About Elisabeth of Excel & Expense (3E)

Greetings,

My name is Elisabeth, and I am the proprietor of Elisabeth’s Excel and Expense aka 3E. Although my freelancing career is in its early stages, I bring considerable knowledge and skills to the table.

Work Background

Out of highschool I went into the workforce though farming was the foundation of my diverse upbringing and shaped my knowledge base early on. An injury led me to transition from industrial work to an office setting, prompting me to pursue further education and develop advanced skills.

After college, I returned to farming for several years—a decision that deepened my understanding of both business and life. At the same time, I broadened my professional experience by working in diverse industries, including sewing, manufacturing, fast food, night auditing, forklift driving, and guest services

I hold two Associate Degrees: one in Business Management and another in Architectural Technology. My passion for Excel began during my college years while balancing part-time studies with my responsibilities as a Dairy Goat Farmer, using Excel to manage herd records and our budget.

While pursuing my second degree, I was hired by my current employer as an Administrative Assistant in the Marketing Department, supporting the Events Team. In that role, I managed a single sub-team’s budget, handled administrative tasks, and assisted with event planning. Over time, my responsibilities expanded, and I eventually oversaw a large portion of the Marketing Team’s budget until I was coordinating the whole Marketing Team.

Since then, I have advanced to my current position as Commercial Team Budget Coordinator, where I recently assumed responsibility for the Commercial Team budgets—including Marketing, Media, Sales, Customer Experience, and Global Sales & Ingredients. This unique role allows me to manage a range of tasks, such as budget planning for all teams, reforecasting/rebase planning, vendor setup coordination, Concur processes, and monthly reporting and reconciliation for each sub-department.

I truly enjoy this work, even though it can be challenging at times. While I utilize several different systems, Excel remains my primary tool for tracking and reporting

Over the past 14 years, I have handled a variety of tasks, further deeping my expertise in Excel and continuously expanding my skill set.

Additionally, I have extensive hands-on experience in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management. I work closely with accounting teams to ensure compliance with GAAP, reconcile monthly accounts, and create journal entries for corrections. Beyond financial accuracy, I have optimized department workflows by maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, fostering collaboration across sub-departments, and streamlining processes for greater efficiency.

Why did I start a business?

My motivation is multifaceted. I aimed to generate additional income while eliminating the unsustainable 30-mile, one-way commute that comes with rural living. For five years, I balanced a part-time job alongside my full-time position, but as I matured and the economy evolved, I increasingly sought work that would let me operate on my own schedule from home. Working remotely allows me to consistently commit 15 to 25 hours per week—time that would otherwise be lost in transit—and also offers the flexibility to extend my work into evenings, weekends, or after regular business hours as needed. Creating my own business will provide the freedom to work on my own terms, while still remaining available during normal business hours for meetings. Ultimately, this approach enables me to build a career that adapts to my lifestyle, even if that means working until midnight or later when necessary.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis—a condition that profoundly affected my ability to work. As my symptoms worsened and the disease progressed, I underwent a second major surgery in 2021. That surgery resulted in the removal of my kidney, ureter, part of my reproductive organs, and the placement of a stent in my remaining kidney to treat a kidney stone. The ordeal of surgery and the challenging recovery that followed changed my life. Although I have made improvements, I am not the same, and I am not cured; my body continues to fight every day. Activities I once enjoyed, like walking or exercising, have become a struggle, and I now consider myself fortunate if I can fold laundry or put away dishes without pain and fatigue. Endometriosis has taken a toll on my spine and pelvic floor, yet my work provides me with focus and purpose—it allows me to shift my attention away from pain and channel my energy into solving problems, refining spreadsheets, and completing month-end tasks within my physical limits.

The challenges of long commutes and my health inspired me to start this business—offering both the flexibility I need and the additional income I seek. More importantly, it enables my clients to benefit from the expertise of a truly dedicated Excel specialist. Although I work full-time as a Budget Coordinator, I manage my time carefully to meet client deadlines without overextending myself.

I enjoy spending time outdoors and nurturing my garden, even if those moments are sometimes limited. Traveling is a passion of mine—I find the art and architecture of different regions truly invigorating. I also have a collection of tattoos that I deeply cherish; each one carries personal significance, serving as a reminder of the loved ones who have supported me, the challenges I’ve overcome, and my enduring resilience.

Here are some glimpses into who I am:

Future Journey

My journey has also taught me the importance of versatility and continuous learning. Whether developing Excel dashboards for detailed financial tracking or refining communication strategies to align stakeholders, I’ve embraced challenges that have sharpened my problem-solving abilities and enhanced my professional toolkit. With a proactive mindset, I approach every task with diligence and a focus on creating solutions that streamline operations and improve efficiency.

I am taking courses and earning new Excel certifications to keep my skills up to date. My goal is to become a Microsoft MVP and to continue to grow my business to maintain my learning and earn that extra income.

In addition to my professional expertise, I pride myself on being highly adaptable and detail-oriented. These traits have enabled me to thrive in dynamic work environments and consistently deliver quality results. Whether managing complex budgets or streamlining processes, I approach every project with a commitment to excellence and a drive to exceed expectations.

Staying engaged has always been my nature, whether through part-time roles or professional development. As I embark on this freelancing venture, I am eager to apply my skills to benefit your organization.

I look forward to collaborating with you.

Best regards,

Elisabeth