FPAC vs Wharton - Which is the Best FP&A Certification for Career Growth with Paul Barnhurst?

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, aka "The FP&A Guy," provides a complete guide to FP&A certifications and programs. He offers valuable information into their structure, benefits, costs, and ideal candidates. The conversation covers leading certifications like the FPAC by AFP, Wharton’s FP&A Certificate Program, FMI’s Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM), and more. Paul provides discount codes for many of the programs in the show notes below. You can also find a complete written analysis of each certificate on his website: FP&A Certifications — The FP&A Guy

With a career marked by expertise in FP&A, Paul answers what certifications can help advance your career in FP&A. Paul compares these options, emphasizing their focus on technical skills, networking opportunities, and career applicability. He also shares personal experiences with several programs, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement.

Expect to Learn:

• A detailed comparison of leading FP&A certifications.
• Key differences between training programs and certification exams.
• Insights into lesser-known but impactful programs like the Certified Global FP&A Professional.
• Recommendations for financial modeling programs, including those from FMI and CFI.
• Tips for navigating costs, preparation, and maximizing the value of FP&A certifications.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Certifications are not mandatory, but they can help you stand out in a competitive field."
• "Wharton’s FP&A Certificate Program is a great option for building both technical and interpersonal skills."
• "Most certifications will require a significant time investment, so choose the one that aligns with your goals."

Certifications are valuable but they’re just one part of your professional journey. The real goal is to continuously enhance your skills, adapt to industry changes, and become an indispensable business partner. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out at https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certifications

FP&A Your Way with Paris Technologies:

PARIS Technologies delivers an enterprise planning platform in Excel, which makes FP&A work a breeze! Centralize and consolidate cloud data into a self-service, collaborative modeling environment featuring the everyday spreadsheet. Visit PARIS Tech for FP&A Your Way!

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Explore the resources and discounts available:

Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC) from Association of Financial Professionals (AFP) - FPAC Program

• The longest-established FP&A credential that validates your expertise. Ideal for early-career professionals or those transitioning into FP&A. 
• Use Code Exam: TheFPAGuy-FPAC – Exam for $150 Discount
• Use Code Exam Prep Platform: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP – Exam Prep Platform for $100 Discount

Certificate of FP&A from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prep - https://secure.enroll.wharton.wallstreetprep.com/referral/

• A cohort-based training program designed to build technical and soft skills, with networking opportunities and industry-leading instructors.
• Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 – $300 Program Discount

Global Certified FP&A Professional (CGFPA) from FP&A Professionals Institute (FPI) - Certified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) | FP&A Professionals

• A six-month, live coaching program ideal for finance and accounting professionals. Accessible globally, with a strong foundation in core FP&A skills.
• Use Code: FPAGUY - $200 Program Discount

Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM)  by Financial Modeling Institute - Financial Modeler's Corner Podcast - FMI

• Certification focused on building integrated, best-practice financial models. Recognized as a gold standard for demonstrating modeling proficiency.
• Use Code: Podcast for a 15% Program Discount

Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) Programs

• The program offers certifications such as the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) and FP&A specialization. These focus on modeling and technical skills with flexible self-paced learning.
• Check it out at https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/1951334/23723

Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM) Program from Wall Street Prep - Certification in Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM™) | Wall Street Prep

• A cost-effective, self-paced program emphasizing budgeting and three-statement modeling. Best suited for those wanting targeted technical training.

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:57] - Overview of FP&A Certifications

[03:26] - Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC)

[12:42] - Wharton FP&A Certificate Program

[17:50] - Certified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA)

[21:17] - Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) FP&A Programs

[28:03] - Wall Street Prep’s Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM)

[31:38] - Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) by FMI

[37:08] - How to Choose Certification vs. Training

[40:02] - Final Thoughts and Resources