Prompt AI for information based on a set of assumptions. Use AI features in Microsoft Excel to see if the assumptions can be turned into a meaningful report.
Description
AI tools are transforming the way businesses approach reporting by making the process faster, more accurate, and significantly more insightful. Traditionally, reporting has relied on manual data entry, formula building, and static presentations—all of which are time-consuming and prone to human error. With AI, these tasks can be automated, allowing teams to generate dynamic reports in seconds. AI not only cleans and organizes data but also identifies patterns, highlights anomalies, and provides predictive insights that help guide strategic decisions. Tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude can explain complex data in natural language, enabling more people across an organization to engage with reporting—even without deep technical skills.
In this practical webinar, you'll prompt AI for information based on a set of assumptions. We will use AI features in Microsoft Excel to see if the assumptions can be turned into a meaningful report. We begin by using Copilot and then go outside Excel to see how external tools handle the task of reporting. The space is moving rapidly, and AI can now perform tasks that once required a lot of practical knowledge.
Using a practical exercise and segmented into short lessons for ease of learning, this webinar will help you develop and enhance the technology skills that are important for financial professionals.
Key topics:
- Prompting Excel’s built-in tools—such as Copilot—to perform quick, insightful analyses.
- Exploring a variety of external AI tools to compare results and validate Excel-generated insights.
- Automatically generating summary analyses and key takeaways from raw datasets.
- Creating and executing VBA modules to produce graphical comparisons and automate visual outputs.
- Automating chart generation and summary visuals using Excel’s built-in AI features.
- Understanding the current limitations of AI in reporting while recognising its rapid evolution and growing capabilities.
As part of this webinar you will receive,
- Downloadable worksheets with practical tasks to embed the knowledge
- A reference guide with key information
This recorded webinar is delivered by Excel expert and trainer, Marcus Small. Click here for Marcus' biography.
Learning objectives
- Prompt Excel’s AI tools, including Copilot and Analyze Data, to automate summaries, charts, and insights.
- Leverage external AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Julius) to generate, clean, and structure data for use in Excel.
- Compare and interpret AI-generated outputs from Excel and external sources to enhance analysis quality.
- Create and run VBA modules to automate graphical comparisons and reporting workflows.
- Recognize current limitations of AI in Excel reporting and identify emerging capabilities.
- Automate report elements, such as chart generation, using Excel’s built-in automation features.
- Configure manual and automated data refreshes to maintain scalable, up-to-date, and reliable reports.
Audience
Professionals working in SME or Corporate entities in specialist or analyst and mid-level career roles in job functions such as external reporting, financial control and management accounting.
