Discover how companies like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon strategically use corporate tax planning to drive profitability, fund innovation, and stay competitive. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down how world-leading finance teams turn tax incentives into strategic levers, from sustainability credits and R&D tax breaks to international tax optimization. Learn…
Why Structure is Critical for Effective Presentations We’ve all sat through presentations that left us confused about the main point or unsure what actions to take. In finance, where decisions involve significant resources, poorly structured presentations can delay important decisions or lead to missed opportunities. A well-structured presentation guides your audience through complex financial information…
Why Effective Communication is Critical in Finance “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.” That famous line, delivered by a character in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, sums up the communication breakdowns that occur in workplaces every day. The consequences often result in delayed decisions, unnecessary rework, and even damaged professional relationships. In…
In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have evolved from a corporate buzzword to a financial imperative. ESG now directly influences valuation, capital costs, risk exposure, and investor sentiment, making it a critical factor for finance professionals. We’ll break down: How ESG affects capital allocation and…
Jorge Marques joined CFI back when it was just a WeWork dream, and now he’s a portfolio manager at North Growth Management. In this episode, Jorge shares his path from studying math and economics and ultimately landing in capital markets. You’ll hear about the skills that helped him succeed, how he navigated the CFA and…
What are SaaS KPIs? Ever wondered why some SaaS companies skyrocket to unicorn status while others struggle to stay afloat? The difference often comes down to how they monitor and act on key performance indicators (KPIs). SaaS businesses present distinct financial patterns that require specialized KPIs that reflect the unique nature of subscription models, including:…
What Happens When Emotion and Psychology Creep Into Financial Decisions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we unpack the human side of finance through the lens of behavioral finance, exploring why even the most skilled professionals fall victim to biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and anchoring. Real-world cases like HP’s Autonomy acquisition…
Have you ever submitted a detailed financial analysis only to hear your manager ask, “But how does this connect to the bigger picture?” You’re not alone. For many FP&A analysts, the challenge lies in understanding what really drives your organization’s financial performance. That’s where two core concepts come in: key value drivers and key performance…
Ever wonder how major corporations like Apple, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola manage billions of dollars in cash and investments, while keeping financial risks in check? This guide explores treasury management and why it is a significant component of the financial strategies in today’s top companies. What is Treasury Management? Treasury management refers to the oversight and…
Picture yourself stepping out of the structured, predictable environment of corporate finance and into the dynamic and sometimes chaotic world of startup finance. It’s a completely different game where many startups prioritize fast growth and market share over early profitability. This guide breaks down how startups approach funding, track financial performance, and handle risks differently…
