What is FP&A and what do FP&A professionals do?
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) professionals help organizations make informed business decisions by analyzing financial data, forecasting future performance, and advising leadership on budgets and strategic planning. They bridge finance and strategy, turning numbers into business insights.
Is a career in FP&A right for me?
If you enjoy working with data, solving business problems, and helping shape strategy, FP&A is a strong fit. It’s ideal for professionals with an interest in Excel, forecasting, financial modeling, and cross-functional collaboration.
Do I need a finance degree to work in FP&A?
While a finance or accounting degree can be helpful, it’s not required. What matters most is having practical, job-ready skills like Excel modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis. CFI’s FP&A training focuses on job-ready skills and certifications that hiring managers trust, regardless of your educational background.
What skills do I need to get started in FP&A?
To break into FP&A, you'll need Excel proficiency for financial modeling and analysis, understanding of budgeting and forecasting, financial statement analysis, and communication and presentation skills. CFI’s FPAP certification and specializations in AI for Finance, Data Analysis in Excel, and Accounting for Financial Analysts teach exactly these skills.
Will these certifications help me get a job in FP&A?
Yes. CFI’s certifications are trusted by top companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. You’ll also gain access to resume building tools, interview prep, and career guidance specific to FP&A.
Can this help me advance in my current finance role?
Absolutely. Whether you're in accounting, business analysis, or another finance role, FP&A skills can unlock new responsibilities and higher-paying positions. Many CFI learners move from junior analyst roles into manager and director-level positions after completing the FP&A path.
What makes CFI’s FP&A program different from other courses?
To get started in FP&A, you'll need strong Excel skills for modeling and analysis, a solid understanding of budgeting and forecasting, the ability to analyze financial statements, and effective communication and presentation skills. CFI’s FPAP certification and specializations in AI for Finance, Data Analysis in Excel, and Accounting for Financial Analysts are designed to help you build exactly these skills at your own pace.
Is this training NASBA accredited or CPE eligible?
Yes. CFI is NASBA-accredited and offers over 550 verifiable CPD/CPE credits, including credits for FP&A training. This is ideal for finance professionals who need to maintain certifications, stay compliant, or continue developing their skills throughout their career.
What kind of jobs does FP&A lead to?
Within the FP&A career path, you can pursue roles like FP&A Analyst, Financial Analyst, Senior FP&A Analyst, FP&A Manager, Finance Business Partner, or even Director or VP of FP&A. Making it a strong stepping stone toward CFO-track positions.
Do I get a certificate? Will it show on LinkedIn?
Yes. After completing each certification or specialization, you’ll receive a digital certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and job applications to show employers your verified skills.
How do I know which courses to take first?
Start with the Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FPAP) certification. It builds the foundation. From there, you can choose specializations based on your goals, and we have provided some recommendations relevant to FP&A.
Can I do this while working full time?
Yes. All CFI courses are 100% online and self-paced, so you can study around your schedule.
Will the content stay up to date with new tools and trends?
Yes. CFI continuously updates its courses to reflect the latest tools, trends, and best practices in finance, including emerging technologies like AI. With an active subscription, you’ll have access to the most current and relevant training.
