Walk me through, step by step, how you would set up and maintain an Excel sheet to track daily transactions: including data validation, formatting, error-checking (e.g., using filters, conditional formatting, or formulas), and how you’d protect sensitive fields from accidental edits.

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VirtualInterview.AI · Accepted Answer

I’d start by designing a clear layout: one row per transaction with fields like date, transaction ID, customer, amount, payment method, and status. Then I’d add data validation: date pickers for the date field, dropdown lists for payment method and status, and a custom rule to prevent negative amounts. I’d format the header row as a table (Ctrl+T) so filters are built in and new rows are included automatically.

For error-checking, I’d use conditional formatting to flag duplicates in the transaction ID column and highlight any amounts over a set threshold for review. I’d also add a few summary formulas (SUMIFS, COUNTIFS) on a separate dashboard tab to catch anomalies day to day. To protect sensitive fields—like formulas, totals, and reference lists—I’d lock those cells, unlock only data-entry cells, and then protect the sheet with a password. Finally, I’d save a read-only “view” version for stakeholders who just need to monitor activity.

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