The use of analytics in finance and accountancy is not new, but it is the next core capability of the finance professional. For those working in a finance role, whether part-qualified or qualified there will be a data journey they are on and there is a real opportunity to lead organisations to better business decisions driven by new insights rather than simply reporting on past events.

Finance professionals need to have digital and analytical skills to:

Understand the business
Know the data that is available and relevant
Plan, collect and use the right data
Ask the right questions of the data – apply critical thinking
Interpret the data in relation to financial performance
Use professional scepticism to evaluate the data
Be able to present and communicate findings and key messages
Support business decision making – level up business performance, reduce risk, reduce costs, understand the future business and its environment

First Intuition have designed and developed ‘finance-flavoured’ programmes to help accounting and finance professionals gain a better understanding of the digital technologies which are relevant to the finance world. As well as the impact they are having on the business environment and how the finance professional can provide insight and impactful support for business decision-making. Details of the two new courses are below:

Digital Finance Essentials

A shift in the technological landscape means finance professionals are required to adapt their skillset to support the changes happening internally in the day-to-day activities as well as to support the commercial potential of the technological shift.

There is no less of a need for the finance professional skills but the focus and value-add is changing. The traditional skill set is not redundant but the need to enhance it to enable an interaction between the computers and the human to create more value for the business and client is essential.

As data is growing rapidly the finance professional has a key role in supporting better business decision making, enhancing productivity, and benefiting from the vast volume of data now available.

This programme will help to create a level of essential knowledge and understanding of the key digital finance trends affecting the finance sector and the technologies enabling the shift. It will introduce the key concepts, terms, techniques and roles as well as looking at the emerging digital assets and liabilities affecting business. Attendees will cover the impact of digital transformation and specifically topics such as automation, AI, crypto-currency, data analytics, data visualisation and cyber-security.

Data Analytics in Finance

The role of the accountant has and is changing, as technology drives the need for new skills and new ways of working. Do you want to learn how to harness the power of data analytics and create value in your business and for your clients?

This programme will enable participants to understand how data analytics can transform an organisation and the services it offers as well as how you can enhance your data translation skills. It will cover key areas including the types of analytics, their relevance in the modern finance world, data visualisation and communication, data analytics skills and roles, plus data security and ethics.

Employer Focus Groups

We would like to invite anyone who is interested in finding out about our new programmes to attend one of our employer focus groups.

Tuesday 11 October 8:30-10:00 – click here to book your place
Wednesday 2 November 8:30-10:00 – click here to book your place

Public Courses for those who work in Practice or Industry (virtual classroom):

Please contact Louisa Matheson our Digital Programme Manager louisamatheson@fi.co.uk for more information about our virtual classroom dates and prices.