Programming, accounting and finance are skill areas that are not easily accessible for many. Whereas many regard accounting and finance to be dull and boring, coding is seen as a magic skill of geeks who started learning it shortly after they started walking and there is no way a “normal person” can learn it. Gavin Allen proofs and explains in a humorous but compelling way that the opposite is true for both skill areas. Excitingly, online education plus the appearance of low programming solutions actually make it possible for almost everyone, independent of age, skill level, wealth or former education, to learn how to code and use it in a powerful and creative way. The only thing you need is the ambition and the courage.

After a career of two and a half decades in high level accounting and finance jobs at large corporate firms, Gavin Allen started to learn how to code at the age of 50. His AHA-moment was when he discovered that coding helps him to make things possible and to solve problems himself, for example if excel does not have a function he needs. He is now an independent consultant who helps businesses transform by using technology in a smart way. He also maximizes employee satisfaction by implementing technology that increases the efficiency of business processes and thereby makes extra hours and overtime unnecessary. On top of that, Gavin has launched the Podcast Excel Elites, that has the mission to embrace the fun and magic in accounting and finance, which Gavin has experienced throughout his career.

Some of the questions I ask Gavin:

- Why will humans not be replaced by technology in finance and accounting? (04:46)

- You started to learn how to code when you were 50 years old. How did you develop the courage to start coding at that age? (19:00)

- Which programming languages did you learn (23:57)

- Do you recommend to start with JavaScript? (25:58)

- Although accounting and finance is your passion, you reached a point where a corporate career as a CFO did not satisfy you anymore and you wanted to found your own business. What was the reason for that? (30:30)

- Why do large companies not manage to create an environment where employees feel they are doing a purposeful activity and can leave a legacy? (34:47)

- What is your view on the development of cryptocurrencies and blockchain, particular with regards to finance and accounting in the foreseeable future (39:40)

- Which problems are you solving for companies? (44:33)

I really enjoyed the interview with Gavin. He is one of the most charismatic accountants I have met and talking to him means receiving knowledge. The way he learned JavaScript, HTML5 and Python is inspiring. In this interview, he tells you how you can do it, too.

If you want to book a 15 minute call with me where I listen to your personal case and give you my advise, you can sign up here: https://linktr.ee/janmehlhose

Here you find the Excel Elites Podcast on iTunes and on Spotify

Also check out the LinkedIn profile of Gavin Allen.