CIPFA runs various events to help finance professionals understand and make the most of technology, such as AI, Power Query, and Excel, in public finance.
Advanced Excel updates for accountants
This on demand session covers the most recent updates to Microsoft Excel that are particularly relevant for accountants, including:
- New Excel features, new shortcuts, data types, XLOOKUP, and dynamic arrays
- Advanced data analysis features, visualisations, linkages to Power Query, and Power BI
Introduction to Power Query
Our Introduction to Power Query covered an overview of key features and capabilities, and its integration with Microsoft Excel, including use cases for Power Query. We also included a question and answer session.
Building compelling business cases for technology solutions in public sector finance
The session will guide finance professionals on how to make the case for AI adoption, and how to measure and communicate the impact of technology projects in the public sector. The session will cover
- Scene setting
- Brief recap of the five-case model, highlighting the areas that require special consideration when applied to technology projects like AI
- Crafting the Case for AI and Technology Solutions – using case study
- Measuring and communicating specific impacts of AI when traditional metrics may not fully capture the benefits
- Reflection, Q & As, further resources
Sign up to attend Building Strong Business Cases for Tech Solutions
Prompt along - hands on AI prompt engineering for finance professionals
Unlock the power of AI in this hands-on online session designed specifically for finance professionals! "Prompt along" dives into the art and science of prompt engineering, giving participants the tools to craft effective, targeted prompts for using AI technologies in their work.
In collaboration with ICAEW, this session is designed for finance professionals who want to harness the potential of AI but are unsure where to start. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-time engagement, you'll gain practical insights into designing prompts that optimize AI's capabilities.
Network events
Better governance network - Senior Internal Auditor Skills
AI benefits, risks, and responsibilities by Florence Bastos
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the future of public service delivery, local authorities in the UK face new challenges in ensuring these powerful technologies are used responsibly and effectively. Join us for this engaging and informative session to better understand how AI is transforming local government, and how internal auditors can take the lead in promoting responsible AI governance within their organisations.
Session outline
- Overview of AI and adoption in local government
- AI benefits and risks
- Applicable regulation and guidance – EU AI act and Action Summit's International AI Safety Report
- Case study
- Reflection, question and answer
Sign up to day 1 for the AI session in Senior Internal Auditor Skills
PF Live plenary sessions
Succeeding in the age of tech disruption - 2025 sessions
Tackling public sector workforce challenges requires careful planning, investing in staff development, and creating flexible skills to adapt to change. This discussion looks at how the public sector's workforce needs are changing and how new technologies are transforming accounting. Our speakers will share ideas and strategies for closing skill gaps and encouraging continuous learning, helping your team stay adaptable and prepared for the future. You'll leave with practical tips to help public sector finance professionals succeed in today's fast-changing tech landscape.
We are running two sessions for Succeeding in the age of tech disruption.
The first session will be held at the Public Finance Live Northern Ireland conference on the 14 October 2025 at 13:35pm. Learn more about the full outline of Public Finance Live Northern Ireland.
The second session will be held at Public Finance Live Cymru on the 27 November 2025 at 15:30pm. Learn more about the full outline of Public Finance Live Cymru.
