In this episode of the CFI Member Spotlight podcast, we feature Mateus Hamdan, an accomplished project controller at Field Aviation. Mateus shares his journey from Brazil to Canada, discussing his experience across a range of industries such as mining, education, shipbuilding, and aviation.  He furthered his career by earning the FMVA certification from CFI, which equipped him with advanced financial modeling and valuation skills. This certification played a crucial role in progressing his...

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss the recently released Market Risk Fundamentals course with insights from the Vice President of Content at CFI. We provide an in-depth look at key processes, such as measuring market risk through the standard deviation of returns and calculating value at risk (VAR). Listeners will learn how these concepts are put to practice in the real world, with examples from major banks and their daily operations to manage market risk exposure. We also preface the...

In this episode of FinPod, we talk with Avia Yudalevich, the accomplished CFO and head of supply chain at Intrinsic. Avia shares her journey from financial analyst to executive leader, highlighting her deep understanding of both financial data and broader business strategies. With a solid foundation in economics and finance, Avia is a credible voice in the finance industry. She discusses her career path, including her transition from large organizations to startups, and offers insights into...

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss a recently published course on ESG risk management. We explain the evolution of ESG from environmental health and safety to corporate sustainability and social responsibility, emphasizing its current role as a management framework for addressing environmental, societal, and governance risks.  We cover fundamental concepts of ESG, headline risks, and examples of companies that have managed these risks well or poorly. We also touch on the growing...

In this episode, we welcome Onyedika Nwoji, who has completed two CFI certifications. Onyedika shares his journey from working as a monitoring and evaluation analyst at an NGO to becoming a skilled data analyst.  He discusses his decision to focus on upskilling with CFI and the valuable knowledge he gained from the FMVA and BIDA programs. Onyedika explains how the courses enhanced his Excel skills and introduced him to key data analytics concepts like Power Query, Power Pivot, Power BI, and...

In this episode, we talk with our Chief Content Officer about the new "Accounting for Business Combinations and Other Equity Investments" course. Designed to meet the growing demand for accounting knowledge for finance professionals we cover topics including full consolidation for majority ownership, equity method accounting for significant influence, and fair value accounting for smaller stakes.  The episode also covers differences between IFRS and US GAAP, with practical insights on using...

In this episode, we chat with Glenn Hopper, an instructor at both Duke University and CFI, author and CFO. Glenn’s book, “Deep Finance: Corporate Finance in the Information Age,” solidified his position as a thought leader on the impact of AI on finance roles.  In our conversation, Glenn shares his unconventional path to finance, starting as a journalist in the Navy, transitioning to marketing, and ultimately becoming a successful CFO working in a variety of organizations.  He shares...

In this episode of FinPod, join us for a conversation with CFI FMVA holder Landon Cortenbach as he shares his professional journey from aspiring sports agent to experienced CFO. Landon's career trajectory spans from public accounting to pivotal roles at renowned companies like Beats by Dre and Magic Leap. He discusses the crucial skills that contributed to his success, his problem-solving approach, and how he navigates the evolving landscape of business intelligence and AI in finance.  Don't...

In this episode of FinPod, we dive into the intricacies of debt and capital expenditure (CAPEX) modeling in financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Follow along as Duncan shares insights on modeling debt accurately, emphasizing the importance of setting up a lender of last resort and avoiding hard caps on revolving credit lines. Explore the nuances of forecasting CAPEX and its integration into FP&A models, uncovering the connections between debt schedules and cash flow statements....

In this special episode of the CFI Member Spotlight, host Anna Talerico sits down with finance professional Josh McLean, a Finance Director at Nike and currently participating in their innovative Finance Leadership Rotational Program. Anna explores Josh's high-impact career, including his roles as an author, board member, mentor, startup advisor, and investor. His dedication to lifelong learning and professional development is demonstrated by his incredible achievement of all three levels of...

Join us in the latest episode of the "What's New at CFI" podcast as we discuss artificial intelligence and how it can help users to manage complex formulas in Excel. In this discussion, we shed light on the increasing demand for AI integration in financial analysis.  We discuss practical examples of using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to simplify and optimize Excel formulas. Learn how these AI models can break down complex formulas, suggest more efficient alternatives to nested IF...

 In this episode of FinPod, we discuss FP&A for new analysts with expert Carl Seidman. Carl has over 20 years of experience in management consulting and FP&A advisory. In this conversation, he highlights the growing demand for FP&A in Fortune 500 companies and the shift towards proactive finance roles. Carl addresses how to enter the FP&A field without a specialized degree, emphasizing skill development and transitioning from general finance backgrounds. He also shares the...

