From Hype to Hands-On: Using Practical AI for Finance Teams

This practical session cuts through AI hype to show management accountants what actually works. You'll see live demonstrations of AI applications across FP&A, accounting, reporting, internal controls, forecasting, budgeting, VAT, and tax compliance.

The session addresses:

• Why should you care about GenAI?
• What can AI actually do for finance teams?
• How do you get started?

You'll receive a practical playbook framework to assess where you are now and identify your next steps.

Peter demonstrates real-world applications using the Big 6 AI platforms (including ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, Gemini ad Co-Pilot) showing how to prompt effectively for finance tasks, maintain professional standards, and implement appropriate governance. The interactive format allows questions specific to your context.

You'll leave with frameworks, practical examples, and clarity on moving from interest to implementation in your organisation - taking you from the hype to hands-on action.

During this session we will cover:

• Practical use cases across finance functions – See demonstrations of AI applications in FP&A, reporting, forecasting, budgeting, internal controls, and tax compliance with real examples
  Your implementation playbook – Framework to assess where you are now and define your next practical steps for AI adoption in your organisation
• Getting started with confidence – Understand which tools to use for specific tasks, how to prompt effectively, and how to maintain professional standards whilst gaining efficiency
  

Who should attend?

CFOs, Management accountants, FP&A professionals, finance managers, controllers, and accounting practice leaders considering or beginning AI adoption. Particularly valuable for those asking, "where do I start?" or "how does this apply to my specific finance role?" Suitable for all levels from those exploring AI to those seeking to formalise implementation.

Speaker:

Peter Beard ACA BFP is the Founder and Director of GenFinance.AI, a company dedicated to accelerating finance professionals through rapid, reliable, and responsible GenAI adoption. A chartered accountant and former EY Technology Specialist, Peter has over eight years’ experience, including managing audits for FTSE and EURO Stoxx 50-listed companies, whilst contributing to EY’s Global AI Research Team, and leading digital transformation projects at EY. Recognised with EY UK awards for innovation and technical excellence, he now specialises in deploying GenAI for finance teams, and professional service practices.