Process Optimization with AI

Modern finance teams are overwhelmed by manual, inefficient processes that consume time and resources—hindering strategic progress. In this course, we explore how AI can help finance teams map, analyze, and improve broken processes using practical, scalable frameworks. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, we unpack how AI tools like ChatGPT and automation platforms can streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and enable finance professionals to focus on higher-value tasks.

Rather than replacing finance teams, AI enhances their ability to operate efficiently and strategically—starting with simplification, followed by standardization, and ending in automation. You’ll learn how to leverage AI to design processes that are repeatable, measurable, and resilient, driving both performance and productivity in your organization.

This provides a practical framework for identifying, analyzing, and improving inefficient processes using AI. Explore how to map existing workflows, diagnose issues using Lean principles, and apply AI tools to simplify, standardize, and automate finance tasks.

Course Testimonials

It was the best training / webinar I've attended for some time, it was up to date, relevant, interesting, well put together and well delivered.

Best webinar I have been to in years and Oli delivered a very thought provoking session.

Really informative and relevant course.

Course Overview

What we Cover:

Finance Process Mapping and Diagnosis
AI-Driven Process Improvement
ChatGPT Prompt Engineering
Lean Waste Elimination
Automation with Tools like Power Automate and Python

The Challenges:

Identifying inefficiencies across fragmented finance systems
Engaging teams in process mapping and ownership
Overcoming resistance to AI-driven change
Simplifying before automating to avoid costly rework

The Barriers:

Lack of process documentation
Over-reliance on human intervention for repeatable tasks
Misuse of automation tools that break due to exceptions
Difficulty in standardizing across teams

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the module, participants will be able to:

Map finance processes using simple, AI-friendly techniques
Use Lean’s “Seven Wastes” to identify inefficiencies
Write better prompts to get more targeted AI outputs
Apply a 3-step process improvement method: simplify, standardize, and automate
Understand when to trust AI and when to rely on human judgment

Business Benefits:

Faster, more reliable workflows
Improved compliance and controls
Greater productivity through AI-augmented operations
Reduced manual errors and rework
Scalable transformation initiatives across finance functions

Course Facilitator

Oliver Deacon

Course Facilitator

Oli is an ICAEW FCA based out of the UK and a PCC-certified coach with ICF. He is also a former Microsoft Finance Director, where he business partnered marketing, product and software engineering teams with a $4.5BN P&L.

Prerequisites: No Prerequisite knowledge is required to be successful in this course

Advanced Preparation: No advanced preparation is required

Program Level: Basic

Delivery Method: Group Live

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