FinPod

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod,  we discuss operational risk management in banks, breaking down its four main dimensions: people, processes, systems, and external events. Operational risk stands apart from other risks like credit or market risk, affecting banks uniquely due to strict regulatory standards, particularly those outlined in the Basel Accord. We discuss why these risks are so significant for banks today and how failures in operational risk management often lead to high-profile fines and industry-wide consequences.

Listeners will gain insights into why operational risk is one of the top challenges banks face and how our new course dives deep into real-world examples and strategies to manage these risks effectively. This episode is a must-listen for those curious about the complex landscape banks navigate, offering a clear understanding of operational risk and the tools needed to manage it.

In this episode of the Careers in Finance on FinPod, James M. Binsfeld shares his story as a leader at the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund, where he manages U.S. equities and private credit. With a background at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, NASDAQ, and WestPath Investment Management, James brings a wealth of knowledge from across the finance world and a hands-on understanding of how large funds work.

This episode is packed with real-world advice from a seasoned finance pro. Tune in for James’ insights on topics like the role of private credit in diversifying portfolios, the importance of continuous learning, and his advice for anyone starting a finance career. 

In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we introduce our newest specialization, Accounting for Financial Analysts, which is designed for financial analysts who are looking to master essential accounting skills. This practical program covers the critical accounting concepts analysts encounter regularly, from dissecting financial statements and calculating essential ratios to understanding unique accounting methods for banks, insurance companies, and mergers. Listeners will hear about efficient strategies for navigating real-world annual reports and interpreting accounting standards across jurisdictions.

Whether you're enhancing analysis skills or starting fresh, these insights provide clear guidance to help you build a strong foundation in accounting. Tune in as we explore how foundational accounting knowledge complements the FMVA for a well-rounded skill set.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we chat with Mark Allbee, VP of Finance and Operations at Roko Labs. Mark shares his journey from Big Four accounting at KPMG, where he specialized and built key skills, to leading finance in dynamic startups. He details his transition to FP&A, tackling budgeting and reporting while navigating the unique demands of the startup world. 

Mark’s real-world advice is perfect for anyone interested in learning how various finance functions perform in both established and start-up environments. Tune in for practical career tips and lessons learned along the way!

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the latest course in the FP&A Specialization, FP&A Professional Model Protection and Presentation. This course is the third in a series designed to equip financial professionals with advanced modeling skills. It focuses on essential practices for protecting and presenting financial models, making them more efficient and secure for long-term use.

We discuss the importance of model protection, including the different levels of safeguarding – from entire file locks to individual cell protection. Additionally, the episode explores practical presentation techniques like row grouping, custom views, and formatting tricks that enhance model usability and professionalism. If you're looking to improve your FP&A model-building skills, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you get there.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Jack McCullough, the founder and CEO of the CFO Leadership Council. Jack has had a diverse career that began with earning an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and includes being a former CFO, a published author, and podcast host. His journey began in public accounting, later transitioning to leadership roles at tech startups. Jack’s background in finance ultimately led him to create the CFO Leadership Council, a community that empowers financial leaders across North America.

In this episode, Jack discusses the evolution of the CFO role, emphasizing how CFOs have shifted from simply reporting history to making history. He shares his insights on the importance of community building, mentoring future CFOs, and the challenges CFOs face today, such as managing talent and navigating rapid technological advancements. 

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we speak with CFI member Shawn Jahromi, an experienced project manager and entrepreneur with a unique journey from electrical engineering to digital transformation. Shawn holds a Master's in Business Administration and earned the FMVA Certification from CFI, both of which have been pivotal in shaping his career. He began his career with a degree in electrical engineering but soon transitioned into finance and project management, working with major companies like Ford Motors and Electronic Arts. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) while running his own consulting firm, Alpha Ray Consulting, which focuses on digital transformation.

During the episode, Shawn shares insights into his passion for lifelong learning and how his diverse background has influenced his career path. He discusses his experiences managing large-scale IT projects, the importance of budgeting and forecasting in project management, and how his FMVA Certification helped him better understand the role of valuation in finance. Shawn also offers valuable advice for those looking to further their professional development and emphasizes the role of motivation and passion in achieving success.

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.

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! 

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.