Introduction to Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Name: Introduction to Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Rating: 4.5 (494 reviews)

A Primer of Strategic Planning, Technical and Non-Technical Skills, Career Advancement, and Industry Insights

Created byCarl Seidman, CPA, CSP

Last updated 4/2024

English

What you'll learn

Learn what corporate FP&A is and why it matters to businesses
Understand what technical and non-technical skills are necessary for success in FP&A
Discover why CFOs consider FP&A to be the most important, yet underperforming, functions within corporate finance
Demystify the evolution of corporate finance from a historically reactive and reporting-focused function to one that is proactive and strategic in nature

Course content

6 sections • 27 lectures • 1h 7m total length

Introduction: A Message from Carl0:24
Explore the fast-evolving fpna role in corporate finance, and hear from a professional development advisor and practitioner about where fpna is headed.
The Role of the FP&A Professional in Today's Environment1:59
Discover the role, responsibilities, and value of FP&A in modern finance, and learn how data-driven insights empower decision makers to grow, adapt, and uncover opportunities.
About the Expert1:33

Top FP&A Issues4:21
What is FP&A and Why is it Important?1:53
The Roles of the CFO, Controller, and FP&A4:12
FP&A Reporting Structure1:43
Explore how the FP&A function is structured, with leaders reporting to the CFO, overseeing channels, geographies, and functions, and acting as a liaison across the organization.
Executive Oversight of Financial Functions1:50
Explore how controllers manage books, budgets, adjusting entries, and reporting, while FP&A drives strategic finance, forecasting, and capital projects.
Select FP&A Focus Areas4:48
The Financial Control Tower1:02
Financial and Business Partnership0:40

The Key Roles and Responsibilities of FP&A1:36
Strategy Pyramid2:01
Strategic Financial Mapping2:06
Explore strategic financial mapping to show how purchase policies, purchase orders, and sales orders drive materials and freight costs, shaping gross profit and profit outlook historically or prospectively.
Scenario Feasibility, Projections, and3:51
Monitoring Financial Condition5:03
Capital Project Planning & Management2:41
Managerial and Cost Accounting1:53

How Companies Benefit from a Formal FP&A Function?2:02
Explore how fpna differs from traditional accounting and why both must work in tandem. Highlight the rising demand for fpna and controllers, and how robust fpna capabilities benefit companies.
What Companies Benefit Most from FP&A?1:50
Modern FP&A vs. Traditional Corporate Finance - Part 16:10
Modern FP&A vs. Traditional Corporate Finance - Part 21:19
Modern FP&A shifts finance from a back office, reactive cost centres to a proactive strategic partner driving the business with ERP, IPMs, BI and BA tools, and automation.

Requirements

There is no requirement or prerequisite for taking this course. College students, entry-level analysts, managers, and even CFOs may find value in its lessons.

Description

The dynamic world of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is one of the fastest-growing and in-demand domains in corporate finance. It serves as the backbone of strategic business decisions within the office of the CFO.

This course illuminates the vital role of FP&A in today's business landscape. Whether you are seeking to enhance your career in finance or are looking to move into this field, understanding FP&A and how it's evolving is crucial.

You will learn what FP&A entails across different industries, discover why it is an excellent career path, and examine the variety of roles and responsibilities that FP&A professionals undertake. The course not only covers the technical skills required — such as financial modeling, financial forecasting, and data analysis — it addresses the essential non-technical skills, such as strategic thinking and effective communication.

Taught by Carl Seidman (CPA/CFF, CSP, CFE, CIRA, CGMA, AM), a well-recognized and highly-regarded FP&A, you will gain insights into how FP&A functions within various organizational structures and how it adapts to changing economic landscapes. This course is your primer to becoming a more aware financial or accounting professional, positioned for a future in FP&A.

Carl has trained more than 13,000 finance and accounting professionals as well as business owners and entrepreneurs. Companies including Workday, Cigna, Discover, Broadridge, Hostess, AlixPartners, and dozens of others use his training programs to develop their people. His training curriculum is licensed or utilized by 8 of the top global financial training companies.

Who this course is for:

This course is intended for any finance, accounting, or business professional with a desire to learn more about one of the fastest-growing and in-demand fields in corporate finance.

Introduction to Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction3 lectures • 4min

What is FP&A and Why is it Important8 lectures • 20min

The Key Roles and Responsibilities for FP&A7 lectures • 19min

How Companies Benefit from a Formal FP&A Function?4 lectures • 11min

Key Skills for FP&A Professionals3 lectures • 9min

Summary and Additional Resources2 lectures • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: