Description

The accounting profession is rapidly shifting from a compliance-centered focus to one that demands insight, foresight, and strategic advisory skills. "From Numbers to Narratives: Mastering Data Analysis for CPAs" explores the "why" behind this transformation and highlights the critical role data analysis plays in helping CPAs remain relevant and competitive.

This course provides a high-level overview of the skills and mindset required to move beyond historical reporting and into forward-looking analysis and storytelling. Participants will gain an understanding of how Microsoft 365 applications - such as Excel, Power Query, Power BI, OneDrive, and Teams - can be leveraged to transform raw financial data into meaningful insights. With an emphasis on the advisory role of CPAs, this course empowers professionals at every stage of their career to embrace analytics as a core competency.

This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.

Instructor: Bryan L. Smith, CPA.CITP, CISA

Target Audience

This course is designed for accounting professionals across all career levels - students, staff accountants, managers, directors, and partners - whether in public practice or corporate accounting.

Course Objectives

After attending this presentation, you will be able to...Identify the reasons why CPAs must transition from compliance-focused work to data-driven advisory roles.Recognize the core tools within Microsoft 365 that support effective data analysis and collaboration.Distinguish between compliance reporting and data storytelling to better comprehend how insights influence decision-making.

Subjects

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The Evolving Role of CPAs in a Data-Driven WorldWhy Data Analysis Matters for CPAsKey Data Analysis Skills and Concepts for CPAsLeveraging Microsoft 365 Tools for Data AnalysisBuilding a Data Analytics Mindset