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 professionals actually do, how to break into the field, and the skills that drive success in corporate finance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How networking and coffee chats open doors in finance

What FP&A professionals actually do (beyond just budgeting!)

The difference between FP&A and investment banking career paths

Essential skills for FP&A success, from Excel to financial storytelling

How FP&A teams support corporate strategy and M&A decisions

The impact of economic trends, tariffs, and retail margins on FP&A

The best software tools for FP&A professionals (Excel, Power BI, SAP)

Why This Episode Matters:

FP&A is more than just number crunching—it’s about business partnership, strategic planning, and driving financial insights. Whether you're a finance student, an analyst looking to transition, or exploring leadership roles in corporate finance, this episode provides real-world insights and career advice from an experienced FP&A leader.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Why FP&A is a top finance career choice

01:34 – The role of networking & coffee chats in finance career growth

02:30 – Understanding what FP&A professionals actually do

06:21 – How careers evolve in finance, accounting, and strategy

09:07 – From startups to corporate finance: Mimi’s journey

15:46 – How economic trends impact FP&A decision-making

25:22 – How FP&A teams partner with corporate development & M&A teams

30:34 – Essential skills for FP&A professionals

40:20 – Best software for FP&A analysts (Excel, Power BI, SAP)

45:34 – The future of FP&A and career growth opportunities

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Learn more about CFI’s FP&A courses → https://cfi.to/uh9DN
LinkedIn → Corporate Finance Institute®
Instagram → @corporatefinanceinstitute

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