For Individuals
For Teams
  • Macabacus program: 5 total courses to earn certificate
  • Self-paced & 100% online
  • Get full access to the program, community, and more with a CFI membership.
  • Get this program and CFI's full training catalog for your organization
  • Manage learning, create custom paths & measure progress
  • For teams of 2 or more learners

Program Overview

5 courses

5 Required Courses

10 - 20 Hours

Average completion time

Receive a Certificate

To verify your skills

500,000+ 5-star ratings

Best-in-class training, as rated by you

Your path to becoming a Macabacus Specialist

This specialization consists of hands-on courses delivering practical, real-world data analysis and visualization skills using the latest tools and techniques

Step 1.

5 Required Courses

Learn from industry experts at your own pace.

Macabacus Quick Start Guide
4.7 (6 Ratings)
59min
59min
Format a Financial Model with Macabacus
5 (5 Ratings)
1h 24min
1h 24min
Audit a Financial Model With Macabacus
4.8 (18 Ratings)
1h 56min
1h 56min
Modular Model Building with Macabacus
4.8 (4 Ratings)
1h 34min
1h 34min
Build a Presentation with Macabacus
4.9 (7 Ratings)
1h 52min
1h 52min
Hide All Courses

Get Specialized

Specializations allow narrow and deep focus on a targeted subject area, with particular attention to specific analysis techniques and actionable skills.

They are designed to deepen your industry acumen and to prepare you for faster professional growth within the sector.

Skill Categories and Learning Objectives

1
32%
Format & Present a Financial Model
2
24%
Reliable Linking to PowerPoint and Word
3
16%
Configuration of Key Macabacus Settings
4
16%
Financial Model Auditing
5
12%
Modular Model Building
1
2
3
4
5
  1. 1.
    32%
    Format & Present a Financial Model
  2. 2.
    24%
    Reliable Linking to PowerPoint and Word
  3. 3.
    16%
    Configuration of Key Macabacus Settings
  4. 4.
    16%
    Financial Model Auditing
  5. 5.
    12%
    Modular Model Building

Configuration of Key Macabacus Settings

  • Import color palette and setup colors for Defaults, AutoColors, Fonts, Borders, and Fill
  • Setup common custom number formats for General, Currency, Percent, Multiple, and Dates
  • Configure settings for the accelerator key, interface, fonts, borders, and indents

Format & Present a Financial Model

  • Understand how proper formatting instills confidence in those using the models for important decision making
  • Use the Explorer Pane to see an inventory of all elements of the financial model to format
  • Learn how to prepare and export a financial model to present it to all key stakeholders

Financial Model Auditing

  • Use powerful Macabacus visualizations to locate areas of possible concern in the financial model
  • Use Pro Precedents and Pro Dependents to help efficiently review formulas and linkages
  • Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly evaluate consistency across rows and columns to expedite the review process

Modular Model Building

  • Review principles of modular building by designing a model as a connected group of schedules
  • Use Macabacus to prepare, upload, and organize a library of model schedules
  • Import and connect the model schedules from the Macabacus library

Reliable Linking to PowerPoint and Word

  • Set up reliable links from Excel to PowerPoint or Word
  • checkmark icon Review the various exporting and importing options available in Macabacus
  • Use Highlight Links and Manage Links to review and refresh the connections to Excel files

Taught by Industry Experts

Duncan McKeen

Duncan McKeen

Duncan is the Executive Vice President, Financial Modeling at CFI. Since 2014, Duncan has been focused on designing courses and teaching financial modeling to employees working in accounting, valuation, investment banking, equity research, and private equity.

