Unlock Your Potential: A Deep Dive Into The 5 Best FP&A Courses

As someone who’s spent countless hours navigating the labyrinth of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) courses, I know all too well how the sheer volume of options can make your head spin. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, but instead of sweets, you’re surrounded by an assortment of finance courses each promising to take your skills to new heights.

At times, I wished for a finance fairy to steer me towards the perfect course magically. But alas, the world of finance is short on fairies and long on spreadsheets. So, I rolled up my sleeves and embarked on a journey through the vast plains of FP&A education.

My mission? To help you navigate this complex corporate finance landscape, cut through the jargon, and find the best FP&A course that fits your needs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your finance game, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. After all, in the world of finance, knowledge is not just power—it’s profit.

The 5 Best FP&A Courses I Have Found

#1 – FP&A Bootcamp by Christian Wattig

Course Overview

If you’ve ever wished for a finance bootcamp that can whip your FP&A skills into shape, then I’ve got good news for you. Enter the FP&A Bootcamp by Christian Wattig – a live, interactive course that’s akin to a high-intensity workout for your financial acumen.

The FP&A Bootcamp is an immersive, workshop-style course that gives you skills you can apply immediately. It’s delivered via Zoom, meaning you’re learning with a community of peers, all eager to flex their finance muscles, just like you. And the best part? This bootcamp provides a safe environment where you can practice without fear of failing.

Now, let’s talk about the man behind the magic, Christian Wattig. Christian is a seasoned FP&A leader with over 12 years of experience at multinational consumer goods giants and fast-growing tech startups. He’s been in the trenches, he’s fought the finance battles and now, he’s sharing his wisdom with us.

What I Like About The Course

What I love about this course is its practicality. It’s not just theory-heavy lectures; it’s hands-on workshops where you learn by doing. Plus, it’s jam-packed with valuable tips from a finance veteran who’s seen it all. Christian’s real-world experience shines through in each session, making the learning process both engaging and insightful.

Pricing

At $1,200 per student the cost of the course is definitely an investment, but here’s the thing: think of it as investing in your future. After all, the skills you acquire here can be immediately applied in your job, potentially propelling your career forward. Christian also provides instructions for requesting reimbursement from your company to offset some of the cost.

How The Course Will Benefit Your Career?

As for how it benefits your career – well, where do I start? Whether you’re an FP&A beginner or a veteran, this course adds value. It exposes you to various aspects of FP&A, deepening your understanding and sharpening your skills. But more importantly, it equips you with the confidence to tackle any FP&A challenge that comes your way.

#2 – Become A High-Performing Finance Professional by Nicolas Boucher

Course Overview

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a high-flying finance professional, then Nicolas Boucher has the perfect course to help you spread your wings. His course, aptly named ‘Become a High-Performing Finance Professional,’ is like the jet fuel that can propel your finance career into the stratosphere.

This online course is a comprehensive guide to mastering finance, whether you’re a newbie getting your feet wet or an experienced pro looking to up your game. It dives deep into the essential aspects of finance, from analyzing financial statements and budgeting to making strategic financial decisions and serving as strategic business partners.

One of the unique features that sets this course apart is its emphasis on real-world application. You won’t just be learning theories; you’ll be learning how to apply these concepts in actual business scenarios. Plus, Nicolas provides downloadable resources and templates you can use immediately in your work.

Pricing

• $145 Regular – access to the self-paced course
• $225 Standard Plus – access to the course as well as a 30-minute coaching session
• $1,125 Premium – access to the course, 3 30-minute coaching sessions, and 1 LinkedIn coaching session

What I Like About The Course

Let me tell you why I’m head over heels for this course. It’s Nicolas himself. With his experience as a former head of Finance and now a finance coach, he brings a depth of knowledge and practical insight that’s hard to find elsewhere. He’s like that wise friend who’s seen it all and is ready to share his secrets.

How The Course Will Benefit Your Career?

As for how this course will benefit your career – imagine walking into a meeting with the confidence that you can handle any finance question thrown your way. Or being able to make strategic decisions backed by robust financial analysis. That’s the power this course gives you. It equips you with the skills to understand finance and use it as a tool to drive business success.

#3 – Best Practice FP&A Course by Paul Barnhurst

Course Overview

Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your corporate finance career, unsure of which path to take. Suddenly, a beacon of light appears in the form of the Best Practice FP&A Course by Paul Barnhurst, illuminating the way forward.

This course is a treasure trove of best-practice knowledge in Financial Planning and Analysis. It’s like having a master chef guide you through the secret recipes of finance, from storytelling and influencing to budgeting and report preparation.

The hands-on, immersive training experience is akin to stepping into the finance dojo with your own personal sensei. Paul Barnhurst, who you might know as “The FP&A Guy,” co-teaches this course with Ron Monteiro. Both bring decades of experience and insights to the table, making it a dynamic learning journey.

What makes this course unique? It’s the post-course consultation. Once you’ve completed the course, you get a 30-minute consultation with either Ron or Paul. It’s like having a backstage pass where you can ask questions, seek advice, and get personalized feedback.

Pricing

At $500 for 10 hours of instruction, you get high-value content to propel your career forward. When it comes to cost, it’s an investment that pays dividends in the form of enhanced skills and confidence.

What I Like About The Course

Why do I like this course? It’s the perfect blend of theory and practice. The course doesn’t just teach you what to do; it shows you how to do it. Plus, the opportunity to learn from seasoned pros like Paul and Ron is priceless.

How The Course Will Benefit Your Career?

Now, let’s talk about how this course can turbocharge your career. It arms you with practical strategies to improve your storytelling, business partnering, and influencing skills. In other words, it prepares your cohort as high-impact financial professionals who can drive corporate strategy and decision making.

