How do companies decide where to invest, when to return cash to shareholders, or when to take bold risks on new technologies? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down capital allocation, the art and science behind a company’s biggest money decisions. From ROI and NPV to multi-billion dollar bets on streaming, cloud computing, a…

What happens when a company starts slipping, has declining margins, mounting debt, or cash flow concerns? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we take a closer look at how businesses bounce back from financial distress and the critical role corporate finance teams play in making that happen. From early warning signs to full-sca…

What does it take to go from audit associate to CFO of a PE-backed startup? In this episode of Careers in Finance, host Meeyeon reconnects with longtime friend and finance leader Sharron Xiao to explore the career choices, transitions, and leadership lessons that shaped her journey from the Big Four to the C-suite. This is a must-listen for anyone …

Discover how companies like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon strategically use corporate tax planning to drive profitability, fund innovation, and stay competitive. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down how world-leading finance teams turn tax incentives into strategic levers, from sustainability credits and R&D tax breaks…

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have evolved from a corporate buzzword to a financial imperative. ESG now directly influences valuation, capital costs, risk exposure, and investor sentiment, making it a critical factor for finance professionals. We’ll break down: How…

Jorge Marques joined CFI back when it was just a WeWork dream, and now he's a portfolio manager at North Growth Management. In this episode, Jorge shares his path from studying math and economics and ultimately landing in capital markets. You’ll hear about the skills that helped him succeed, how he navigated the CFA and FMVA, and why curiosity is k…

What happens when emotion and psychology creep into financial decisions? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we unpack the human side of finance through the lens of behavioral finance, exploring why even the most skilled professionals fall victim to biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and anchoring. Real-world cases lik…

What drives success in private equity? In this episode of Careers in Finance, we unpack the strategies behind some of the biggest PE deals in history, from Blackstone’s transformation of Hilton Hotels to the Dell Technologies buyout. But it’s not just about big names and bold moves. We explore how private equity firms approach value creation, from …

How do you pivot from aerospace engineering to venture capital? In this episode of Careers in Finance, Denisia Pereira shares her remarkable journey from studying aerospace engineering to leading venture operations at TopDown Ventures. She opens up about working in microfinance in Honduras, navigating business school with a global lens, and learnin…

In this episode of FinPod, we break down how the CFO role is transforming and what that means for ambitious finance professionals. From FP&A to board-level strategy, today’s CFOs are expected to lead digital transformation, navigate complex markets, and drive business growth beyond the numbers. We unpack the real skills that future CFOs need to bui…

In this FinPod episode, we discuss how startups approach funding, growth, and risk differently from established companies. From venture capital and bootstrapping to unit economics and financial modeling, learn the core strategies behind building a scalable business in uncertain conditions. We explore real-world case studies highlighting what differ…

In this episode of CFI’s Member Spotlight, we sit down with Celine Chaabani, a CFI learner and recent graduate. She candidly shares how she went from avoiding finance to actively pursuing a career in capital markets and credit analysis. Celine originally studied general management and had little interest in finance. But her curiosity grew after wat…

What separates companies that have thrived for decades, like Apple, Amazon, and Google, from those that have disappeared? It all comes down to economic moats: the lasting advantages that protect profits and market share. In this episode of FinPod, we explore: What economic moats are and why they matter The five types of moats: brand power, network …

In this episode of FinPod, we unpack one of the most critical topics in finance today: risk management. From inflation and interest rate hikes to global supply chain volatility, companies are navigating more uncertainty than ever, and effective risk strategies have become essential for survival and growth. If you're in FP&A, corporate strategy, or …

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we sit down with Paul Barnhurst—also known as The FP&A Guy—to explore what it means to build a career in Financial Planning & Analysis. From his early days in procurement to leading FP&A functions across multiple companies, Paul shares how the role has evolved into one of the most strategic areas of corporate …

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping corporate finance, moving beyond simple automation to become a powerful strategic partner. Discover how AI is fundamentally changing financial decision-making in this Deep Dive episode of Corporate Finance Explained (FinPod). Explore the AI transformation in finance, from AI-powered forecasting and …

Tune in for expert Cash Flow Management and Liquidity Strategy insights vital for Business Survival and sustainable Business Growth. This Corporate Finance Explained episode delivers essential Corporate Finance principles, focusing on Managing Cash Flow effectively for optimal Financial Health. Learn crucial Financial Management tactics. We analyze…

