The financial planning and analysis (FP&A) field has really taken off and is now ranked the 13th fastest-growing job in the United States.
Professionals in the FP&A field have a really diverse skill set. They need to think strategically and critically, communicate well, and be tech-savvy, especially when it comes to data analytics. On top of these, they should have solid accounting and finance knowledge, along with strong leadership and teamwork skills. Both newcomers and seasoned FP&As are on the lookout for new training programs as the demands keep growing.
These programs, often designed by experienced FP&A experts, offer valuable insights into modern techniques that can benefit organizations right away. But it raises some questions:
- Are these courses really effective?
- Which certifications should you go for with so many options out there?
- And what topics do these courses actually cover?
A surprising 64% of C-level executives say filling FP&A positions can be pretty challenging. Executives pointed out key tasks for FP&A professionals, including using both basic and advanced spreadsheet functions, ensuring data integrity, researching for data analysis, and preparing reports or presentations.
This list isn’t exhaustive and reflects the traditional tasks FP&A teams have handled. However, with new software, tools, and complex data needs emerging, how these responsibilities are tackled is changing. For anyone looking to boost their technical and interpersonal skills, getting FP&A certifications can be a great way to advance your career!
What is FP&A Certification and How to Get It?
There are lots of different FP&A certifications out there, each one designed to focus on specific business areas and functions. If you’re aiming for a traditional path, a CFA program might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re leaning toward investments, there are certifications tailored to that as well.
Generally, getting an FP&A certification means you’ll complete a course and then take a final exam. Once you pass and meet all the requirements, you’ll earn a credential that can really boost your marketability. While some certifications may be tough to get, many are accessible too.
Take a look at the list below to find the FP&A certification that catches your eye. After that, you can register for the relevant course or modules, tackle the coursework, and take the exam. Each certification comes with its own set of requirements, which will be clearly outlined.
You can choose in-person FP&A courses or online ones that let you learn at your own pace. Earning a professional certification can skyrocket your career. So, think about which one will help you grow, complement your experience, and give you the credentials you’re after.
Why Invest in more FP&A Learnings?
From a company perspective, investing in FP&A certifications and courses for your team brings a ton of benefits. It helps boost employee retention and raises the overall skill level in corporate finance. As your team gets better at using modern tech, the way FP&A can support the business really skyrockets.
When employees feel valued and are continuously learning, they’re more likely to stick around and invest their skills back into the company. For individuals, these opportunities can bring new challenges and give financial analysts advanced credentials. It can also open doors to better career prospects down the line. If you’re looking to shift your FP&A career in a new direction, getting a professional certification can give you the push you need!
Top FP&A Courses and Certifications
Financial Planning and Analysis
Certified Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis Professional (FPAC)
The FPAC certification has quickly become one of the most recognized courses available in the market. It outlines essential competencies for the corporate financial planning and analysis profession. It focuses on topics not typically included in traditional accounting degrees.
The examination consists of two parts:
- The first assesses candidates’ capabilities to gather, interpret, and convey financial information.
- The second evaluates their ability to analyze data, create financial forecasts, and utilize relevant technology and software.
Recently, the AFP announced that holders of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA and FCCA) designations may waive Part I of the FPAC exam.
Although the FPAC certification entails less coursework than some alternatives, an impressive 96% of its credential holders affirm that the certification and study materials are directly applicable to their roles. In addition to gaining the certification, participants benefit from access to the AFP community, resources through the AFP Collaborate Group, and the opportunity to attend the largest annual conference for finance professionals. Notably, certified individuals can expect a salary increase of 8-16% compared to their non-certified colleagues, depending on their job title, such as controller, CFO, or analyst.
Duration: 12 weeks (36 hours)
Learning Format: Self-paced, online
Cost: $1,025 to $1,520, varying based on membership status and early bird pricing.
CFA Institute: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program
The CFA Program has become a go-to for over 190,000 finance professionals, providing a solid foundation in advanced investment analysis and practical portfolio management. If you’re looking to boost your career in areas like wealth management, investment banking, commercial banking, consulting, or FP&A leadership, this program is like the CPA for accountants.
It’s usually pursued by people with backgrounds in accounting, finance, economics, or business, making it a fantastic opportunity, especially for FP&A analysts.
What’s great about the CFA Program is that it’s one of the top FP&A certifications out there. The curriculum is always getting updated to keep pace with current financial trends, thanks to input from active industry experts who help improve the course content.
