Module 1: Structured Financial Reporting Architecture

• Understanding the three-block reporting model: Data Empire, Logic Block, and Presentation Block
• Separating raw data, calculation logic, and dashboard outputs to reduce spreadsheet risk
• Designing scalable reporting models that support repeatable monthly reporting
• Establishing good spreadsheet structure, naming conventions, and control checks

Module 2: Automated Data Intake with Power Query

• Importing raw financial data from Excel, CSV, and ERP-style exports
• Cleaning and transforming messy data using Power Query
• Standardising account codes, periods, departments, and cost centres
• Building a refreshable Data Empire for recurring financial reporting

Module 3: Modern Excel Functions for Financial Reporting

• Replacing VLOOKUP and complex INDEX-MATCH formulas with XLOOKUP
• Using FILTER, SORT, and UNIQUE to create dynamic analysis views
• Applying LET to simplify complex financial formulas
• Building a dynamic Logic Block for trial balance, variance, and trend analysis

Module 4: Dashboard Design and Interactivity

• Selecting appropriate visuals for financial performance, trends, and variances
• Creating PivotTables and PivotCharts for management reporting
• Using Slicers and Report Connections to control multiple dashboard views
• Applying Form Controls and dynamic ranges for interactive reporting navigation

Module 5: Generative AI as an Excel Formula Co-Pilot

• Translating business questions into Excel formulas using AI prompts
• Using AI to troubleshoot formula errors such as #REF!, #VALUE!, and incorrect logic
• Developing formulas for rolling averages, scenario analysis, variance calculations, and rankings
• Refining AI-generated formulas for clarity, auditability, and business relevance

Module 6: VBA Automation with AI Assistance

• Understanding basic VBA concepts: macros, modules, procedures, and buttons
• Prompting AI to generate VBA code for common finance reporting tasks
• Automating repetitive work such as formatting, worksheet looping, PDF generation, and dashboard refresh
• Debugging and improving AI-generated VBA code safely and systematically

Module 7: AI-Powered Management Commentary and Variance Analysis

• Converting financial results into management narratives and executive summaries
• Using structured prompts to generate variance explanations from financial data
• Identifying key performance drivers, outliers, and trends with AI assistance
• Embedding dynamic commentary into dashboards for interactive financial storytelling

Module 8: Capstone Financial Dashboard Project

• Cleaning and preparing a raw financial dataset using Power Query
• Building a Logic Block with modern Excel formulas and dynamic calculations
• Creating an executive dashboard with charts, slicers, controls, and refresh buttons
• Generating AI-assisted commentary to explain financial variances and business implications

This workshop qualifies for 7.0 CPE hours in Information Technology (Category 5).

Participants should have access to Microsoft 365 Excel or Excel 365, as modern dynamic array functions are central to the course. Access to a Generative AI tool such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Claude is also recommended for formula generation, VBA assistance, data analysis, and management commentary development.

As part of our commitment towards minimizing carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet, we will only be issuing the soft copy of the training materials.

The training materials will be emailed to you 2 days before the workshop. Charging points are available in the training room to charge your digital device.

Date : 18 August 2026 ( Tuesday )

Time : 9am – 5pm

Venue : Hotel venue to be advised

Fee : SGD 490

This workshop is suitable for finance professionals, accounting professionals, FP&A analysts, controllers, finance managers, internal auditors, and data-driven business analysts who want to modernise financial reporting, automate repetitive Excel tasks, and develop AI-assisted dashboards for management decision-making.

Prerequisites
Participants should have intermediate Excel knowledge, including familiarity with basic formulas, PivotTables, and worksheet navigation. Prior VBA or programming knowledge is not required, as the course uses Generative AI to support macro development and automation.

Dr Lim Thou Tin is an accomplished business and IT strategist, senior management consultant, certified adult educator, and curriculum developer with over 40 years of combined experience in finance, IT, and professional education.

Dr Lim specializes in enhancing the capabilities of professionals in finance, accounting, and auditing through the strategic application of information technology, automation, and business analytics. His work focuses on bridging financial expertise with emerging AI-driven tools to help organizations modernize their workflows, strengthen analytical capabilities, and achieve operational excellence.