Caribbean-based CPAs learn about data visualization at CPA Canada online event

The future of accounting and finance will be data-driven, a point made clear at a free online learning session hosted by CPA Canada for CPAs across the Caribbean region. In “An Introduction to Microsoft Power BI”, participants learned how dashboards visually track, analyze and display key performance indicators (KPIs) to help business leaders quickly make informed and goal-oriented decisions.

“Power BI is a powerful tool that aggregates and organizes data from multiple sources to provide real-time information about a company’s performance,” said Tashia Batstone, Senior Vice President, External Relations and Business Development, CPA Canada. “Recognizing its usefulness as a tool for accountants, CPA Canada has added Power BI as a learning component to the CPA Professional Education Program.”

The September 23 event was organized into three parts featuring leading voices in the field of data analytics from tech firm Intelligent Applications:

• Kailash Maharaj, who talked about the Data-Driven Organization, including business intelligence and analytics, and where Power BI can fit into the equation;

• Fazil Ramdass and Ryan Gopeesingh, who led a detailed Power BI workshop; and

• Yajesh Maharaj, who discussed lessons learned from implementing Power BI.

“CPA Canada’s online learning events are greatly appreciated by our members, especially this particular session which clearly outlined the important role technology will play in the profession’s future,” said Karen Watson, Chair of the CPA Canada Cayman Islands Chapter Advisory Council.

In total, over 150 CPAs from across the Caribbean took part in the virtual event.