Explore Your Career Options

Over 85% of executives, supervisors, and HR professionals agree that certified individuals bring value, gain credibility, and are seen as top performers.
* Source

  • Investment Banking

    Investment Banking

    Audit financial models from clients efficiently using keyboard shortcuts and link reliably from to PowerPoint to prepare brand-compliant pitch books.
  • Private Equity

    Private Equity

    Streamline financial model assessment with advanced auditing tools, create efficient dashboards with shortcuts, and seamlessly link to PowerPoint for presentations.
  • Valuation

    Valuation

    Ensure model accuracy for valuation with advanced tools. Seamlessly link models to PowerPoint for stakeholder presentations.
  • Financial Planning & Analysis

    Financial Planning & Analysis

    Use powerful financial modeling tools to expedite processes for budgeting and forecasting. Link reliably to PowerPoint for efficient financial reporting.
  • Equity Research

    Equity Research

    Build financial models quickly with keyboard shortcuts and link efficiently to Word to produce brand compliant research notes in less time.

Our Learners Work At:

What Our Students Say

Over 75% of CFI learners report improved productivity or competency within weeks.

Insightful and ability to Audit A financial model with Macabacus

Shosanya Elizabeth

The course is really well-thought-out. The summary shortcuts are also helpful to keep on hand.

Stephen Moerane

The explanation is very clean cut and the information given is practical and useful.

Yeap Ronh

It helped me a lot to understand and explore auditing tools.

Yunus Yehya

Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.

What is the Macabacus Specialist program and who is it designed for?
The Macabacus Specialist program is CFI’s practical training focused on mastering the Macabacus add-in for Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. It is designed for finance professionals such as analysts, associates, and managers who want to save time, reduce errors, and create professional-quality models and presentations with confidence.
What are the admission requirements for the specialization?
There are no formal prerequisites to begin the program. All you need is a computer with Microsoft Office 2016 or newer, an internet connection, and a Macabacus subscription. Whether you are new to Macabacus or already familiar with its core functions, this specialist program provides step-by-step training to help you get the most out of the software.
How long does it take to complete the specialization, and how flexible is the program?
The program includes five courses that take about 10 to 20 hours to complete in total. Because the training is self-paced, you can move through lessons at your own speed, revisit content anytime, and keep access to updates for as long as your subscription remains active.
Is the specialization recognized worldwide by employers?
Yes. CFI certifications are trusted by thousands of organizations and over 2 million professionals around the world. The Macabacus Specialist certificate demonstrates to employers that you can streamline workflows, build error-free models, and deliver polished presentations—skills that are highly valued across finance roles.
What career opportunities can the specialization help me pursue?
This program prepares you for roles where productivity and precision are essential, including investment banking, private equity, FP&A, and equity research. By learning how to work more efficiently with Macabacus, you’ll be equipped to handle complex modeling and reporting tasks that employers expect from high-performing analysts.
How does CFI ensure the training is practical and job-ready?
The curriculum is built around real-world finance workflows, showing you exactly how Macabacus tools improve modeling, auditing, and presentation processes. Instead of theory, you’ll practice directly in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, gaining desk-ready skills that you can apply immediately in your role.
How are exams conducted, and how do I earn my certificate?
Each course concludes with an online exam that includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and Excel-based questions. You must score at least 80% to pass, and exams can be retaken as often as needed during your CFI subscription. Once all five courses are complete, your blockchain-verified digital certificate will be issued instantly.
Are CFI courses accredited?
Yes. CFI is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and recognized by professional organizations including NASBA and CPA institutions in the US and Canada. Completing the Macabacus Specialist program may also count toward your continuing professional education (CPE) or continuing professional development (CPD) hours. You can find more information here.
How much does the specialization cost, and what’s included with my subscription?
The Macabacus Specialist program is included with your CFI subscription, which gives you unlimited access to all courses in the training library. Your subscription covers lessons, templates, exercises, exams, certificates, and future content updates as long as it remains active. You do not need a subscription to Macabacus to complete this specialization.
What kind of learner support and career resources does CFI provide during the program?
All learners receive technical support to ensure a smooth experience using the Macabacus add-in, as well as learning support from the CFI team. You’ll also join a global community of finance professionals to share knowledge and tips. Full Immersion subscribers benefit from added services such as expert feedback on models, direct email support from CFI analysts, and instant help with AI Tutor.

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.

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