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…
Financial modeling is one of the most important skills for landing high-impact finance roles. Professionals in investment banking, equity research, corporate development, FP&A, and more all rely on it to assess deals, evaluate performance, and support decision making. Learn how financial modeling is a critical skill in these seven finance career paths and what that…
What Sets FPAP and FMVA Apart If you’re exploring CFI’s certifications, you’ve probably noticed two standout programs: Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) and Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FPAP™). But what’s the difference between these two certifications? FMVA remains one of the most recognized certifications for building practical skills in financial modeling, valuation, and…
June 30, 2025 — Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), the global leader in practical finance education, has officially launched the Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FPAP™) certification—designed to meet growing industry demand for strategic, data-driven finance professionals. As finance teams increasingly serve as strategic business partners, FP&A professionals are expected to move beyond reporting to deliver…
How Do Companies Decide Between Paying Dividends and Reinvesting Profits? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the key considerations behind corporate dividend policy and why it’s such a powerful tool for shaping investor sentiment and long-term strategy. Transcript Welcome to the Deep Dive. Yeah, welcome, everybody. Today, we’re going to tackle…