 In this episode of FinPod, co-founder Scott Powell and colleague Asim Khan speak with Danielle Stein Fairhurst, a renowned financial modeler, author, and Microsoft MVP. She shares her journey into financial modeling, driven by her love for finance and Excel, and shares her modeling core concepts.. Danielle discusses common mistakes modelers make, the importance of simplicity, and her contributions to the Excel community, including writing books and organizing meetups.  For young...

Join us in the latest episode of the "What's New at CFI" podcast as we delve into the intricacies of financial planning and analysis, specifically focusing on the inclusion of contractors in financial models in today's evolving job market landscape.  We highlight key differences between forecasting for employees and contractors, emphasizing the importance of understanding cash flow timing nuances. With practical examples and considerations, we explore the flexibility of financial models,...

In this episode of FinPod, hosts Asim Khan and Ryan Spendelow dive deep into the world of banking regulations. Join them as they discuss the intricacies of Basel III and its significance in risk management. Unravel the historical context behind the Basel Accords and understand how Basel III emerged as a response to the 2008 global financial crisis. Asim and Ryan discuss the critical differences between Basel II and Basel III, from strengthened capital requirements to the introduction of...

In this episode of FinPod, host Anna Talerico chats with Vijay Maharaj, CFI's Director of FP&A, to discuss his career journey and what it's like to work in FP&A.  Discover how Vijay’s path through economics led him to a career in financial planning and analysis. Get a glimpse into a day in the life of a Director of FP&A, including the balancing act of data management, forecasting, and partnering with other business units. Plus, handling the everyday fire drills that come with the...

In this episode of FinPod, host Asim Khan sits down to discuss data visualization with Sebastian Taylor. They cover best practices for creating effective visual representations of data, from choosing the right charts to crafting impactful stories. To communicate data effectively, learn the importance of understanding your audience and focusing on key messages.  Sebastian shares valuable tips on designing dashboards, using color effectively, and avoiding common mistakes in data visualization....

In this episode of FinPod, Asim Khan & Glenn Hopper talk about AI-enhanced financial analysis. They discuss the power of ChatGPT in democratizing data and how this technology can help improve workflows and analysis. Learn more about AI's impact on roles in investment banking and accounting and how to use generative AI to work more effectively. 

In this special episode of FinPod, host Anna Talerico shines a CFI member spotlight on Stephen Moerane, a remarkable individual whose journey has come full circle within the CFI community.  Stephen's story begins as a CFI learner and progresses to a CFI team member. Listen in as Anna and Stephen discuss his inspiring transition from non-finance roles to a career in finance and his journey to becoming a valued member of the CFI team.  Stephen shares insights into his academic and professional...

In this episode of FinPod, host Asim Khan is joined by Duncan McKeen, CFA, FMVA, to talk about the final components of the FP&A model Duncan's been developing for our FP&A courses. Duncan shares how dashboards and data visualization techniques can transform traditional financial analysis into compelling stories.  Learn the importance of effectively presenting data using colorful visualizations and dynamic charts that capture trends, highlight insights, and aid decision-making....

In this episode of FinPod, host Asim Khan is joined by Duncan McKeen, CFA, FMVA, as they discuss financial statement aggregation and analysis. Follow along as Duncan walks us through consolidating financial statements using advanced Excel functions.  Discover the significance of breaking down current and deferred taxes, balancing income statements, and mastering cash flow projections. Learn the benefits of monthly modeling for a comprehensive 24-month forecast period and how to effectively...

In this episode of FinPod, host Asim Khan is joined by Duncan McKeen, CFA, FMVA, as they delve into the world of headcount forecasting and analysis. This engaging discussion explores essential strategies for forecasting a company's employees and associated costs. Discover how to forecast salaries, bonuses, and benefits while maintaining a comprehensive view of cash flow and income statements. Learn about new Excel features like up and down arrows to quickly spot salary changes and model...

In this episode of FinPod, host Asim Khan is joined by Duncan McKeen, CFA, FMVA, to discuss FP&A model design, revenue forecasting, and the power of proper formatting. Duncan shares insights on creating visually appealing and easy-to-follow models using the latest Excel features, such as binary switches and conditional formatting. Discover how to enhance your models with up and down arrows to highlight changes and leverage binary switches for efficient data management. Learn how these...

In this episode of FinPod, host Asim Khan is joined by Duncan McKeen, CFA, FMVA, to discuss Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). Duncan shares insights into the importance of model design in finance, emphasizing the significance of careful planning and structuring for effective decision-making. Learn how to efficiently gather inputs using modern tools like Power Query and how keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve productivity. Duncan and Asim discuss practical tips such as...