FinPod

In this episode of FinPod’s What’s New at CFI, we explore the critical role of workflow efficiencies for analysts working in Business Intelligence (BI) and data analysis. Join us as we unpack practical strategies, tools, and best practices that can streamline your day-to-day tasks, from data gathering and cleaning to analysis and reporting. Whether you're a seasoned analyst or just starting in the field, you’ll benefit from these insights on how to optimize processes, reduce bottlenecks, and leverage automation to enhance productivity and deliver sharper insights faster. Tune in to discover how to make your BI and data analysis workflows more efficient and impactful.

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we sit down with Genaro Arredondo who shares his colorful journey navigating a career in finance – starting from his roots in Chile to becoming a Director of Corporate Development at global credit bureau, Equifax. Genaro discusses his experience majoring in accounting at university, navigating early-career roles at top firms like EY and Deloitte, and eventually transitioning into FP&A and corporate development. He also shares his passion for lifelong learning, exemplified by his pursuit of multiple advanced degrees and certifications, including the FMVA and CFA. Tune in to learn about overcoming the unique challenges he faced working in a new language, the pivotal role of mentorship in his career, and the crucial technical skills required to succeed in corporate development and finance.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss our newly launched course on reading and analyzing insurance company financials. We break down the complexities and unique characteristics of insurance financial statements, comparing them to those of banks and industrial companies. We also discuss concepts like deferred acquisition costs, unearned premiums, and the specific accounting challenges in the insurance industry. We share insights on critical metrics such as the combined ratio and return on equity. These metrics are essential for evaluating an insurance company’s profitability and financial health. Professionals can make more informed decisions in the property and casualty insurance sector by having a strong grasp on these key concepts. Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge and sharpen your skills in this specialized area of finance!

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss our new course on purchase price allocations in M&A accounting. This course addresses common challenges and confusion around acquisition accounting, particularly with deferred taxes and transaction fees. The course breaks down these complex topics into manageable chunks using hands-on Excel exercises. We emphasize the importance of learning by doing, guiding learners through real-world scenarios and ensuring they can apply their knowledge to actual company financial statements and acquisitions.Tune in to learn more!

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Carolina Lago, who has extensive experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and corporate finance. Carolina shares her career journey from studying business to becoming a leader in FP&A, emphasizing how the role has evolved from mere financial planning to a strategic focus on guiding companies' futures. She discusses her participation in an IPO, highlighting the invaluable learning opportunity it provided.Carolina is committed to lifelong learning, pursuing certifications like the FMVA, and building Tactic, where she develops corporate training programs for finance teams. She advises young professionals to actively seek opportunities, bring innovative solutions, and align their work with their interests to advance their careers. Tune in for insights on career growth and the evolving landscape of corporate finance roles.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the newly refreshed course, "Math for Finance Professionals," which covers essential concepts like simple and compound interest, discounted cash flows, and statistical measures using Excel. This course equips finance professionals with the foundational skills necessary for a variety of roles in finance  & banking. Tune in to learn more about the new course and its benefits for finance professionals seeking careers in investment banking, capital markets, risk management, investment and wealth management, finance, and accounting.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Brian Egger, Global Head of Financial Modeling at Bloomberg LP. Brian brings a wealth of experience from his time at Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg, where he has developed and led the Bloomberg Interactive Calculator financial modeling platform. Brian talks about the complexities of equity research, such as his analysis on Las Vegas airline service capacity in the late 1990s, which challenged conventional thinking and demonstrated the critical interplay between demand and airline service. He also discusses the importance of modern data analytics, highlighting the role of coding and tools like Bloomberg Query Language (BQL) in enhancing financial modeling.Listeners will learn about the essential skills for equity research, including meticulous attention to detail, the ability to synthesize data into clear viewpoints, and effective communication tailored to different audiences. Tune in to learn from his expertise and gain insights into equity research and financial modeling.

This episode of FinPod covers understanding bank financial statements and analysis. We highlight the unique aspects of bank financial statements compared to typical company statements, plus the significance of the balance sheet and the importance of understanding interest income and expenses. You'll learn about specific ratio calculations used in banking and how regulatory capital requirements, like Basel III guidelines, impact banks. The episode also discusses the practical applications of using real-world data for hands-on learning. Listen in for practical tips on mastering bank financial analysis. 

