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 covers 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.

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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.