The Importance of Workflow Efficiency for Financial Analysts Financial analysts handle large datasets, build complex models, and deliver insights under pressure. Workflow inefficiencies — whether caused by manual tasks or data processing delays — can lead to costly errors and lost time. To stay accurate and productive, analysts need the right tools to streamline tasks…
In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Duncan McKeen, a seasoned equity research analyst turned financial modeler and educator at CFI. Duncan’s career journey is an inspiring example of adaptation and perseverance, starting in mechanical engineering before transitioning into finance. Duncan shares how he leveraged his sector expertise in mining to…
What is Data Science? Data science is a multidisciplinary field that combines statistics, mathematics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract meaningful insights and knowledge from large amounts of structured and unstructured data. In the financial services industry, data science is crucial in helping organizations make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and drive innovation. Data scientists…
What is Insurance? Insurance is a financial product sold by insurance companies that protects people (and companies) from unexpected losses or damages. Insurance companies are able to offer this product by spreading individual risks among a large group of people, so if something bad happens to one person, like a serious car accident, the insurance…
In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we dive into the latest addition to our course lineup, Comparable Valuation Fundamentals. Our expert instructors discuss designing the course specifically to make valuation concepts more accessible for learners without extensive finance backgrounds. You’ll hear about the decision to use fictional companies for easier digestion…
Private equity and venture capital are two prominent investment strategies in the financial services industry, playing crucial roles in shaping businesses and driving economic growth. While both involve investing in private companies, they differ significantly in their approaches, target companies, and overall objectives. Below, we’ll explore the worlds of private equity and venture capital so…
In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we feature Charaf Bourhalla, a seasoned finance professional who has built a career with major firms like KPMG and Kimberly Clark, eventually becoming Head of Consolidation at Nestle Skin Health. He holds several key certifications, including the FMVA from CFI, ACCA with a focus on IFRS, and the…
The Growing Debate: Excel vs. Google Sheets for Financial Modeling Choosing between Excel and Google Sheets for financial modeling can significantly impact efficiency and accuracy. While both tools can handle basic modeling tasks, Excel is the preferred choice due to its advanced features and ability to process larger datasets. As financial models grow in complexity,…
In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the newly released course, FP&A Professional: Model Roll Forward and Analysis. This course is the second in a three-part series designed to enhance Excel skills while focusing on essential monthly workflows for FP&A professionals. Listeners will learn best practices for managing files, rolling…
What is a Finance Business Partner? A finance business partner goes beyond the finance team to work closely with different departments within an organization, like operations, marketing, and sales, to provide financial insights and strategic advice. Good finance business partners use financial data and analysis to help teams make informed decisions that align with the…