You’ll start with the basics of financial analysis, and as you progress, things get more complex, preparing you to tackle tough investment challenges and adapt to the changing financial landscape.
Duration: A minimum of 300 study hours is recommended for each certification level, and it generally takes several years to complete all three levels.
Learning Format: While self-directed learning is common, numerous classes are available for those seeking additional support in exam preparation.
Cost: $350 enrollment fee and $1,200 per exam.
Financial Modeling
Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) from CFI
The Financial Modeling and Valuation Analysis (FMVA) Certification is highly esteemed among financial analysts globally, renowned for its structure that enhances the learning experience. This program allows students to select from various optional prep courses tailored to their skill levels, enabling flexibility for those with a solid background in finance to bypass certain modules.
With available courses covering topics such as real estate modeling, mergers and acquisitions, and startup modeling, participants can align their education with their interests and career aspirations.
With 54 courses in the FMVA program, learners were expected to complete 14 required core courses to build a skill set in financial modeling & valuation analysis. This self-paced learning experience covers business valuation, financial analysis fundamentals, and operational modeling. This flexibility and quality of content make the FMVA certification an appealing choice for those pursuing career advancements in finance.
Duration: 4-6 months to complete the entire program (Core courses range from 2-10 hours)
Learning Format: Self-paced, Online
Cost: $298.20 for the Self-Study Program and $508.20 for Full Immersion (currently offering a 40% discount)
Financial Planning and Analysis Modeling Certification (FPAMC)
The Financial Planning and Analysis Modeling Certification by Wall Street Prep course offers a comprehensive, self-paced learning experience, providing great value through its structured content.
This program, crafted by experts in FP&A, is recognized as the inaugural rigorous certification for the FP&A profession. Aimed at various finance professionals—ranging from FP&A Analysts and Managers to Controllers, CFOs, and Accounting Professionals—this career-focused course comprises eight self-paced modules.
Each module includes distinct chapters that cover essential topics such as building operating models (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement), long-range planning, and dashboard creation. The course is also suited for FP&A onboarding and employee training, making it a valuable resource for Fortune 500 companies and other large organizations looking to effectively train their new hires.
Duration: 28 hours and 2 minutes
Learning Format: Self-paced, Online
Cost: $499
Experts’ Training
FP&A Bootcamp
FP&A Bootcamp is a leading, intensive learning platform tailored for full-time finance professionals. This course offers a rich blend of technical and interpersonal skill development, ensuring that participants not only enhance their financial expertise but also refine essential soft skills. Here are the key details:
The program consists of five live sessions and 32 comprehensive lessons, covering crucial topics such as:
- Crafting impactful reports and delivering persuasive financial presentations.
- Building a framework for effective professional relationships.
- Establishing budget discipline without resorting to micromanagement.
- Improving financial modeling abilities.
- Implementing best practices for top-down and bottom-up forecasts.
- Mastering advanced budgeting and forecasting techniques.
What distinguishes FP&A Bootcamp is its in-depth curriculum, which addresses both hard skills, like Excel and financial modeling, and soft skills, such as business partnering and financial storytelling. In an era where collaboration and narrative play a critical role in finance, this course fills a gap that many others overlook by focusing on these advanced skills through engaging live sessions. Participants will learn from experienced finance professional Christian Wattig, who brings a wealth of expertise from his time with Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Avon, as well as his role as a former FP&A Solution Architect at Datarails, an Excel-centric FP&A software solution.
Duration: 3-4 Weeks depending on the schedule of cohorts
Type of Learning: Live Zoom Workshops and Online Lessons
Cost: $1,497
Best Practice FP&A
This course, Best Practice FP&A by Ron Monteiro and Paul Barnhurst, is designed to enhance your proficiency in FP&A by focusing on essential technical and soft skills. It is divided into four sessions:
1: FP&A Overview & Analytics That Drive Insights
2: Best Practices in Budgeting & Forecasting
3: Management Reporting & Best-in-Class Data Visualization
4: Business Partnering, Storytelling & Influencing
This course also includes the following perks:
- Live, instructor-led virtual sessions
- Multiple analytical and visualization Excel files for practical use
- All sessions are recorded for later access
- Optional 15-minute conversation with an instructor before course launch
- Access to all course materials and supplementary FP&A resources
- Certificate of completion
Duration: 12 – 15 hours
Type of Learning: Online, instructor-led sessions
Cost: $599.99
