Free (Virtual) Technology Night: AI Impact on Business 2 CPE
When: Tues Tue, May 20, 2025, 6:10 PM (Pacific Time), 2 hr CPE
6:10 to 8:00 – "Unlocking the Power of AI in Excel: Hands-on Demo"
Please Note: Using On24 platform in place of Zoom due to anticipated attendance
Speakers: Aleksandra Prochwicz and Karl Ivo Sokolov
This hands-on session explores how artificial intelligence is transforming Excel into a powerful, intelligent workspace for financial professionals. Participants will be introduced to native AI features like Microsoft Copilot, along with powerful external integrations using ChatGPT, VBA, Power Query, and Power Automate.
Attendees will gain both hands-on practical skills with Excel get strategic insights into how AI can enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and elevate financial reporting accuracy. The session will include live hands-on demo, code walkthroughs, and tools to integrate AI directly into Excel-based workflows.
3 IMA Learning Objectives
- Identify AI-powered features available in Microsoft Excel and their practical applications in financial analysis and reporting.
Participants will explore tools such as Copilot, Power Query AI, and third-party integrations for automating insights, formulas, data transformation, and reporting.
- Apply AI integrations such as ChatGPT and VBA scripting to streamline repetitive tasks and enhance analytical capabilities within Excel.
Hands-on exercises will demonstrate how to use external AI APIs, automate classification tasks, and generate financial summaries using natural language prompts.
- Evaluate opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption in finance, including considerations for data privacy, governance, and audit readiness.
The session will address responsible AI usage, and compliance implications when integrating AI into financial operations.
BIOS:
Karl Ivo Sokolov, MBA CMA, is a data expert, technologist, and consulting executive with a background in banking, finance, and management consulting. He began his career in forensic services at a Big 4 firm and later served as SVP at a leading Central European bank, overseeing Data Management and IT Projects. Today, he is Managing Partner at Specific-Group (SPG), a 500-strong technology firm, where he leads Data & AI initiatives and the product Amonga.com. Karl Ivo holds degrees in Computer Science, Economics, and an MBA, and serves as President of the IMA Austria Chapter and is an incoming 2025 IMA Global Board Director.
Aleksandra Prochwicz, MSc is a Data Analyst, Power BI expert, and AI Data Governance specialist. With a background in RPA, she transitioned into data analytics and reporting for the banking, healthcare, and tech sectors. Aleksandra played a key role in establishing Specific-Group’s Polish branch, leading local operations and data initiatives. Passionate about sharing knowledge, she combines her technical expertise with a strong focus on responsible AI and data governance.
BIOS:
Karl Ivo Sokolov, MBA CMA, is a data expert, technologist, and consulting executive with a background in banking, finance, and management consulting. He began his career in forensic services at a Big 4 firm and later served as SVP at a leading Central European bank, overseeing Data Management and IT Projects. Today, he is Managing Partner at Specific-Group (SPG), a 500-strong technology firm, where he leads Data & AI initiatives and the product Amonga.com. Karl Ivo holds degrees in Computer Science, Economics, and an MBA, and serves as President of the IMA Austria Chapter and is an incoming 2025 IMA Global Board Director.
Aleksandra Prochwicz, MSc is a Data Analyst, Power BI expert, and AI Data Governance specialist. With a background in RPA, she transitioned into data analytics and reporting for the banking, healthcare, and tech sectors. Aleksandra played a key role in establishing Specific-Group’s Polish branch, leading local operations and data initiatives. Passionate about sharing knowledge, she combines her technical expertise with a strong focus on responsible AI and data governance.