Foundations: automation and AI for accountants

• Automation and AI through the accountant’s lens
• Accounting through a technology lens; levels of automation
• What is AI? Large language models vs. algorithm-based systems
• Understanding hallucinations and the limits of AI
• The challenges of applying AI in an accounting context

AI use cases in accounting [Hands-on]

• Context and prompting — the core skill
• Drafting and communication; LLM + context (memos / management letters)
• Working with files: summarising and extracting from documents
• A look ahead: AI agents and “tools”

Data basics and operations  [Hands-on]

• Human- vs. machine-readable data; single source of truth and unique identifiers
• Preparing source data; Power Query fundamentals

Operations and use cases  [Hands-on]

• Core operations: merge / lookup and group / summarise
• Importing & consolidating; unstructured PDF → table [Hands-on]
• Data cleansing
• Use case: reconciliation — bank and intercompany [Hands-on]
• Use case: consolidation and management report with variances [Hands-on]

Automating actions: vibe coding & VBA  [Hands-on]

• Introduction to macros / VBA; recording a macro and its limits
• Reading code; “vibe coding” with AI — design, prompt, insert, test & debug
• Building reusable tools; debugging common errors
• Hands-on: automate a repetitive task end to end [Hands-on]
• Process orchestration (intro): triggers, schedules, across apps

Wrap-up and next steps for you

• Where to start: think big, start small; re-engineer before automating
• Doing it safely — data privacy, security and responsible adoption
• Your next steps and Q&A

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

You are encouraged to bring an internet-enabled laptop with Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021 or later, to support dynamic array functions, Power Query and macros / VBA).

You should have access to an AI chat tool / large language model (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT etc ).

Prerequisite knowledge: Basic Microsoft Excel skills.

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 : 21 August 2026 ( Friday )

Time : 9am – 5pm

Venue : Hotel venue to be advised

Fee : SGD 490

• Accountants
• Auditors
• Finance Professionals
• Anyone interested in a practical understanding of automation and AI in Accounting

Ng Xian Hui

ACA, BFP, CA (Singapore), ASEAN CPA, Microsoft Excel Expert

Xian Hui is a qualified accountant, programmer, and co-founder of Backbone Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based accounting technology firm dedicated to helping accountants improve efficiency through automation and artificial intelligence.

With more than 15 years of accounting experience, Xian Hui began his career in audit at a Big 4 public accounting firm before moving into commercial finance leadership roles, where he managed the full spectrum of finance functions. Throughout his career, he has worked across industries including real estate, manufacturing, trading, hospitality, fintech, and professional services.

Today, Xian Hui combines his accounting expertise with programming, automation, and artificial intelligence to design practical solutions for finance professionals. He leads the development of accounting automation solutions, including Luca, an AI-powered financial statement preparation platform. His work focuses on applying automation and AI in a practical, controlled, and responsible manner within the accounting profession.

Beyond product development, Xian Hui advises multinational corporations and accounting firms on technology adoption within finance functions. He has delivered training and sharing sessions for organisations including the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), CPA Australia, and various accounting firms and corporate finance teams. He is also a frequent contributor to ISCA’s CA Lab technical column, where he shares practical insights on accounting technology, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Xian Hui is a Chartered Accountant with ISCA and ICAEW and is a Microsoft Excel Expert.