What FP&A Job Descriptions Really Tell You If you’ve read a few FP&A analyst job descriptions, you’ve probably noticed how different they can seem. Some list technical skills like SQL or other sector-specific experience, but many of the core responsibilities are the same. That inconsistency might leave you wondering: What exactly do companies expect from…
Are You Building Your Budget—or Defending Your Assumptions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how cognitive bias quietly influences financial decisions in forecasting, capital planning, and corporate strategy. Whether you’re in FP&A, M&A, or treasury, understanding behavioral finance can help you avoid critical missteps caused by overconfidence, anchoring, or groupthink. Transcript Have…
Expanding Into Emerging Markets? Finance teams face a whole new level of risk and opportunity. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we reveal how multinational companies manage currency risk, political instability, and regulatory complexity when operating in fast-growing economies. Learn how Tesla structured its China expansion, how Coca-Cola hedges naira risk in Nigeria, and…
Understanding 10 of the Most Confusing Finance Terms Imagine a manager asking their new analyst about enterprise value, but the analyst accidentally explains market cap instead. They wouldn’t be alone. Learning finance terminology is often like learning a new language, and students often struggle to understand certain terms or concepts. This breakdown explains 10 of…
In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we walk through our latest course release: Economic Analysis for FP&A, co-authored by instructors Mimi Hu and Meeyeon Paik. Designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world finance, this course helps learners understand how FP&A teams drive strategic decisions—using scenario analysis, economic trends,…
Why Financial Forecasting Requires Multiple Techniques Historical data forms the basis of most financial forecasts, but it can’t account for everything. External factors like policy changes, new competitors, or shifting consumer preferences often have no precedent in past performance. To build accurate, forward-looking projections, financial analysts rely on a mix of qualitative frameworks and quantitative…
Is Corporate Finance About Maximizing Shareholder Value, or Should Companies Focus on Broader Stakeholder Interests? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the evolving debate between shareholder primacy and stakeholder capitalism—and what it means for finance professionals today. Whether you work in financial planning, strategy, or corporate development, this episode provides practical takeaways…
Why Do Big Companies Collapse? And How Can Corporate Finance Professionals Spot the Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the most common causes of corporate bankruptcy and financial distress, backed by case studies of Lehman Brothers, Toys “R” Us, WeWork, and more. Learn how finance teams…
Accrued Expense vs. Accounts Payable: What’s the Difference? Accrued expenses and accounts payable are both liabilities, meaning money a company owes. The key difference is whether the company has received a bill. Accrued expenses are costs a company has already incurred but they haven’t received an invoice for those costs yet. Once the company receives…
How Do Finance Teams Predict Market Shifts Before They Happen? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the top economic indicators—GDP, interest rates, inflation, and more—and show you how FP&A and corporate finance professionals use them to drive smarter decisions. Transcript OK, let’s unpack this. Imagine you’re building next year’s budget. You’re…
