FP&A Specialization Program Overview
Best for those wanting a self-study program with multiple courses and certifications.
Program Name:
Program Type:
Program Certificate
Eligibility Requirements:
The FP&A Specialization from the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is open to anyone interested in financial planning and analysis. No formal prerequisites are required, though a finance, accounting, or business background is recommended to maximize learning outcomes. The CFI provides several courses that one can take prior to starting the program to prepare oneself.
Duration:
The program is 100% self-paced and can be completed at your own pace. The program requires completion of a minimum of 19 online courses.
Time Commitment:
The typical time it takes to complete the program is around 70 hours. The average student spends 5- 8 hours per week on the material.
Cost:
$497 yearly - self-study platform
$847 yearly - full immersion platform
No discount codes available at this time
Certificate Overview:
The FP&A Specialization by CFI is a professional development program designed to build essential skills for financial planning and analysis roles. Upon completion, participants earn a globally recognized specialization certificate that can enhance their credentials and career prospects in FP&A roles. The program requires the completion of 19 courses to earn the specialization.
Program Curriculum:
The FP&A Specialization is divided into several core modules and courses covering the following areas:
Introduction to FP&A: Understanding the role of FP&A in organizations and its importance in driving strategic decisions.
Financial Modeling and Analysis: Building dynamic financial models, scenario planning, and performing sensitivity analyses.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Techniques for creating comprehensive budgets, rolling forecasts, and cash flow projections.
Data Visualization and Reporting: Using tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau to present insights effectively to stakeholders.
Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis: Developing models to test business scenarios and assess risk and uncertainty.
Strategic Planning: Aligning financial planning with organizational goals and decision-making processes.
Key Features:
The yearly fee includes access to all courses, certifications, and specializations
Flexible, on-demand learning platform with annual access to course materials.
Earn CPE credits
Online community
Live office hours
200+ on-demand courses
Strengths:
Accessible and affordable with unlimited access to all CFI courses
Excellent course instructors, including Carl Seidman, a globally recognized instructor
Material is very strong on the modeling side
Earn CPE credit for completing courses
Opportunities/Things to Remember:
The testing process to complete the program could be more rigorous
The content could include more around soft skills, including business partnering, influencing, and storytelling
Less emphasis on exam rigor compared to credentialed certifications like FPAC
The FP&A Guy’s Thoughts:
If you are looking for a self-study program that is globally recognized and has strong modeling material, the CFI program is a good option. That being said, you do not get a credential with the program, nor is it as complete in its content as other FP&A programs. If your primary goal is to have a lot of training courses at a low cost from a well-respected organization that has trained over 2 million people, CFI is a good option. If your primary focus is soft skills training, I would look for other programs beyond CFI>
If you have questions about this program or any of the other programs, feel free to email me at pbarnhurst@thefpandaguy.com