Using the GL Helper

The GL Helper is a learning tool for beginning users that helps them become familiar with the way the Excel-Based Toolset for Financial Reporting tool works. It helps the user build formulas.

  1. Click GL Helper on the Service Management toolbar.
  2. The GL Function Helper screen is displayed.
  3. Specify this information:
    Start/End Account Code
    The accounts in these fields default from the from the site selected in the Site field. Choose the range of accounts. Select the Use Cell Reference check box to use the cell reference of the account code instead of the actual code.
    Site
    Select a Site from the drop-down. The default site comes from the Site selected from the Excel Toolbar. The Start Account Code, End Account Code, and Year fields are updated when you change the site.
    Period
    Select the period that will be used in the formula.
    Year
    Select the fiscal-year that will be used in the formula.
    Use Dynamic Parameters
    Select this check box to make the report more interactive by using the selectable parameters list. Period, Fiscal Year, and Site are added to the top of the spreadsheet, each with a selectable drop-down list.
    Selected Item(s)
    This area is divided into two panes. The left pane includes items that are not selected. The right pane includes items that are selected. You have to select an item and click one of the arrows (either pointing left or right) to get the item into the pane you want. By default, all items are in the left (unselected) pane. Move the items you want to be in the right (selected) pane.

    This table describes the items:

    Item Description
    Account Code Insert Account code as text.
    Description Insert SLDESC function to retrieve the Account Name.

    Examples:

    =SLDESC("10000")

    =SLDESC(A1)

    Period Balance Total Insert SLGL function to retrieve the period total for the selected Period and Fiscal Year.

    Examples:

    =SLGL("10000",7,2011, "A")

    =SLGL(A1, $B$1, $B$2, "A")

    Period Budget Total Insert SLGL function to retrieve the Budget amount for the selected Period and Fiscal Year.

    Examples:

    =SLGL("10000",7,2011, "B")

    =SLGL(A1, $B$1, $B$2, "B")

    Period Plan Total Insert SLGL function to retrieve the Plan amount for the selected Period and Fiscal Year.

    Examples:

    =SLGL("10000",7,2011, "P")

    =SLGL(A1, $B$1, $B$2, "P")

    YTD Balance Total Insert SLGL function to retrieve the balance as of the selected Period and Fiscal Year.

    Examples:

    =SLGLBAL("10000",7,2011, "A")

    =SLGLBAL(A1, $B$1, $B$2, "A")

    YTD Budget Total Insert SLGL function to retrieve the Budget amount as of the selected Period and Fiscal Year.

    Examples:

    =SLGLBAL("10000",7,2011, "B")

    =SLGLBAL(A1, $B$1, $B$2, "B")

    YTD Plan Total Insert SLGL function to retrieve the Plan amount as of the selected Period and Fiscal Year.

    Examples:

    =SLGLBAL("10000",7,2011, "P")

    =SLGLBAL(A1, $B$1, $B$2, "P")

  4. Click Generate.