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, and finance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Smith transitioned from data analytics to finance

• The growing demand for data-driven finance professionals
• How tools like Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau shape FP&A analysis
• The career shift from senior financial analyst to FP&A manager
• The importance of storytelling and leadership in finance roles
• How FP&A teams support budgeting, strategy, and decision-making
• The differences between FP&A, corporate development, and M&A
• Key career advice for aspiring finance professionals

Who Should Listen?

• Data analysts looking to transition into finance
• Finance professionals who want to strengthen their FP&A skills
• Aspiring finance leaders looking for career growth strategies
• Anyone curious about the evolving role of FP&A in corporate finance