FinPod

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 dynamic financial modeling to real-time risk manag...

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 Cash Flow Forecasting techniques, strategic Scena...

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 essential to your skill set, how to stand...

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), and precedent transactions to value a company—an...

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 and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activisi...

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 lessons he learned while scaling to 30+ employees, and...

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 balance funding sources How beta, credit ratin...

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 global cash reserves to lower tax burdens How Coca-C...

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 top management in a global company. Flavio also...

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 Airlines & real-time pricing – Ho...

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 execution, leverage real-time data...

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 her own coaching business and the "You Never Know"...

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 prioritize projects under budget constraints....

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 forecast, analyze trends, and i...

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 in engineering, data analytics...

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 the key concepts, trade-offs, and real-world exa...

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, and risk analysis. - Key components of a financi...

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 explore what FP&A professional...

🎙 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 models with confidence. What You’ll Learn i...

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 specific period. Balance Sheet – Provides a snapsho...

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 networking, both in-person and through social media, a...

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 finance professionals make, and strategies for man...

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 learning in an ever-evolving industry. Throughout the co...

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 highlights the importance of financial education in...

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, from his first banking job to becoming a financi...