In this special episode of CFI’s FinPod, we’re joined by our co-founder Scott Powell and founder of “The FP&A Guy,” Paul Barnhurst, to explore how AI, automation, and evolving skill sets reshape careers in FP&A, capital markets, and investment banking. We discuss how tools like ChatGPT are already changing workflows, why Python and Excel are still …

How do investors, analysts, and companies decide what a business is really worth? In this deep dive episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we unpack the fundamentals of corporate valuation—from enterprise value vs. equity value to the tools used by top professionals. You’ll learn how to use DCF analysis, comparable company analysis (CCA)…

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) shape the corporate landscape, but what makes a deal successful? In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the M&A lifecycle, from valuation and financial modeling to financing strategies and post-merger integration. Through real-world case studies—including Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox a…

Thinking of starting your own business after a career in finance or accounting? In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we talk to Bob Wang—CPA, entrepreneur, former Deloitte leader, and fractional CFO—about his journey from audit to acquisition and everything in between. Bob shares how he built and sold his first accounting firm, the less…

How do top companies manage their cost of capital for sustainable growth? In this episode, we explore how Tesla, Amazon, and Apple optimize their Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) to make smarter financing and investment decisions. What You’ll Learn: What is WACC & why it matters in corporate finance Debt vs. equity financing – How companies …

How do major corporations manage billions in cash while minimizing financial risk? In this episode, we explore treasury management strategies used by Apple, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola to handle liquidity, working capital, and funding decisions. Key Topics Covered: How Apple invests in short-term securities to optimize liquidity How Microsoft moves gl…

In this Member Spotlight episode on FinPod, we meet Flavio Simoncini—an early-career finance professional currently in a three-year graduate program at Ecolab. Based in Kraków, Poland, Flavio shares what it's like to rotate through roles in FP&A, supply chain finance, and commercial finance while navigating the challenges of working closely with to…

How do top companies use FP&A to drive business strategy? In this episode, we break down how Tesla, Netflix, Amazon, and more leverage Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to optimize corporate decisions. Tesla’s FP&A strategy – How it funds billion-dollar Gigafactories Netflix’s financial modeling – The numbers behind content funding decisions Air…

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we explore the strategic power of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) in driving business success. From dynamic budgeting to data-driven forecasting and insightful financial analysis, we break down the key pillars of a high-impact FP&A function. Learn how top FP&A teams align financial strategy with …

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Nicole Lee, a former UBS executive director who navigated a remarkable career transition after 13 years in banking. Discover Nicole's journey from a role at UBS (including the Chief Investment Office in Wealth Management) into the dynamic world of fintech, and ultimately, launching h…

In this episode of FinPod, we introduce our latest course: Making Effective Business Decisions—designed to help FP&A professionals and finance teams evaluate capital investments. We walk through the course structure, including a four-step decision-making framework (idea generation, analysis, planning, and monitoring), NPV, IRR, and Excel Solver to …

FP&A Explained: How Financial Planning & Analysis Drives Business Strategy Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is more than just number crunching—it’s a strategic function that helps businesses plan for the future, optimize decision-making, and drive growth. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we take a deep dive into how FP&A teams fo…

Breaking Into FP&A: How Data, Finance, and Leadership Shape Careers How do you transition from data analytics into FP&A? What skills make FP&A professionals successful? In this episode of CFI’s Careers in Finance series, we explore how data, finance, and leadership intersect in corporate FP&A, featuring Smith Lordeus, FP&A leader with a background …

Debt vs. Equity: How Companies Make Capital Structure Decisions How do companies decide between debt and equity financing? Every corporate finance professional needs to understand capital structure—the mix of debt and equity that funds a company's growth, operations, and strategic moves. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down…

Want to improve your financial modeling skills? This episode of Corporate Finance Explained dives into the essential techniques and best practices used by corporate finance professionals to build accurate, structured, and decision-driven financial models. What You’ll Learn: - What is financial modeling? How companies use it for budgeting, valuation…

How to Build a Career in FP&A | Finance Jobs, Skills & Growth Insights Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is one of the fastest-growing fields in finance, but many professionals don’t fully understand what the role entails. In this episode of CFI's Careers in Finance series, we sit down with Mimi Hu, Director of Trade Finance & Marketing, to expl…

🎙 Mastering FP&A 3-Statement Modeling Building a 3-statement financial model is a critical skill for finance professionals, but many struggle to get their models to balance. In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we break down CFI’s latest course: FP&A 3-Statement Modeling—designed to help finance professionals build structured, scalable m…

