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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday business, and finance teams are beginning to feel its impact. From automating repetitive reporting tasks to improving forecasting and decision-making, AI has the potential to reshape how finance functions operate. Yet for many accountants, AI still feels abstract, technical, or “something for the future.” This introductory webinar is designed to give finance professionals a clear, jargon-free foundation in what AI is, why it matters now, and how it is already being applied in business finance. Attendees will gain practical insights to help them understand the opportunities, the challenges, and how AI could support their role in adding value to the wider organisation.

In this webinar Brenda Clerkin will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to AI – A straightforward overview of what AI is, how it works at a basic level, and why it matters for finance functions today.
• Types of AI – An introduction to the main categories of AI and what they mean in practice.
• AI in Finance Functions – Real-world examples of how AI is already being applied to routine processes like reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Benefits and Challenges – Exploring the opportunities AI offers for efficiency and insight, while also addressing the potential risks and limitations (including ethical considerations).
• Future Outlook and Responsible Use – A look ahead at emerging trends in AI for finance.

By attending this session, you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of AI and why it is increasingly relevant to finance functions.
• Identify the main types of AI and explain how they differ in practical application.
• Recognise how AI is already being used in finance teams to automate processes, improve reporting, and support decision-making.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of adopting AI in a business context.

This session will be most relevant to accountants working in industry who want to build a basic understanding of AI and its potential impact on finance and business operations. No prior technical knowledge is required – the session is designed for those who are new to the topic and want practical, easy-to-understand insights. 

Course level: Foundation