#4 – Certified Corporate FP&A Professional From the Association of Finance Professionals

Course Overview

Alright, my finance friends, gather around because I have something exciting to share with you. You know how we all dream of that magic potion that can transform us into finance wizards? Well, I’ve found something that comes pretty close. It’s the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional course from the Association Of Finance Professionals (AFP).

Think of this course as your personal finance gym. You go in a novice, and you come out flexing your finance muscles like a pro. This course is a comprehensive guide to everything FP&A. It covers everything from data-driven decision-making and technical finance to financial modeling and strategic planning.

This course comes with a unique feature that I absolutely love. It’s an interactive study tool called Learn@AFP. It’s like having a personal tutor guiding you through the course content, complete with practice questions and learning activities. Plus, it tracks your progress, so you know exactly where you stand.

Pricing

The cost of the course varies depending on whether you’re an AFP member or not. For members, it’s $695, while for non-members, it’s $895. Yes, I know what you’re thinking – that’s quite a chunk of change! But remember, we’re investing in our future here.

What I Like About The Course

Why do I like this course? Well, it’s like being handed the keys to the kingdom of finance. The course is rigorous and challenging but in a good way. It pushes you to hone your skills, expand your knowledge, and improve your strategic and critical thinking. And the satisfaction you get when you master a complex concept? Priceless!

How The Course Will Benefit Your Career?

So, how will this course benefit your career? Imagine walking into a room and saying, “I’m a Certified Corporate Financial Planning Professional.” Sounds impressive, right? That’s because it is. This certification is recognized globally, making it a powerful addition to your resume. It signals to employers that you have the skills, knowledge, and dedication to excel as a corporate financial planning analyst. This is also a well-rounded course that can help financial analysts grow their careers and accounting professionals change careers.

#5 – Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling Certification (FPAMC) by Wall Street Prep 

Course Overview

Picture the certification in financial planning course as your finance fairy godmother. She waves her magic wand (or in this case, her financial models), and poof! You’re transformed into a financial whiz capable of creating and analyzing financial models like a pro.

It is so much more than a financial budgeting course. This course covers the A-Z of financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and strategic planning. It’s like going on a safari through the finance jungle, with expert guides leading you every step of the way.

One unique feature of this course that I absolutely adore is the Wall Street Prep’s online support forum. It’s like being part of a secret club where you can ask questions, share insights, and learn from other finance enthusiasts.

Pricing

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the cost. At $499, it might seem like you’re buying a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But trust me, the wealth of knowledge and skills you’ll gain from this course is worth every penny.

What I Like About The Course

So, why do I like this course? Well, it’s like finding a treasure map that leads you straight to the heart of finance. The course is practical, engaging, and packed with real-world examples of financial modeling and financial analysis. Plus, the instructors are Wall Street veterans who bring their wealth of experience and insights to the table. It’s like learning how to cook from a Michelin-star chef!

How The Course Will Benefit Your Career?

Now, let’s talk about the cherry on top: how this course will benefit your career. Imagine walking into an interview or a meeting with the confidence of a lion. You’re not just familiar with financial planning and analysis; you’re a certified expert. That’s the power this course gives you. It boosts your resume, enhances your skills, and prepares you to take on any finance challenge with gusto.

Quick Recap

Alright, dear readers, we’ve journeyed together through the exciting world of FP&A courses. We’ve navigated the tricky waters of course content, braved the wild jungles of costs, and marveled at the unique features each course has to offer. But now, it’s time for you to take the helm and chart your own course.

Remember, choosing a course is like picking out a new pair of shoes. It has to be the perfect fit for you. It should align with your needs, goals, learning style, and yes, even your budget. Just because a course is the most expensive or the most popular doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. So, take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts.

I also want to remind you that learning is not a race, but a journey. There will be bumps along the way, times when you might feel lost or overwhelmed. But remember, every great explorer faced challenges. So, don’t be disheartened. Keep going, keep learning, and keep growing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn FP&A?

Learning FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) involves acquiring a deep understanding of financial analysis techniques, budgeting and forecasting, management reporting, capital markets, and more. There are numerous resources available online, including courses offered on LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera, Wall Street Prep, and the Association of Finance Professionals Certified Corporate FP&A Professional course. These courses provide comprehensive training in FP&A, from foundational concepts to advanced strategies.

Does FP&A require CFA?

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is not a requirement for a career in FP&A. However, it can certainly enhance your credibility and demonstrate a high level of competence in financial analysis. The CFA focuses heavily on investment management, portfolio theory, and financial planning, which could be beneficial depending on the specific role or industry you’re in.

What is the best qualification for FP&A?

The “best” qualification can vary based on your career goals, experience level, and learning style. However, some highly regarded qualifications in the field include the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional credential by the Association of Finance Professionals, the Certificate of Corporate Finance from NYIF, and the Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling Certification by Wall Street Prep. It’s important to research each option and choose the one that aligns best with your career objectives.

Is FP&A certification worth it?

Absolutely! Earning an FP&A certification can significantly boost your career prospects in corporate finance. It signals to potential employers that you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field. Moreover, it demonstrates your dedication and commitment to professional development. While the cost and time investment may be considerable, the potential return in terms of career growth and increased earning potential makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

Does FP&A pay well?

Yes, careers in FP&A tend to be well-compensated. While the exact salary can vary depending on factors like location, company size, industry, and level of experience, FP&A professionals often earn competitive salaries. Additionally, earning an FP&A certification can often lead to higher pay, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise in the field.

Have any questions? Are there other topics you would like us to cover? Leave a comment below and let us know! Also, remember to subscribe to our Newsletter to receive exclusive financial news in your inbox. Thanks for reading, and happy learning!