Course Description:

This course provides a concise overview of Claude and its growing role as an AI-powered productivity, analysis, and workflow platform for accounting professionals. Participants will learn how Claude differs from traditional search engines, spreadsheets, and chatbots, and how it can be used to accelerate drafting, research, document review, data analysis, and client communications while maintaining professional skepticism and accountability. The course explores practical prompting techniques, document and spreadsheet analysis, projects, artifacts, connectors, Microsoft 365 integrations, automation capabilities, and emerging AI workflows. Special emphasis is placed on confidentiality, privacy, ethics, verification, and professional judgment. By the end of the course, participants will understand how to integrate Claude into their daily accounting workflows to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and support higher-value advisory services. The course is based on the Claude platform ecosystem, including Chat, Projects, Artifacts, Connectors, Microsoft Office integrations, Voice Mode, Design, Code, and Cowork capabilities.

Topics Covered:

1. Understanding Claude and Large Language Models

2. Prompt Engineering Fundamentals for Accountants

3. Working with Documents, Contracts, and Spreadsheets

4. Projects, Artifacts, and Reusable AI Workspaces

5. Claude Connectors and Business System Integration

6. Microsoft 365 Add-ins and Workflow Automation

7. Professional Skepticism, Ethics, Privacy, and Verification

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain how Claude generates responses and supports accounting workflows.

2. Identify accounting tasks that are well-suited for AI augmentation.

3. Apply effective prompting techniques to improve AI-generated outputs.

4. Analyze contracts, financial documents, and datasets using Claude.

5. Evaluate the appropriate use of Projects, Artifacts, Connectors, and Office integrations.

6. Assess risks related to hallucinations, confidentiality, and data governance.

7. Develop AI-assisted workflows that enhance productivity while maintaining professional judgment.

Prerequisite Knowledge:

No prior experience with Claude is required; however, a basic understanding of accounting processes, Microsoft Office applications, and professional business communication will be beneficial.