Bridging the Gap: enhancing Accounting and Finance learning through applied Excel skills and interactive learning tools

Project Summary The Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Accounting and Finance Learning through Applied Excel Skills and Interactive Learning Tools project was developed to strengthen the connection between theoretical learning and practical spreadsheet skills within Accounting and Finance education. Excel is widely used across accounting and finance education and professional practice. However, students can enter university with very different levels of spreadsheet experience. While some are confident Excel users, others may understand accounting and finance concepts but find it more challenging to translate those concepts into formulas, spreadsheets and financial models. The project therefore focused on developing an accessible, practical learning resource that could help students progressively build their Excel capabilities and apply them to Accounting and Finance activities. The main aim was to help bridge the gap between students' theoretical understanding of Accounting and Finance and their ability to apply that knowledge using Excel. Rather than teaching Excel as an isolated technical skill, the project sought to demonstrate its application through relevant accounting and financial activities. The intention was to create a resource that students could use both during their studies and for independent practice. The project also aimed to provide additional support for students with limited previous Excel experience, enabling them to progress from basic spreadsheet operations towards more applied financial modelling tasks.