What is Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)? Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) teams play crucial company roles by performing budgeting, forecasting, and analysis that support major corporate decisions of the CFO, CEO, and the Board of Directors. Very few, if any, companies can be consistently profitable and grow without careful financial planning and cash flow…
What’s the Difference Between the Buy Side vs Sell Side? Buy-Side vs Sell Side. The Buy Side refers to firms that purchase securities and includes investment managers, pension funds, and hedge funds. The Sell-Side refers to firms that issue, sell, or trade securities, and includes investment banks, advisory firms, and corporations. Sell-Side firms have far…
Six Highest-Paying Jobs in Financial Services Financial services is easily one of the most competitive areas when it comes to finding a job. This is even true in regard to entry-level positions, as it’s almost entirely unheard of to jump into and build a successful career in the industry without starting near the bottom and…
What is Continuing Professional Education (CPE)? Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is a requirement for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), one that is designed to help maintain their competency and skill sets as providers of professional services. As part of ongoing requirements to maintain the CPA designation, CPAs must meet all the regulations set out by the…
What Does a Financial Analyst Do? A Day in the Life Overview A financial analyst reviews financial and operational data to evaluate performance, forecast future results, and support investing or business decisions. It’s a popular finance career because it offers clear growth paths and applies across industries. Whether you’re a student, early in your career,…
What Does a Business Valuation Specialist Do? Business valuation refers to the process of determining the actual value of a business. Business owners work with a business valuation specialist to help them obtain an objective estimate of their company’s value. They require the services of business valuation specialists to determine a business’s fair value, particularly for…
What is a Retail Banker? A retail banker is a professional who works at a financial institution, such as a bank, providing many individuals with core financial solutions. Retail bankers are responsible for managing customer accounts, offering banking products and services, and advising clients on ways to achieve their financial goals. Retail bankers have many…
Investor Relations Career Overview Investor relations (IR) combines finance, communication, and marketing to effectively control the flow of information between a public company, its investors, and the company’s financial community rather than its business customers or the general public. The IR function helps release information, handle inquiries and meetings, and provide feedback on management and…
What is a Debt Capital Markets Banker? A DCM banker works in an investment bank on the sell-side and is the product expert that advises borrowers and potential borrowers on the best way to raise new debt and manage their outstanding debt. In most cases, an investment banker would be the first to identify the…
What is a Board of Directors? A board of directors is a panel of people who are elected to represent shareholders. Every public company is legally required to have a board of directors. Nonprofits and many private companies, while not required to have a board of directors, may elect to have one to help govern…
