Discover How AI is Revolutionizing Accounting with Experts from Microsoft Azure OpenAI - Accounting Voices Podcast

Episode 78

Microsoft's Big Play in Accounting with Azure OpenAI

Published on: 31st July, 2024

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of AI in accounting and finance? How can Azure OpenAI revolutionize the way financial professionals work?

In this special bonus episode of the Accounting Influencers podcast, Rob Brown explores the world of artificial intelligence with Microsoft experts Jas Brar and Matt Quinn. The conversation explores how AI, particularly Azure OpenAI, is transforming the accounting and finance sector, offering new opportunities for efficiency, insight, and value creation.

Jas and Matt discuss the evolution of AI from traditional rule-based systems to more sophisticated generative AI, emphasizing how these technologies can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. They address common concerns about data security and privacy, explaining how Azure OpenAI provides a secure environment for businesses to leverage AI while maintaining control over their sensitive information. The experts also offer practical advice on how accounting professionals can start incorporating AI into their work, from using productivity tools like Copilot to partnering with IT teams for more complex implementations.

Key Takeaways:

✓ AI is evolving from rule-based systems to more sophisticated, context-aware models

✓ Azure OpenAI offers secure, private AI capabilities for businesses

✓ AI can help accountants shift from data crunching to more strategic, value-added activities

✓ Starting with productivity tools like Copilot can help professionals become comfortable with AI ✓ Successful AI implementation requires considering technology, processes, and people 

Quotes:

"I'd rather flip that on its head and that way, you know, I'm more confident in the decision we would want to make based on spending more time getting to the roots of different scenarios on the table." - Jas Brar 

"Always start with why, right? How do you think about what, why would I use this technology? It's not technology for technology's sake." - Matt Quinn

View this episode in video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/gPru_OoGQSY

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers.

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

ACCOUNTEX. Bringing the accounting world together with UK and international events for the accounting and tech world. https://www.accountex.co.uk

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

You can also check out all shows on the Accounting Influencers YouTube Channel:

https://bit.ly/AI-youtube

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About the Podcast

Accounting Voices Podcast
Accounting Voices helps people in the accounting world stay relevant visible and vocal. Host Rob Brown interprets trends reshaping the profession and gives listeners insight to build authority influence and a stronger voice in firms and markets.
Accounting Voices, hosted by Rob Brown, helps decision makers and leaders in accounting and finance stay relevant, visible and vocal in a profession being reshaped by technology, private equity, regulation and shifting client expectations. Each episode interprets the trends disrupting accounting and finance such as AI, automation, M&A, talent and the move to advisory and translates them into practical insight that strengthens authority and influence.
Accounting Voices is also a platform for the wider ecosystem of networks, associations, educators, consultants, software vendors and technology experts who serve accountants and finance professionals worldwide. It extends into regular Accounting Voices networking sessions that connect this audience and amplify ideas that move the profession forward. With its international reach and long shelf life the show delivers credibility and commercial value for listeners and sponsors alike. Search for "Accounting Voices" on YouTube for all episodes and connect with Rob Brown on LinkedIn to find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

About your host

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Rob Brown

ob Brown is the creator and host of the Accounting Voices Network, a media platform that includes the flagship solo podcast Accounting Voices and the panel shows Accounting M&A and Accounting Tech. He chairs conferences, panels and virtual events worldwide and is recognised as a leading advocate for the accounting profession.

He is an accomplished speaker and authority on trust, reputation, employer brand, talent, succession, executive presence and the forces shaping the future of accounting. Rob is the author of the bestselling book Build Your Reputation (Wiley) and his TEDx talk The Personal Brand of You has been viewed more than 400,000 times.

A former co-founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, Rob now focuses on amplifying the voices of leaders, firms, networks, vendors and influencers across the global accounting ecosystem.

Outside of work he is a stroke survivor, lives with epilepsy, holds a black belt in kickboxing and is based in Nottingham, UK. He plays chess and backgammon, loves orange chocolate and is allergic to grapefruit.