Financial Planning and Analysis (Online): Transition from Reporting to Influencing Business StrategyNEW
Financial Planning and Analysis (Online): Transition from Reporting to Influencing Business Strategy
Overview
Integrate Financial Expertise with a Strategic Mindset
Economic uncertainty, regulatory complexities, and rapid advancements in AI and automation are redefining financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Today’s finance leaders must move beyond static reporting and embrace agile scenario planning to drive business resilience. They need to adapt quickly and have the ability to turn data into strategic decisions that drive growth while staying compliant with shifting regulations and ESG standards.
The Financial Planning and Analysis (Online) program from Columbia Business School Executive Education equips finance professionals like you with a holistic understanding of FP&A, strategic financial forecasting capabilities, and real-world financial models to navigate disruption. Led by Doron Nissim, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at Columbia Business School, this program blends interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on learning to refine your approach to financial planning and elevate your decision-making skills, strengthening your ability to step into senior leadership roles with confidence.
Please contact our partners at Emeritus at columbia@emeritus.org or +1 567-587-1669 for a personal conversation to learn more.
Delivered in collaboration with
- of FP&A professionals in a survey cited data consistency and quality as a significant challenge. [1]
- 46%
- of respondents say that financial decisions are now data-driven, indicating a 12% increase from the last year. [2]
- 64%
- of finance professionals say that quickly learning new competencies is the most crucial soft skill. [3]
- 83%
[1] STATISTA
[2] FTI CONSULTING
[3] AICPA
Key Takeaways
The Financial Planning and Analysis (Online) program will enable you to:
- Analyze complex financial data to improve budgeting, forecasting, and risk management
- Apply FP&A principles to support strategic data-driven decision making within your organization
- Evaluate financial strategies for alignment with organizational goals and optimization of resource allocation
- Generate compelling financial data and perspectives that effectively influence stakeholders and drive decision making
Participant Profile
This program is designed for professionals looking to acquire the skills and tools to turn financial data into tangible business insights. These can include finance and accounting professionals, financial advisors and consultants, and business leaders.
This program is particularly beneficial for:
- Early- to mid-career finance and accounting professionals seeking to move beyond reporting and data preparation to directly influence corporate strategy, business planning, and decision making
- Consultants and advisors in financial services looking to deepen their expertise in financial planning and analysis to better serve clients and advance their careers
- Business leaders, owners, and entrepreneurs aiming to strengthen their financial acumen, improve planning and reporting capabilities, and drive sustainable business growth
Highlights
Comprehensive Learning
The program balances foundational FP&A topics, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Advanced application-based topics are also included, such as capital optimization, liquidity management, and scenario planning.
Learning Journey
A refresher with foundational Excel exercises provides accessibility for learners aspiring to step into FP&A roles, regardless of prior experience.
Live Sessions
Attend a live session to engage in discussions with faculty and peers and receive expert insights.
Case Studies and Industry Examples
Explore real-world case studies and examples for an in-depth understanding of the latest industry trends.
Knowledge Checks
Test your program and industry knowledge by engaging in thoughtful discussions with global peers.
Peer Learning
Receive valuable feedback through enriching discussions with peers.
Final Project
Get personalized feedback and evaluation on your final project, as well as practical experience you can apply immediately in a live organizational environment.
Try-It Activities
Apply your program learning to complete try-it activities, gaining practical hands-on experience.
Weekly Office Hours
Join weekly office hours with program leaders to get personalized guidance and support.
Program Structure
Introduction to Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Describe the role of FP&A in an organization, its core functions, and the ways it contributes to value creation
- Identify the connections and interdependencies between FP&A and accounting
- Identify essential skills in FP&A
- Understand the role of data in FP&A
- Explore the steps of the planning and control cycle
- Explain strategic planning as the process of establishing long-term goals, coordinating resources, and outlining actions to drive value creation
Faculty
All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.
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