In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained, we break down the fundamentals of financial statement analysis—a vital skill for corporate finance professionals, investors, and business leaders. We start by exploring the three core financial statements: Income Statement – Reveals a company's profitability by detailing revenues and expenses over a s…

In this episode of CFI's podcast, Ayesha Zain shares her inspiring journey from a background in public administration and philosophy to her current role in venture capital. She discusses the importance of mentorship, her experience with CFI's FMVA program, and the challenges of breaking into the finance industry. Ayesha emphasizes the value of netw…

In this episode of What's New at CFI, Meeyeon and Ryan Spendelow discuss the importance of stakeholder management in various professional settings, especially in the context of remote work. They explore how stakeholder management has evolved with the rise of virtual teams, the significance of understanding stakeholder expectations, common mistakes …

In this episode, Ahmed Aboushady takes us through his extensive career in risk management, from his education in Cairo to professional experiences in Los Angeles, the UK, and his current role at the Ontario Securities Commission. He reflects on the impact of the 2007 financial crisis, the importance of mentorship, and the need for continuous learni…

In this conversation, Meeyeon and Ryan discuss collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), exploring their structure, relevance, and the impact of the Global Financial Crisis. They delve into the customization of CMOs for different investor risk profiles and the role of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in isolating mortgage assets. The discussion hi…

In this episode of CFI's Member Spotlight Podcast, Meeyeon sits down with Francis Faucher to discuss his unconventional path into finance. Originally aspiring to be a doctor, Francis discovered his passion for finance through networking and education, ultimately embracing an entrepreneurial mindset that shaped his career. He shares his experiences,…

In this episode, Logan Burchett, co-founder and COO of Forecaster, shares his unexpected career path—from aspiring lawyer to finance professional to entrepreneur. Initially set on law, he discovered a passion for economics and finance in college, which led him to work as a financial analyst and later at a pension fund. His time at Venture First spa…

In this episode of What’s New at CFI, Ryan is joined by Jeff Schmidt to introduce CFI’s latest course, Accounting for Inventory. They discuss the importance of inventory accounting across industries, covering key methods such as Weighted Average, FIFO (First In, First Out), and LIFO (Last In, First Out). Jeff explains how different inventory accoun…

In this episode of CFI's Member Spotlight, Nigel Rayford shares his inspiring journey into the finance world, detailing his educational background, career progression, and the impact of COVID-19 on his professional life. He discusses his experiences at Nationwide and Goldman Sachs, his current role at Texas Capital Bank, and the importance of mento…

In this episode, Meeyeon, Jeff, and Duncan discuss the newly launched specialization in Investment Banking and Private Equity (IB and PE) at CFI. Join us as we explore the reasons behind the popularity of these fields, the misconceptions surrounding private equity, and the essential skills required for success in both areas.…

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we learn that sometimes it takes a little bit of grit. Susanne Swaniker, Group Financial Controller at De Beers, takes us through her career journey that started with asking for a meeting with a Deloitte Partner and asking for what she wanted: an auditing job. Her career journey is equal parts organic and purp…

In this episode of What's New at CFI, we sit down with Ryan Spendelow to discuss the newly launched Risk Management specialization. We explore the essential types of financial and non-financial risks covered in the courses, the relevance of emerging topics like ESG and cybersecurity, and how completing the specialization can enhance job performance…

In this episode of CFI's FinPod podcast, we sit down with Dang Duong, a young finance enthusiast from Singapore. Join us as we talk about Dang's journey into finance, his education at Polytechnic, and his self-driven learning through CFI courses. Dang shares insights from his internship at Julius Baer and outlines his aspirations in investment bank…

In today's Member Spotlight, I get to sit down with someone who can't sit still in the absolute best of ways. Antowan has done a little bit of everything, and it's all been driven by his curious nature and love of economics. It only takes a few minutes to understand what the power of curiosity and a genuine desire to learn can do for someone's care…

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we chat with Chris Stanley, an experienced finance professional turned successful business founder, about his journey to where he is today. During this episode, Chris shares how he has found that leaning into the network you have at an early age, no matter how big or small, is the best way to scale y…

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we have an insightful conversation with Bill Dillmeier, exploring his unique career journey in finance. Bill shares his intentional path into finance, starting from a young age, influenced by his entrepreneurial grandfather. He discusses his educational background, early entrepreneurial ventures, and the pivot…