook...the appendices at the back are great for quick reference--I've been an analyst for two years and STILL use it. (there are also little exercises throughout for those who need more help). If you want to be a success as an analyst, you should definitely check this one out--I can't tell you how critical these shortcuts have been at crunchtime. Knowing how to get around a spreadsheet really, really fast makes a difference when you are still at the office at 11 pm (or later). Definitely worth the investment.