Future-ready finance: Power BI and the data skills you need

Event information

In 2026, everyone is talking about AI. But to get the most out of it, knowing how to work effectively with data will be key. And when we talk about the tools that finance professionals want to use when working with data, one stands out above all others: Microsoft Power BI.

To coincide with the launch of ICAEW’s new Analytics in Power BI certificate, developed specifically for finance professionals, this webinar is designed to explore in practical terms what we mean by data skills. We’ll be joined by Jenny Blewett, Head of Finance at Costello Medical and one of the course’s ‘talking heads’, to discuss why being able to work effectively with data is so important, as well as hearing about her transformative journey in using Power BI.

The webinar will also get hands-on, showcasing Power BI in action and providing an overview of the certificate, its structure and content, with time to ask questions of our experts.

This webinar is aimed at finance professionals with limited or no experience of Power BI, and limited awareness of data skills, but an interest in learning more.

Attendees of this webinar will also get an exclusive discount for the Analytics in Power BI certificate!

Key benefits

• Understand what is meant by ‘data skills’ and how they are applicable in the role of the modern finance professional.
• Learn about the new Analytics in Power BI certificate, developed by ICAEW and Kaplan.
• Develop an understanding of what Power BI is and the value of being able to use Power BI effectively.

About the speakers

Jenny Blewett BSc (Hons) FCA, Head of Finance, Costello Medical Limited Jenny merges her passion for technology with a solid finance background. Starting with a Mathematics degree from Exeter University, her career began at PwC, subsequently transitioning into the technology sector and implementing Sarbanes-Oxley. After advancing to the NHS in Cambridge, she spearheaded various system upgrades and led the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards. Her work, utilising Visual Basic for financial process enhancements was peer-reviewed, and published by the National NHS Finance Innovation Board. Currently, as Head of Finance at Costello Medical Limited, Jenny champions the fusion of technology and finance, and is excited to develop AI's role in shaping the future of finance.

Facilitator: Ian Pay, Head of Data Analytics & Tech, ICAEW Prior to joining ICAEW in March 2022, Ian worked for over 10 years at PwC in Data Analytics, specialising in External Audit and Data Acquisition and developing robust and automated ETL processes to support the firm’s award-winning Halo suite of applications. Ian also played an active role in the development and delivery of training courses, with digital upskilling being an area he is particularly passionate about. He has previously trained as a secondary school teacher and a musician.

CPD hours

ICAEW's revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations bring in new CPD requirements. This includes a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement. Attending this webinar could contribute up to 1hr of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the webinar booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.

Costs

This webinar is free for members and non members.