Improve your PDF data handling with Power Query

Ever struggled to extract crucial financial data from PDF files into Excel?

As accountants and finance professionals, this can be a regular occurrence.

To help you, this episode explores Microsoft Excel’s Power Query feature. You’ll uncover how to seamlessly import data from system-generated PDFs like invoices and statements.

From tackling tricky formatting issues to cleaning up messy rows, learn through real-world examples using an Australian Tax Office (ATO) PDF as a case study.

Additionally, you’ll gain smart strategies for handling regularly updated PDFs to automate your workflows.

For fast access, use these timestamps:

0:17 - Introduction to Importing Data from PDFs using Excel's Power Query feature. 0:37 - Types of PDFs and Their Reliability 1:05 - Use Cases for Importing PDF data 3:17 - Accessing Power Query and Importing a PDF 4:15 - Tables vs. Pages in PDFs 5:40 - The Complexity of Importing PDF Data 6:25 - Removing Repeated Headers 7:05 - Addressing Errors and Dealing with Extra Rows 9:20 - Creating a Filter Column 9:45 - Reversing Rows Again 10:05 - PDF File Names 11:20 - Reusing Power Queries 11:42 - Conclusion If you’re ready to save time and streamline your data handling processes, this episode is a must-listen.

Host: Neale Blackwood CPA has more than 20 years of experience as a Microsoft Excel educator. He is the author of more than 200 INTHEBLACK articles as well as a book, Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants.

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:

With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform.

You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au