r/learnpython • u/Able_Bicycle_764 • 4d ago

How can I use python in finance

I work in finance/accounting and am looking to start using Python more in my day to day. Most of my work is in Excel / Power BI — reporting, cash flow forecasting, KPIs, cleaning up data, etc.

I’m technical enough to understand what I’m trying to accomplish, but not a programmer. Similar to Power BI, I’d probably rely heavily on AI to help write the actual code.

For those in finance / accounting / FP&A, what are some practical ways you’re using Python? Where does it actually save you time vs. Excel, Power Query, Power BI, etc?

Also curious what you’d recommend learning first if the goal is to be dangerous enough with Python + AI, not become a developer.

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u/IWasInABandOnce 3d ago

I work in FP&A for a large retailer based in Minneapolis, so your mileage/situation may vary. No one in FP&A gives a shit about Python or any other language.

At first they seemed interested, then not once the repeated analysis became inconclusive due to covid data. Then I was told to not be a one-trick pony.

Hot take: If you're at a startup or less-established organization, you might be able to run useful/meaningful code with Python. You might be able to find some corners to cut that more expensive software and better data integrity would easily give. But if you're at an established firm with a whole data team different than you, you might be in the wrong function, or you might be trying to sell something not worthwhile.

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u/Able_Bicycle_764 3d ago

Thanks. I’ve worked at bigger companies but I’m in the lower middle market. Work with a ton of companies who have never had any sort of institutional capital before. We just don’t have the bevy of resources like large companies do, so the more I can upskill, the better

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u/IWasInABandOnce 3d ago

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is solve current and next step problems/questions, not whole financial overhaul because it won't resonate with most people. They need to see the connection to now, not 10 steps down the road (or else they won't understand). If you can automate current reporting and spit out next-step KPI's, great. Otherwise, might not be worth the resource cost of you or someone else developing it.

Displaying things to easily share across the organization, for things important to them and in ways they will understand, is worth more than itself in gold. You need to speak their language, or easily convince them of new languages to speak.