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In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Duncan McKeen, a seasoned equity research analyst turned financial modeler and educator at CFI. Duncan's career journey is an inspiring example of adaptation and perseverance, starting in mechanical engineering before transitioning into finance.
Duncan shares how he leveraged his sector expertise in mining to break into equity research, despite having no formal financial background. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced, from learning on the job to mastering financial modeling, and offers insights into what it takes to succeed in high-pressure finance roles. Whether you're curious about equity research, financial modeling, or considering a career change, Duncan’s story is full of actionable advice and inspiration.
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In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we dive into the latest addition to our course lineup, Comparable Valuation Fundamentals. Our expert instructors discuss designing the course specifically to make valuation concepts more accessible for learners without extensive finance backgrounds. You’ll hear about the decision to use fictional companies for easier digestion of the fundamentals and the exciting new feature—Grade Your Progress—an innovative tool that guides learners through Excel models with real-time feedback. Tune in to learn about the challenges of valuation, the fundamentals of comparable valuation, and why it's a critical skill for financial professionals at any level!
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In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we feature Charaf Bourhalla, a seasoned finance professional who has built a career with major firms like KPMG and Kimberly Clark, eventually becoming Head of Consolidation at Nestle Skin Health. He holds several key certifications, including the FMVA from CFI, ACCA with a focus on IFRS, and the PMP from PMI.
Charaf offers insights into his journey through consulting and corporate finance, sharing his experiences with financial consolidation, IFRS conversions, and the challenges of working with large multinational companies. He emphasizes the importance of accepting challenges, continuous learning, and staying adaptable in the fast-changing finance landscape. -
In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the newly released course, FP&A Professional: Model Roll Forward and Analysis. This course is the second in a three-part series designed to enhance Excel skills while focusing on essential monthly workflows for FP&A professionals. Listeners will learn best practices for managing files, rolling models forward, and incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making.
We also cover key strategies for improving forecasting accuracy and rolling models forward at the end of the fiscal year. If you work in FP&A or are looking to make a shift into an FP&A role, you’ll want to tune in for real-world tips & advice to help refine month-end workflows, enhance forecasting precision, and effectively incorporate qualitative insights alongside the data for more informed decision-making.
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In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we talk to Alex Yuditski, a growth investor at Bessemer Venture Partners. Starting with a pivot in college from history to economics, Alex’s path led her from investment banking at Regions Bank and William Blair to working on pre-IPO growth equity deals at Blue Owl Capital. Now at one of the top venture firms globally, Alex focuses on Series B and beyond, with a special interest in the role of AI in finance.
Alex emphasizes the importance of embracing curiosity, taking risks, and navigating unexpected career shifts. She offers insights on her transition from finance to tech-focused investment roles, highlighting how each stage of her journey provided valuable experience and growth. Tune in for practical advice and reflections from Alex’s career in finance. -
In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we’re excited to introduce our latest course, "Intro to Bank Valuations." We’ve designed this course to simplify the world of bank valuation models by focusing on practical methodologies like the asset value approach, comparables, and the dividend discount model.
We dive into why mastering bank financial statements and Basel III regulations is a prerequisite of valuation performance, why traditional valuation metrics like enterprise value don’t apply to banks, global banking comps, insurance companies, and non-bank financial institutions.
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In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we welcome Kristen Kelly and Jennifer Saarbach, founders of The Wall Street Skinny. Through their podcast, social media platforms, and other channels, they've built a highly regarded brand dedicated to demystifying the complex world of finance and helping others break into the industry.
Kristen and Jennifer share their journeys of transitioning into high finance, offering real-world advice for those considering similar career moves. From navigating the challenges of non-finance degrees to leveraging mentorships and the power of perseverance, their stories are full of practical tips for listeners looking to unlock opportunities in finance. Tune in to hear how they started, the myths of working on Wall Street, and their thoughts on why keeping career options open is key to long-term success.
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In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we dive into the complexities of calculating diluted shares, including how various factors—such as stock options, convertible debt, and restricted stock—affect a company’s share count. We explain how failing to account for potential shares that could be issued (like employee stock options or convertible debt) can lead to overvaluing a company’s equity. By breaking down the differences between basic shares outstanding and fully diluted shares, we can begin to see how these complexities can impact financial valuations.
We also discuss how convertible debt and preferred stock can convert into shares and cause dilution. Through practical examples, including a case study on a well-known supermarket chain, we walk listeners through the step-by-step process of calculating the impact of these conversions on the total share count. This approach makes a complex topic more approachable and easier to understand.
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In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Iain Main, who has built a career working across global markets. Iain began his journey at BDO, where he trained as a Chartered Accountant and gained valuable experience in London and Vancouver. His career later took him to Omnicom, where he worked in FP&A, partnering with CFOs and CEOs across 25 countries, gaining deep insights into financial planning and business operations. Now a consultant at Bedford Consulting, Iain specializes in implementing and optimizing Anaplan, helping businesses scale their financial planning strategies.
In the episode, Iain shares key lessons from his diverse roles, the trends shaping FP&A today, and the importance of scenario planning and collaboration across organizations. This episode is packed with actionable insights for finance professionals looking to navigate the evolving financial planning landscape.
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In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss accounting for leases, focusing on the key differences between operating and finance leases under US GAAP and IFRS. We explain the recent changes in accounting standards and how they impact financial analysts when comparing companies using different reporting frameworks. We cover essential topics like how to treat lease liabilities and assets on the balance sheet and the implications for financial analysis and valuation.
Whether you're dealing with finance leases, operating leases, or comparing companies across accounting standards, this discussion provides practical tips and real-world examples to help you navigate the complexities of correctly classifying leases, adjusting for different accounting treatments, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. If you're a financial analyst or just interested in understanding the latest insights in lease accounting, this episode is packed with insights to expand your knowledge and improve your ability to interpret financial statements
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In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Zane Tarence, Partner and Managing Director at the investment banking firm, Founders Advisors. Zane has over 20 years of experience guiding businesses through high-stakes deals and has built a high-performing firm known for its sector specialization and strategic expertise. Starting his career as a software engineer at IBM, Zane took an unconventional path to finance, eventually becoming a trusted advisor to founders and companies navigating complex capital markets.
Zane shares his journey from tech to investment banking, revealing how deep industry knowledge and relational equity can be the keys to success. He also dispels the myth that there’s only one path into investment banking, offering actionable insights for those looking to break into the industry. You won’t want to miss this featured episode that provides an insider's look at what it takes to thrive in finance.
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In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the power of AI for finance, focusing on AI-powered scenario analysis and its impact on financial modeling. We explain how AI is not just enhancing traditional scenario analysis but also making it more efficient, detailed, and accessible for finance professionals at all levels. The conversation breaks down key components of scenario analysis, the differences between traditional and generative AI, and why these advancements are crucial for those in FP&A and corporate finance roles.
This episode offers a dive into the evolution of finance, providing practical knowledge that can help you leverage AI to improve your financial models and decision-making processes. If you’re looking to stay ahead, you won’t want to miss this episode.
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In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we talk with Ashok Manthena about his experiences at companies like Google, Gap, and Ingersoll Rand, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges in finance functions.
The conversation explores the impact of AI on finance processes, automation, predictive analytics, and generative AI. Ashok provides insights into how AI transforms finance tasks and the timeline for widespread adoption. We also discuss the potential of AI in decision-making and the future of finance operations.
Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of finance and AI!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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