Course Details

More accountants are starting to use AI tools as part of their everyday work. This session takes a straightforward look at where that’s actually happening in accounting practice today, aimed at those who haven’t tried it yet or aren’t sure where to start.

The session includes a short, live demonstration of Microsoft Copilot Chat, showing a simple worked example of how it can be used in everyday accounting work. It’s intended as a basic, practical introduction rather than in-depth technical training, and covers a few simple habits worth keeping in mind when using AI tools generally.


In this session Brenda Clerkin will cover the following topics:

  • Why AI matters now – and where it already appears in practice, a brief, non-technical look at how AI is starting to show up in everyday accounting tools, and why it’s becoming more common.
  • A reusable prompting method – a simple, easy-to-follow way of structuring a request when using an AI tool, that attendees can reuse afterwards.
  • Live demo: Copilot Chat in action – a short, worked example showing Copilot Chat being used on a simple accounting task, and a few pointers on checking its output before relying on it.
  • Governance, trust & what it means for your role – a few practical points to keep in mind around data and responsibility when using AI tools, and a general sense of how this may affect day-to-day work.


By attending this session, you will be able to:

  • Identify where AI tools like Copilot Chat are already being used in day-to-day accounting practice.
  • Apply SCOPE, a simple reusable framework for structuring effective AI prompts.
  • Recognise good practice for checking and verifying Copilot Chat's output before relying on it in client work.
  • Understand the key data and governance considerations your firm should have in mind before rolling out AI tools.


This session will be of most interest to accountants in practice. It’s intended as an introductory, non-technical session — no prior experience with Copilot Chat or AI tools is required.


Course level: Foundation

CPD Course Speaker

Queens University Belfast

Brenda Clerkin

Brenda is an experienced Senior Lecturer of Practice at Queen’s Business School. Brenda brings over 14 years’ experience working in practice with a ‘Big 4’ professional services firm. This experience spanned small and medium enterprises, based in the UK and Ireland, to large multinational organisations across a number of different industries including aerospace, agriculture, leisurewear, luxury apparel, utilities and the public sector. She is passionate about improving how businesses are run and views a dynamic combination of effective leadership and the implementation of digital technologies as critical to organisational success. Brenda brings leadership theories to life through the application of real-world experience and insight. Her research areas focus on digital adoption and transformation, data analytics, and innovation through the use of digital technologies.