Are you an FP&A professional looking to sharpen your skills?
Whether you're aiming to stay current with industry trends or enhance your financial forecasting abilities, the right course can make all the difference. This blog post explores the best FP&A courses and bootcamps available, evaluating them based on their relevance to actual work scenarios, unique offerings, and value for money.
Over 10 years ago when I started my career in FP&A, there were no courses or bootcamps readily available to advance my career. The common wisdom at the time was to get a job or internship for a great leader and just be patient.
But with every great course or bootcamp, there is another that may not be worth your time. Let's explore how to evaluate the courses out there and highlight a few that I feel strong about:
Why Invest in FP&A Training?
Before we dive into specific courses, let's discuss why continuous learning in FP&A is essential.
Financial planning and analysis roles demand a meticulous understanding of complex financial data, forecasting techniques, and strategic planning.
Investing in high-quality training can:
Enhance your analytical skills
Improve your decision-making capabilities
Provide you with the latest tools and methodologies
Increase your competitiveness in the job market
Additionally, many of these concepts and techniques aren't yet taught in schools. So the only way to learn them is on the job or through courses and bootcamps.
Now, let's explore some top-notch FP&A courses and bootcamps that meet these criteria.
The FP&A Flywheel
Overview
The FP&A Flywheel is designed to equip FP&A professionals at small to medium sized companies with the skills and resources needed to implement a best in class FP&A system. The course walks you through step-by-step on how to implement a world class FP&A process in the business you support.
Unique Angle
The course gives you the exact financial models, reports, and analysis templates in excel and powerpoint that you need to implement today. These templates borrow from over a decade of FP&A experience and are the exact ones I've used to drive more value in businesses with FP&A
Affordability and Value
Unlike the others on the list, this course is offered as a low-cost monthly cost of $195. This includes a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and lifetime access.
FP&A Bootcamp
Overview
The FP&A Bootcamp is a hands-on, intensive training program that dives deep into the practical aspects of financial planning and analysis. The curriculum includes real-world case studies, advanced Excel techniques, and financial modeling.
Unique Angle
This bootcamp stands out for its practical approach. You’ll work on real-life scenarios and case studies, which ensures that the skills you acquire are directly applicable in your job. The instructor has spent over a decade in FP&A at some recognizable brands that will add value to any student.
Affordability and Value
Compared to other programs, the FP&A Bootcamp offers great value even with its high price point of $1,495 one-time. You get to take part in a live cohort where you learn alongside other aspiring and seasoned FP&A professionals. Its focus on practical skills means you can see a direct impact on your work, making it a worthwhile investment.
Financial Modeling Education
Overview
The Financial Modeling Education offers a range of certifications that are highly respected in the industry. Their courses cover various levels of financial modeling expertise, from beginner to advanced.
Unique Angle
The course is particularly valued for its rigorous focus on excel-based financial modeling and 3-statement modeling. From those foundations, you'll learn how to build and implement some of the most valuable and common financial models in the middle-market financial industry.
Affordability and Value
There are different tiers of the course to fit all budgets and offer different levels of access to the instructor (from $199 to $649 one-time fee). The credentials you earn can significantly boost your career prospects, offering long-term value that outweighs the initial investment.
Conclusion
Investing in your FP&A skills through targeted courses and bootcamps can significantly enhance your professional capabilities.
The FP&A Flywheel is perfect if you support a small to medium sized business and want to impelement FP&A best practices.
The FP&A Bootcamp offers a hands-on, practical approach to learning that can immediately impact your daily work.
Financial Modeling Education provides rigorous certification that can boost your professional credibility.
Ready to take the next step in your FP&A career?
Explore these courses and choose the one that aligns best with your career goals and needs.
Happy learning!
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