Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program
Best for those wanting the Wharton name and network.
Program Name:
Certificate of FP&A by Wharton Online & Wall Street Prep
Program Type:
Professional certificate
Eligibility Requirements:
No formal eligibility requirements exist for enrolling in the Wharton Online FP&A Certificate program.
Duration:
8-Week program, self-paced online learning program. Enrollment happens 3 times a year.
Time Commitment:
60 - 80 Hours, 8-10 hours per week
Cost:
$5,000 or $1,000 a month for 5 months
Use discount code: THEFPAGUY to save $300 on the program.
Certificate Overview:
The Wharton Online FP&A Certificate program is a professional development course designed to enhance your expertise in financial planning and analysis. While not a credentialed certification like the FPAC, this certificate demonstrates knowledge in FP&A principles, tools, and strategies. Delivered entirely online, it combines rigorous academic insights with practical, real-world applications to prepare learners for roles in FP&A.
Program Curriculum:
The Program curriculum includes the following:
Introduction to Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
The Planning Cycle and Annual Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Analysis in FP&A
Financial Modeling for Decision Support
Finance Business Partnering
Reporting, Presenting, and Storytelling
Preparing for the future of FP&A
Key Features:
Lifetime access to career resources
Network of program graduates
Weekly office hours & 1:1 coaching
In-person and virtual networking events throughout the program
Weekly tests and Test at the end of program are open book and must be passed to earn the certificate
Strengths:
Wharton is a globally respected institution with a strong reputation in finance education
Covers practical, actionable insights for immediate application in the workplace
Includes updated content on technology and innovation in FP&A
Flexible and accessible for working professionals
Cohort enrollment with graduation at the end of the program
Opportunities/Things Remember:
More live instruction within the program would improve the overall program
Does not provide a credentialed certification like the FPAC
Does not require continuing education to maintain the certificate, which could limit its perceived long-term value
The program is the most costly of the major programs available today
The FP&A Guy’s Thoughts:
The Certificate of FP&A from Wharton Online is a very strong program. I am fortunate to be an instructor and to be friends with Christian Wattig, the program director. What I like about the program is the practical, hands-on nature of the material. This is an excellent option if you want a holistic program with a great name and network. It is not the most cost-effective option; other programs will cover material similar to that of the Wharton program. I advise that if you are looking for a great name, network, and training program, not a credential, and the cost is not an issue, then you should strongly consider this program.
If you have questions about this program or any of the other programs, feel free to email me at pbarnhurst@thefpandaguy.com