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we sit down with David Hyland, a finance leader with a background in establishing processes, systems, and controls for management teams of tech startups.David shares his career journey from traditional accounting to leading finance functions in startups like Air Garage, a company revolutionizing the parking industry with a full-stack software management service. David highlights his experiences in building finance functions from scratch, emphasizing the importance of being able to adapt and excel in diverse industries. He also shares his continuous learning journey through CFI's FMVA program and other certifications, underscoring his commitment to professional growth. Tune in to hear a unique personal account of navigating the evolving world of finance in tech.

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss how to get started with building a financial model. We address common issues beginners face – like too quickly relying on Excel –  and provide tips to streamline the model-building process. Emphasizing the importance of design, we cover the tangible benefits of reverse-engineering financial modeling problems and working backwards from the outputs. Get advice on how to create efficient, effective models. Tune in to get inspired when starting a financial model. 

In this episode of FinPod, we speak with Chris Ortega, the CEO of Fresh FP&A. Chris shares his journey from a marketing major in college to a seasoned finance executive, eventually founding Fresh FP&A. Chris emphasizes the evolving role of technology in finance, highlighting how tools like RPA, predictive analytics, and machine learning can enhance the efficiency value of finance teams. Listen in to gain valuable insights into CFO responsibilities and the essential skills needed to succeed in finance. 

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss our course for financial planners, advisors, and wealth managers on developing high-impact financial plans. We cover how integrating financial plans into a wealth management practice adds value for clients and advisors. We emphasize best practices for effective goal-setting and how structured financial plans can realize your clients’ objectives. Tune in to gain insights and a deeper understanding of how the core components of a financial plan add value for your clients.

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 career, allowing him to secure roles in shipbuilding and aviation industries. Mateus also shares valuable advice for aspiring finance professionals, emphasizing  continuous learning, building strong relationships, and simplifying complex tasks. Tune in to hear Mateus Hamdan's inspiring story and gain practical tips for excelling in the finance industry.

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 history of VAR, tracing its origins from the late 1980s with Risk Metrics and its adoption by industry giants like JP Morgan. We explore why the financial industry and regulators transitioned from traditional volatility measures to VAR, highlighting its robustness and effectiveness in quantifying market risk.Additionally, the episode previews the upcoming specialization in Risk Management at CFI, designed to equip finance professionals with the skills needed to excel in the field. Tune in to learn more about market risk and the exciting career opportunities it presents.

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 managing teams of all sizes and overcoming challenges in resource-limited environments. Avia provides practical advice for aspiring finance professionals, stressing the importance of mentorship and proactive career advancement. She highlights key skills, including strategic thinking, collaboration, and understanding and influencing business operations.Avia’s views on effective financial leadership and her focus on continuous learning and adaptation offer valuable lessons for professionals at any career stage. Tune in to gain actionable advice and learn from Avia Yudalevich’s extensive experience in navigating a successful career in finance.

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 importance of ESG in investment decisions and the rise of ESG auditing. This episode offers advice for aspiring professionals looking to enter the ESG field and underscores that ESG is a lasting, essential aspect of business management. Tune in for valuable insights from a leading expert on ESG risk management.

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 Tableau. He also discusses his current role as a customer experience research analyst at Sterling Bank and how his CFI certifications helped him secure the position. Additionally, Onyedika shares his future ambitions, including training others in data analysis and pursuing consultancy work. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and insights on continuous learning.

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 Excel for consolidations. This technical course is aimed at professionals who need to develop This concise, two-hour course aims to provide learners with the skills needed to analyze equity investments in financial statements confidently. Listen in for more details!

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 insights on his career progression, emphasizing the importance of tech and data in his finance roles. We discuss his work in generative AI, its impact on finance, and the future of AI in FP&A. Glenn also offers advice for aspiring finance professionals, stressing the need to understand basic accounting and data science. Tune in for valuable insights from a seasoned finance leader!

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 miss this episode, packed with valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring finance leaders, including the skills and characteristics that are required for today’s modern CFOs.