Future Finance

The Excel Copilot Features Finance Pros Need To Boost Productivity using AI with David Fortin


Listen Later

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin CPA, Microsoft MVP, and the creative mind behind the Piggybank Accountant YouTube channel. They get into the real deal behind Microsoft Copilot: what it actually does well, where it’s still rough around the edges, and how it’s starting to make a difference for people working in Excel every day. David shares how he got recognized by Microsoft, what it’s been like behind the scenes, and why he’s focused on teaching finance pros to use these tools without losing sight of the basics.

David Fortin brings a mix of startup experience, accounting know-how, and a ton of enthusiasm to the conversation. After helping raise $30 million and navigating a successful exit at a SaaS company, he turned his attention to content creation-making Excel and Copilot more approachable through online courses and quick-hit tutorials. He’s passionate about helping people understand tools that can save time and make their jobs a little easier, especially in finance.

Expect to Learn:

  • What it’s like becoming a Microsoft MVP and how David ended up on their radar.
  • The strengths and limits of Copilot in Excel today especially for those new to the tool.
  • Why features like “clean data” and basic Python functionality can be surprisingly useful.
  • How to avoid being overwhelmed by buzzwords and just focus on what works.
  • The value of starting small, staying curious, and being honest about what tech can (and can’t) do.

David brings clarity, honesty, and a little humor to the conversation around Excel, Copilot, and where these tools are headed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest features, this episode will help you see how to use what’s already available without needing to be an expert. It’s a conversation that feels more like advice from a savvy colleague than a tech demo.


Follow David:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/

Website - https://courses.davidpba.com/


Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:


Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii


Follow Paul:

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy


Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg


Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.


Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.


In Today’s Episode:

[00:11] - Introduction of guest

[03:05] - How He Became a Microsoft MVP

[06:00] - What Copilot Does Well Right Now

[09:46] - “Clean Data” and Smarter Tools in Excel

[10:44] - Using Python Without Being a Coder

[13:03] - What the Future Could Look Like

[14:11] - Cutting Through the AI Hype

[17:21] - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Future FinanceBy Glenn Hopper & Paul Barnhurst

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

7 ratings


More shows like Future Finance

View all
HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

HBR IdeaCast

1,830 Listeners

a16z Podcast by Andreessen Horowitz

a16z Podcast

1,034 Listeners

Azeem Azhar's Exponential View by Azeem Azhar

Azeem Azhar's Exponential View

613 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,864 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,221 Listeners

The Accounting Podcast by Blake Oliver & David Leary

The Accounting Podcast

339 Listeners

Start Here by ABC News

Start Here

6,357 Listeners

FT News Briefing by Financial Times

FT News Briefing

686 Listeners

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

794 Listeners

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg by All-In Podcast, LLC

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

9,189 Listeners

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins by Chris Hutchins

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

1,583 Listeners

FP&A Today by Glenn Hopper

FP&A Today

47 Listeners

Financial Modeler's Corner by Paul Barnhurst AKA The FP&A Guy

Financial Modeler's Corner

16 Listeners

FP&A Tomorrow by Paul Barnhurst

FP&A Tomorrow

24 Listeners

Unpivot by UnpivotShow

Unpivot

5 Listeners