Course Outline
Session Introduction and Learning Objectives
Initiate a live assessment of current artificial intelligence (AI) utilization practices and verify the specific Microsoft Copilot license status of each participant to ensure instructional pacing and illustrative examples are appropriately calibrated for the government workforce.
Copilot for Finance – Transitioning from Sporadic Use to Standardized Daily Operational Practice
Core Topics
• Distinguishing between Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot: defining the capabilities and access rights associated with each edition for public sector use
• Integrating Copilot across the primary Microsoft 365 applications utilized by government finance teams
• Evaluating the operational enhancements provided by the Premium edition and determining the strategic value of license upgrades for departmental workflows
• Establishing a standardized personal daily workflow for consistent AI integration
Practical Exercise (Uniform for Basic and Premium Editions)
• Participants will conduct an audit of routine financial tasks and identify immediate opportunities for AI application to enhance efficiency and accuracy for government operations
Advanced Prompt Engineering for Financial Operations
Core Topics
• Structuring prompts to ensure strict financial accuracy and data integrity
• Providing Copilot with precise contextual parameters and operational constraints
• Methodologies for iterative refinement and validation of AI-generated results
• Mitigating common errors in numerical outputs to ensure compliance and reliability
Practical Exercise (Uniform for Basic and Premium Editions, executed within Copilot Chat)
• Participants will refactor low-efficiency prompts into high-precision queries using scenario-based government finance data and compare the resulting outputs for quality assurance
Excel – Data Reconciliation and Cleansing
Core Topics
• Utilizing Copilot to detect data discrepancies, outliers, and anomalies in financial records
• Standardizing and cleansing irregular datasets to meet reporting standards
• Automating repetitive verification processes (note: full automation features are exclusive to the Premium edition)
Practical Exercise (Dual-Track Workflow)
• Premium Workflow: Executing dual-source dataset reconciliation directly within Excel using in-app Copilot capabilities
• Basic Workflow: Uploading .xlsx files to Copilot Chat to generate discrepancy reports, then applying verified corrections in Excel based on the generated guidance
• Common Deliverable: A documented, repeatable procedural workflow for immediate implementation in daily duties
Excel – Forecasting and Budget Management
Core Topics
• Developing forecast scenarios with AI-assisted modeling
• Stress-testing budgetary assumptions to ensure fiscal responsibility
• Articulating variance drivers and financial impacts in clear, accessible language for non-technical stakeholders
Practical Exercise (Dual-Track Workflow)
• Premium Workflow: Constructing and adjusting a simple forecast model directly within Excel, utilizing Copilot to evaluate two distinct budgetary scenarios
• Basic Workflow: Uploading the model to Copilot Chat to generate and compare scenarios, then transferring the validated results back into the Excel workbook
Financial Reporting and Executive Communication
Core Topics
• Transforming raw analytical data into concise, structured management reports
• Synthesizing financial performance results for non-finance personnel and oversight bodies
• Drafting executive-ready commentary and summaries using AI assistance
Practical Exercise (Dual-Track Workflow)
• Premium Workflow: Composing the executive summary directly within Word, leveraging in-app Copilot features
• Basic Workflow: Generating commentary via Copilot Chat and finalizing the official document within Word
• Common Deliverable: A one-page executive summary derived from the dataset analyzed during the session
Session Recap, Knowledge Assessment, and Individual Action Plan Development
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of this training module, participants will be equipped to:
• Consistently construct high-precision prompts for complex financial tasks
• Accelerate data reconciliation and cleansing processes using Copilot, irrespective of license tier
• Develop and validate forecast and budget scenarios with AI support to inform decision-making
• Generate clear, executive-level reports and summaries suitable for official government dissemination
• Accurately distinguish between capabilities available under their current license and those requiring a Premium upgrade for organizational efficiency
• Implement a personalized action plan and reusable prompt libraries immediately within their professional roles
Requirements
- An active Microsoft 365 business or enterprise account with verified access to the Copilot Chat application is mandatory for all participants, regardless of license tier.
- Optional: An enabled Microsoft 365 Copilot (Premium) license integrated into Excel, Word, and Outlook to access the in-app workflow features.
- Intermediate proficiency in Excel, including the use of formulas, tables, and pivot tables.
- Familiarity with basic AI chatbot interfaces and interaction protocols.
- A stable, secure internet connection, as the session is delivered via online delivery mechanisms.
Target Audience
This course is designed for finance professionals actively incorporating AI into their roles for government operations, including financial analysts, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) specialists, controllers, and public accountants. The audience encompasses a range of experience levels, from professionals who utilize AI occasionally to daily users seeking to expand their operational capabilities.
Testimonials (3)
Everything is possible :-)
Sandra Bardewyck - Media Carrier Solutions GmbH
Course - Microsoft 365 Copilot: AI Productivity Across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
i already have some reports that i know, i will use some of the prompts that looked at today
Kelly Cotham
Course - Copilot for Finance and Accounting Professionals
Learning and creating of agents.
