At Digigen, we are committed to helping businesses leverage the best tools to drive efficiency and innovation. As part of this mission, we are excited to share insights from one of the leading voices in finance technology, Eric Refuerzo, the Senior Director of Finance for Google Workspace and Maps.
Before joining Google, Eric spent his career immersed in Excel, harnessing its capabilities for data analytics and global financial reporting. With over 25 years of tech finance experience, including roles as a CFO, he was initially skeptical about Google Sheets' ability to match Excel's power. However, his perspective changed rapidly upon discovering the robust functionalities and seamless cloud integration that Sheets offers.
Eric is eager to share his top five pro tips for maximizing Google Sheets, especially for those transitioning from Excel.
1. Use Gemini for Faster In-Sheet Research and Analysis
Eric highlights Gemini in Sheets as a game-changer. The dedicated side panel acts as a research partner within your spreadsheet, connecting to external data sources and enabling efficient data analysis. For instance, when Eric needs to analyze IMF data, he simply prompts the side panel to summarize findings and integrate the data directly into his tables. This feature combines the convenience of a spreadsheet with powerful data exploration capabilities.
2. Conquer Big Data with Connected Sheets
Connected Sheets have revolutionized how Eric handles large datasets. Unlike the cumbersome experience of managing massive data in traditional spreadsheets, Connected Sheets allow precise control over data importation. Eric can analyze billions of rows from BigQuery or Looker directly within a Sheet, using familiar tools and formulas without manipulating raw data.
3. Power Reporting and No-Code Apps with Sheets
Google Sheets, integrated with Data Studio, enables Eric to create dynamic, real-time updating reports accessible to his entire team. Additionally, AppSheet offers a platform to develop custom apps for visual outputs and status tracking. These tools within the Google Workspace ecosystem allow seamless storytelling with data.
4. Maintain Data Consistency with IMPORTRANGE
The IMPORTRANGE function is essential for Eric in ensuring data consistency across multiple spreadsheets. By importing specific data ranges from one sheet to another, he eliminates manual updates and minimizes error risks, keeping everyone aligned with the latest information.
5. Stay in Control with Activity Dashboard and Conditional Notifications
Managing changes in shared spreadsheets is streamlined with the Activity Dashboard, which provides a quick overview of edits, viewers, and timestamps. Conditional notifications add another layer of control, alerting Eric to specific changes like status updates. These tools provide simple yet powerful ways to maintain oversight and peace of mind.
At Digigen, we are thrilled to bring you insights from industry leaders like Eric Refuerzo, demonstrating how tools like Google Sheets can transform your financial operations. For more on the latest features in Sheets, check out our latest posts
About Digigen
Digigen, a Google Cloud partner headquartered in Thailand, helps businesses grow more efficiently with Google Cloud, Google Workspace, and Gemini. Our digital-first approach ensures clients are equipped to begin their cloud journey with confidence.
For further information or to get started with Google Sheets and other Google Workspace tools, visit our contact page and connect with one of our consultants
