Data to Decisions: AI for Accountants

On October 26, VOX had the honor of serving as a keynote speaker at the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada’s General Meeting. We presented on the topic Microsoft Copilot and explored its transformative impact on the accounting field. The agenda covered three main areas:

• Understanding AI (Copilot) and Its Capabilities
• Using Copilot with Key Applications: Excel, Power BI, Outlook, and various accounting software
• Steps to Get Started with Copilot

It has been nearly a year since Microsoft 365 Copilot became generally available, with around 60% of Fortune 500 companies already benefiting from its efficiencies. Studies indicate that Copilot can reduce office workloads by up to 20%, marking a significant time-saving advantage.

In my own experience, Copilot has streamlined communication dramatically. Now, when I receive an email from a client, the accounting details are presented automatically, and Copilot drafts responses based on prior conversations. Tasks that once took me 10 minutes—reviewing a client’s file and drafting a reply—are now completed in moments.

Below is a photo of the RPA executives, led by President Zubair Choudhry, capturing the interest and engagement of the packed room. The CPA group displayed keen interest in the potential of Copilot to optimize their workflows.

This event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the future of AI in accounting and how it’s making strides in supporting professionals across the industry.

In a candid conversation with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates expressed his admiration for ChatGPT, the AI language model at the core of Microsoft Copilot. “I didn’t expect ChatGPT to get so good. It blows my mind,” Gates remarked during the latest episode of the Unconfuse Me podcast. His excitement over ChatGPT highlights how far AI has come and how essential it has become in enhancing productivity. Microsoft Copilot, powered by ChatGPT, is now integrated into a variety of Microsoft products—making it a revolutionary tool for businesses looking to streamline operations and supercharge efficiency.

What to Expect from the Microsoft Copilot Bootcamp

The Microsoft Copilot Bootcamp is designed to help businesses unlock the full potential of AI-powered tools, diving deep into how Copilot can transform operations across key Microsoft products. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making processes, this bootcamp offers hands-on training and insights that will help you integrate Copilot into your daily workflows.

By joining the bootcamp, you’ll learn how Copilot can:

· Enhance Productivity: In controlled experiments, workers using Copilot reduced the time it took to complete tasks by 40%, while the quality of their work improved by 18%. This means faster turnarounds and better output—critical advantages for any business.

· Boost Quality and Efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks and generating data-driven insights, Copilot ensures that your business can operate at a higher level of efficiency without compromising on quality. For businesses, this translates into enhanced customer service and streamlined operations.

Dive Into Copilot’s Core Features

During the bootcamp, you’ll receive comprehensive training on how Copilot integrates with key Microsoft products, providing you with the tools you need to maximize productivity:

· Microsoft Office: Copilot can assist in drafting emails, generating reports, and analyzing data, whether you’re working in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. You’ll learn how to leverage Copilot to speed up your workflows and improve accuracy.

· Business Central: In Business Central, Copilot helps manage finance, sales, purchasing, and inventory tasks. With automation and actionable insights, you can make strategic decisions faster and with more confidence.

· CRM Systems: Copilot also integrates seamlessly with CRM systems, automating data entry, following up on customer interactions, and generating insights to optimize your sales and customer service strategies.

Join Our Free Training Webinars:

Ready to take your business to the next level with AI? Our free webinars, as part of the Microsoft Copilot Bootcamp, will give you a front-row seat to see Copilot in action. Each webinar is designed to address specific aspects of Copilot integration, from beginner to advanced training, tailored to your business needs.

Here’s what you can expect from the bootcamp series:

· November 7th: How to Use Copilot in Manufacturing

Explore how AI can revolutionize manufacturing workflows by automating tasks and improving decision-making with real-time data insights.

· November 12th: Copilot 101

A beginner’s guide to understanding how Copilot works in Microsoft Office, Business Central, and CRM systems.

· November 13th: Copilot 201

An intermediate session covering more advanced features of Copilot and how to apply them in daily business tasks.

· November 14th: Copilot Training for Dynamics 365

Get in-depth training on using Copilot within Dynamics 365, focusing on optimizing customer relationship management and data analytics.

Register Now for the Microsoft Copilot Bootcamp

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore how AI can revolutionize your business. Register for one of our upcoming webinars today, and take the first step towards integrating Microsoft Copilot into your business operations.