Hi Kev,
Talking about excel, once my friend asked his boss (project manager) what are the traits a good project manager should have. Like you mentioned above, my friend was also expecting some Project Management Techniques and formulas. However his reply was:
Two things:
1. Master excel and present your data with colours and charts
2. Learn how to create subfolders under Inbox in Your Outlook and store files there.

Now coming back to the subject topic. Do you know any link where a newby like me can find some sample templates?
Regards,
Morpheus