Databases

An Accountant’s Detailed Guide to Databases, Integration, and Data Sharing

LevelIntermediate CPE Credits2 Field of StudyInformation Technology

📋 Overview

This program provides financial professionals with a deeper look at how structured data, modern workflow tools, and real time information pipelines shape organizational performance today. As organizations accelerate their digital operations, teams are expected to move beyond static reporting and apply more advanced techniques to access, combine, and interpret data from multiple systems. This course reflects the evolving expectations of finance professionals in 2025–2026, emphasizing how database fundamentals, AI assisted workflows, and platform agnostic skills help teams streamline processes and deliver faster operational insight. Participants will learn how databases, Power Query, SQL, and AI supported transformation tools work together to support stronger decision making and consistent data sharing across applications. The session highlights how CPAs increasingly act as data stewards within their organizations—helping validate, structure, and operationalize data while driving more proactive analysis. Through practical demonstrations and cross platform examples, attendees see how to build more efficient data processes and design workflows that support real time visibility into business performance.

👥 Who Should Attend

Financial professionals that want to learn how to work with databases and data more effectively

Prerequisites

None

Advanced Prep

Basic knowledge of databases and data models will be helpful.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Discuss how professionals use databases and modern data tools across an organization
Explain foundational database principles, including structure, keys, constraints, and system relationships
Demonstrate how to connect to operational data using Power Query and common database tools
List major categories of database and API technologies and identify their primary business use cases
Discuss and demonstrate how an iPaaS workflow helps move data between applications in real time

🚀 What You'll Walk Away With

You'll connect directly to operational data using Power Query and SQL instead of waiting for manual exports.
You'll build automated workflows that move information between your business applications in real time.
You'll identify the right database or API technology for specific business cases without second-guessing.
You'll design data models that use keys and constraints to keep your reporting accurate and consistent.
You'll act as a primary data steward by validating and structuring information pipelines across the organization.

📚 Major Topics

Tables, data models, and core workflow structures
Using SQL and Power Query to access operational data
Integration tools for data sharing and automation

🏷️ Topics

Overview of databasesintegrationand data sharing

❓ Questions

Do I need to be a programmer to take this course?

No. While we cover technical topics like SQL and APIs, the material is designed for financial professionals who need to understand and use these tools, not write complex code from scratch.

What specific software will we be using?

We focus on Power Query and SQL for data access, alongside iPaaS tools for automation. The principles are platform-agnostic, meaning you can apply them to most modern business systems.

Is there any preparation I should do before we start?

A basic understanding of databases and how data models function will be helpful. You don't need to be an expert, but being familiar with the idea of related tables is a good starting point.

How technical does the section on databases get?

We focus on the fundamentals you actually need for work. This includes understanding table structures, keys, and constraints so you can talk to IT teams and build better reports.

Does this course cover artificial intelligence?

Yes. We look at how AI-assisted workflows and transformation tools help you streamline the way you move and interpret data across your organization.

✍️ A Note from the Author

I spent years watching finance teams struggle with static spreadsheets while the rest of the business moved toward real-time data. I wrote this course for the professional who knows there is a better way to handle information but needs a clear map to reach that next level. We'll bridge the gap between traditional accounting and modern data stewardship together.

🎤 About the author

Stephen is a certified public accountant, the CEO and partner of Devmatics, LLC, a continuing education instructor for financial professionals, a professional speaker at live events, and a licensed pyrotechnician. While his interests and skills are varied, they all share a common thread—his love for and skill in finding technology-based solutions. Whether it’s teaching in the classroom, consulting clients in a boardroom, or shooting a fireworks display, Steve brings passion, hard work, value—and above all else—technological expertise to each of his clients. With an open, honest approach, he creates a unique strategy for each client specifically designed to benefit their needs and streamline their operations in order to create efficiency and maximize their financial potential.

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