Using Power BI to be a Strategic Financial Partner

In this practical, hands-on course, instructor Joshua Rischin shows you how to harness the full potential of Microsoft Power BI to transform financial data into strategic insights. Starting with connecting Power BI to financial and operational data, learn how to shape and clean data, build robust models, and design insightful reports and dashboards that answer critical business questions in real time. Along the way, gather insights on how to leverage advanced Power BI features such as variance analysis, sensitivity modeling, anomaly detection, alerts, and AI-driven narratives. By the end of this course, you’ll be prepared to move beyond traditional reporting and position yourself as a trusted finance advisor through powerful, data-driven storytelling.

Learning objectives
Analyze the evolving role of finance professionals from traditional bookkeeping to strategic advisory.
Translate stakeholder questions into data requirements using a stakeholder engagement matrix.
Connect Power BI to financial and non-financial data sources and integrate them for comprehensive analysis.
Shape and clean finance data using DAX to support business decision-making.
Build robust data models for KPIs and forecasting using Power BI.
Evaluate budget vs. actual variances and model scenarios to forecast financial outcomes.
Design and tailor dashboards to effectively communicate key insights to diverse stakeholders.
Automate recurring finance reports and set up alerts to improve reporting efficiency.
Leverage AI tools like Copilot to detect anomalies, validate insights , and craft narratives.
Develop storytelling skills by enriching data dashboards with commentary to engage and inform stakeholders.