Analytics in Power BI: ICAEW Certificate

This course is designed for finance professionals who want to strengthen their data analytics and visualisation skills using Microsoft Power BI. Once you’ve completed all four assessed case studies, you’ll be awarded the Analytics in Power BI: ICAEW Certificate for Finance Professionals.

This topic-based learning approach will give you the practical skills to prepare, model, and analyse data, whilst understanding the theoretical and conceptual knowledge that underpins data analytics. You’ll learn how to uncover insights that matter to the business and how to present them clearly to influence decision-making.

Throughout the course, you’ll work hands-on in Power BI — learning how to transform data, build data models, and produce interactive dashboards. No previous experience with Power BI is required; the course provides all the foundational knowledge needed for Excel users moving into more advanced analytics.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Use Power BI for advanced data analysis and decision-making
• Analyse complex financial data with accuracy and confidence
• Build advanced reports and dashboards using Power BI features
• Create compelling visualisations and data narratives
• Uncover insights that add real business value
• Communicate insights through persuasive data storytelling
• Manage and organise data effectively
• Support strategic decisions with data-driven financial analysis

When you successfully complete the case studies, you’ll receive your ICAEW Certificate and will have banked 20 valuable CPD hours.

The Analytics in Power BI: ICAEW Certificate consists of four modules, each with a case-study assessment:

1. Context and concepts

In analytics, business context is essential. This opening unit explores:

• Key terminology and data analysis as not just a set of tools, but as a defined concept and a structured process.
• Identifying and articulating how data analytics can add value in business and accounting contexts, linking analysis directly to strategic outcomes.
• Power BI's core components, different versions, and how they interact to form an end-to-end business intelligence solution.
• Know the different kinds of data companies work with and learn why maintaining high data quality and following governance rules are vital for getting accurate answers.

2. Data preparation and transformation

This unit focuses on preparing data for analysis using Power BI’s Query Editor. You will learn how to:

• Bring data from multiple sources into the system using the Query Editor and setting the right data format.
• Establish relationships between multiple datasets and review datasets for accuracy and reliability.
• Identify and resolve common data flaws, such as handling missing values and duplicate entries.
• Manipulate and shape your data, including filtering, aggregating, subsetting, adding new calculated columns, and merging data using different join types.

3. Building reports

In this unit, you’ll learn how to design reports and dashboards effectively. You’ll learn how to:

• Design basic reports, focusing on how to choose and apply the most effective visualisations to tell a clear data story.
• Develop fully interactive dashboards by implementing filters, navigational buttons, bookmarks for saved views, and drill-down functionality.
• Utilise DAX formula language to write sophisticated logic, enabling you to create calculated columns and measures necessary for complex business analysis.
• Apply industry best practices for organising report pages and visuals, ensuring your Power BI solution is not only visually appealing but also efficient, performant, and easy for end-users to navigate.

4. Presenting data effectively

This unit focuses on communicating insights clearly to support strategic decision-making. You’ll explore:

• Applying principles of dashboard design and structure to ensure your visualisations are effective.
• How to translate complex data analytics into business-relevant language and context, bridging the gap between technical metrics and strategic organisational goals.
• Techniques to present dashboards effectively to highlight key messages and directly support decision-making by executive and business users.
• The use of proven data storytelling techniques to enhance the clarity and lasting impact of your findings on the audience.

This course is designed for finance professionals at any career level, from those just starting out to seasoned experts. If you are comfortable with Excel but ready to upgrade your skills to modern data analytics and visualisation, this is your perfect starting point. It provides the essential foundation for transitioning into more advanced, data-driven positions.

The content is highly relevant for a diverse group of roles, including Finance Controllers, Auditors, Accountants, Finance Managers, and professionals working in Financial Analytics or Sales Reporting.

Due to the technical nature of the content, we must advise that ALT text could not be provided for every image; this primarily impacts visual screenshots from Power BI. As this is a heavily video-based course, we have implemented full transcripts for all video content, ALT text for the majority of static images and a direct link to the Microsoft Power BI Accessibility site, enabling learners to access detailed guidance on navigating the Power BI environment using assistive technologies. Please contact us if you require any assistance or would like to discuss accommodations for your studies.

The Analytics in Power BI: ICAEW Certificate is delivered solely online, through MyKaplan, Kaplan’s online learning platform.

Delivered through Kaplan's award-winning OnDemand study method, this course offers the flexibility to study when and where you want. The content features engaging, concise video tutorials that simplify complex concepts and illustrate skills using real-life business scenarios. You will benefit from hands-on demonstrations of Power BI in action, showing you exactly how to perform specific tasks. To reinforce your learning, you will be able to apply your knowledge throughout the course, receiving instant feedback on your progress.

The online resources are structured to build your confidence and cement your understanding, while the four end-of-unit case study assessments provide crucial opportunities to apply your learning directly within practical finance scenarios.

This course requires the use of Power BI desktop version, which is designed for Windows users and is not compatible with Apple’s MacOS. View system requirements.

Course price: €440 / RM2125 / $510

ICAEW members are eligible for a discount on this course. Visit icaew.com/powerbi-member-discount and login using your member login to reveal your discount code.

If you’re looking to purchase multiple courses for your team or organisation, Enterprise Licences are available. For enquiries please contact kaplanlearning@kaplan.com.