In this post on the Captain Excel blog on AccountingWeb.com, the author runs through several options for composing and displaying text in Excel spreadsheets. This is a common issue for accountants, especially auditors. We use Excel so much for displaying tables of numbers and performing complex calculations, but a significant part of reporting is the explanatory text. This is precisely why a standard set of financial statements includes more note disclosure than actual numbers.
From the article:
Callouts are Text Boxes with arrows to help direct the discussion within the Text Box to the object. Create a Callout by clicking on the Shapes button in the Illustrations group on the Inset tab, then click on one of the callout buttons at the bottom of the selections.
As a preparer and reviewer of millions (okay, maybe thousands) of Excel-based audit workpapers, I see all manner of text display methods. Even after five years in the profession, I have yet to decide on a preferred method. This article helps put it all in perspective, and I think I agree with the author on a favorite method. You’ll have to read the article to find out!
CPA Tech Tips 