ChatGPT for finance and operations data
Analyse exports, reconcile lists, explain variances and write management commentary with ChatGPT data analysis, checking every number.
- Level
- Role-basedHalf-day workshop
- Delivery
- On-site or remoteanywhere in New Zealand
- Length
- Half a dayagreed with you first
- Topics
- 6adapted to your team
Who it is for
Bookkeepers, accountants, finance managers, operations analysts and owners who live in spreadsheets.
Finance people are rightly sceptical. A summary that is roughly right is not good enough when the figure goes into a board pack or a GST return. This session uses ChatGPT for the slow parts of analysis and keeps the person responsible for the numbers.
Imagine an eight-person Hamilton accounting firm that prepares monthly commentary for its clients. Staff export the trial balance and last year's comparison, ask ChatGPT to flag the largest movements and draft plain-English explanations, then confirm each movement against the ledger before the commentary goes to the client.
We also cover ChatGPT for Excel and Google Sheets, which works inside the workbook, as well as uploading files to a chat.
Before you start: A ChatGPT account on a paid plan is best, because data analysis is limited on the free plan. Comfort with spreadsheets.
What we cover
- Preparing data so the answer is rightClear column names, one record per row, consistent dates and no merged cells. Remove names, IRD numbers and bank details before upload.
- Questions, groupings and chartsAsk for totals by customer, month or cost centre. Request the chart type you need and the table behind it. Ask ChatGPT to show the code it ran.
- Reconciling two listsMatch a bank export against a ledger list, or a stocktake against the system count. Review the unmatched items yourself instead of accepting a suggested match.
- Variance commentaryDraft management commentary from the numbers and your notes on what happened. Keep the reasons yours. ChatGPT writes the sentences, you supply the cause.
- Working inside the spreadsheetWith ChatGPT for Excel or Google Sheets installed, ask for formulas and edits in the workbook, then inspect the changed cells. Usage limits differ by plan.
- The finance checksTie totals back to the source, test one line by hand, and watch for dropped rows and wrong date formats. Record what was checked and by whom.
We adjust the content to your team, and use your own documents and tasks for the exercises.
Who does this kind of work
63.6% of employed New Zealanders, about 1,669,000 people, work in the desk-based occupation groups (in bold) where ChatGPT helps most. Each town page shows the local share, so you can see how a rollout would size up where you are.
Employed New Zealanders by occupation group, 2023
| Occupation group | Chart | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | 18.3% | |
| Professionals | 26.8% | |
| Technicians and trades workers | 12.5% | |
| Community and personal service workers | 9.0% | |
| Clerical and administrative workers | 10.8% | |
| Sales workers | 7.8% | |
| Machinery operators and drivers | 5.9% | |
| Labourers | 9.0% |
Office, management and sales means four occupation groups: managers, professionals, admin and clerical staff, and sales. These are roles where AI assistance is most applicable. This broad proxy does not measure adoption or predict job change.
Source: Stats NZ, 2023 Census, usually resident employed people; ILO, Generative AI and jobs: a refined global index of occupational exposure (2025).
Other courses
1Introductory
ChatGPT essentials workshop
A hands-on first session: clear prompts, files, data analysis, Projects and search, practised on tasks your team already does.
2Practical
ChatGPT at work: the full-day workshop
A full day that takes real jobs from first draft to checked result, with data analysis, Projects and a first reusable skill.
3Organisation
ChatGPT Business and Enterprise rollout
Set up a ChatGPT workspace properly: plan choice, admin settings, an AI use policy, shared skills and Projects, and support that keeps people using it.
4Advanced
Skills, plugins, workspace agents and connected apps
For power users and technical leads: skills, plugins, Projects, ChatGPT Work, connected apps, data analysis and workspace agents.
Industries this course suits
Guides
- ChatGPT for NZ accountants and bookkeepers
- ChatGPT prompts for NZ business: drafts you can check
- Check ChatGPT facts, sources and calculations at work
Available in every region, for example Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington. See all locations.
Questions about this course
Can ChatGPT do our tax or GST calculations?
It can help you set up and explain a calculation. The figures and the filing remain your responsibility, so check every one against IRD guidance and your own records.
Is it safe to upload client financial data?
Only on a workspace your firm controls, within your engagement terms and AI policy. Remove identifying details first wherever the task allows.
Does it replace our accounting software reports?
No. Your accounting system stays the source of truth. ChatGPT helps you question and explain what that system produces.
Ask about ChatGPT for finance and operations data
- Send us a few linesHow many people, where you are, and the jobs that eat your week.
- We reply with a planA suggested session and format, plus what to bring: real quotes, emails and questions.
- Your team does the workAt your place or over video. They finish with ChatGPT doing real tasks, not demos.
- In person
- Remote
- Half-day workshop
- Full-day workshop
- Team rollout
Independent training by TheColab. Not affiliated with OpenAI.
Enquire
Tell us about your team. We reply by email with a suggested course and format.