# Federal Budget Analysis Using Microsoft Excel Course (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/federal-budget-analysis-using-microsoft-excel-course-self-paced>

## Overview

Analysis plays an increasingly important role in today's performance-based, outcome-oriented federal budgeting environment. This course covers methods of analysis frequently used to clearly define and answer budgetary questions. You'll learn when and how to use selected Microsoft Office products, mainly Excel but also PowerPoint and Word, to strengthen analysis and on-the-job performance. Lessons are structured around the requirements for analysis contained in financial management laws and implementing OMB circulars.

## What you'll learn

- Describe a structured, five-step approach for conducting performance analysis to support evidence-driven budget decisions.
- Apply Excel functions, including calculations of future obligations and costs, benefits, net present value (NPV), and sensitivity analysis to evaluate competing alternatives when developing agency budget requests.
- Use Excel functions, including descriptive and normative techniques, to assess variances and trends when executing performance budgets.
- Prepare Excel data tables and charts with linkages between worksheets and to PowerPoint and Word documents for use in reporting performance results.
- Develop a summary-level narrative for new budget authority incorporating Excel-based analytical results.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Conducting Analysis in Today’s Budgeting Environment

- Explore the performance-oriented budgeting framework and its legal foundations
- Review key OMB Circulars (A-11, A-136) and GPRA Modernization Act requirements
- Define and apply performance measures for inputs, outcomes, and efficiency

#### Module 2: Structured Approach for Performance Analysis

- Understand and apply the five-step structured analysis process
- Define analysis questions, identify and collect data, and conduct Excel-based evaluations
- Utilize Excel for linking data across worksheets and visualizing results

#### Module 3: Monitoring Budget and Program Execution

- Apply analytic methods to monitor execution of performance budgets
- Use Excel tools like sparklines, ratios, and trend analysis
- Generate reports using SF 133 and SBR formats for quarterly reviews

#### Module 4: Formulation of Performance Budget Requests

- Estimate O&M and capital investment costs using Excel functions
- Conduct life-cycle cost and net present value (NPV) analysis
- Use OMB guidance (A-11, A-94) for developing justifications

#### Module 5: Presenting Analytic Results: Capstone Exercise

- Prepare compelling performance-based budget justifications
- Create Excel-linked Word summaries and PowerPoint visuals
- Translate analytic results into a narrative that supports budget decisions

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1199