FinPod

In this episode of FinPod’s What’s New at CFI, we explore the critical role of workflow efficiencies for analysts working in Business Intelligence (BI) and data analysis. Join us as we unpack practical strategies, tools, and best practices that can streamline your day-to-day tasks, from data gathering and cleaning to analysis and reporting. Whether you're a seasoned analyst or just starting in the field, you’ll benefit from these insights on how to optimize processes, reduce bottlenecks, and leverage automation to enhance productivity and deliver sharper insights faster. Tune in to discover how to make your BI and data analysis workflows more efficient and impactful.

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we sit down with Genaro Arredondo who shares his colorful journey navigating a career in finance – starting from his roots in Chile to becoming a Director of Corporate Development at global credit bureau, Equifax. 

Genaro discusses his experience majoring in accounting at university, navigating early-career roles at top firms like EY and Deloitte, and eventually transitioning into FP&A and corporate development. He also shares his passion for lifelong learning, exemplified by his pursuit of multiple advanced degrees and certifications, including the FMVA and CFA. Tune in to learn about overcoming the unique challenges he faced working in a new language, the pivotal role of mentorship in his career, and the crucial technical skills required to succeed in corporate development and finance.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss our newly launched course on reading and analyzing insurance company financials. We break down the complexities and unique characteristics of insurance financial statements, comparing them to those of banks and industrial companies. We also discuss concepts like deferred acquisition costs, unearned premiums, and the specific accounting challenges in the insurance industry. 

We share insights on critical metrics such as the combined ratio and return on equity. These metrics are essential for evaluating an insurance company’s profitability and financial health. Professionals can make more informed decisions in the property and casualty insurance sector by having a strong grasp on these key concepts. Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge and sharpen your skills in this specialized area of finance!

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss our new course on purchase price allocations in M&A accounting. This course addresses common challenges and confusion around acquisition accounting, particularly with deferred taxes and transaction fees. The course breaks down these complex topics into manageable chunks using hands-on Excel exercises. We emphasize the importance of learning by doing, guiding learners through real-world scenarios and ensuring they can apply their knowledge to actual company financial statements and acquisitions.Tune in to learn more!

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Carolina Lago, who has extensive experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and corporate finance. Carolina shares her career journey from studying business to becoming a leader in FP&A, emphasizing how the role has evolved from mere financial planning to a strategic focus on guiding companies' futures. She discusses her participation in an IPO, highlighting the invaluable learning opportunity it provided.

Carolina is committed to lifelong learning, pursuing certifications like the FMVA, and building Tactic, where she develops corporate training programs for finance teams. She advises young professionals to actively seek opportunities, bring innovative solutions, and align their work with their interests to advance their careers. Tune in for insights on career growth and the evolving landscape of corporate finance roles.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the newly refreshed course, "Math for Finance Professionals," which covers essential concepts like simple and compound interest, discounted cash flows, and statistical measures using Excel. This course equips finance professionals with the foundational skills necessary for a variety of roles in finance  & banking. Tune in to learn more about the new course and its benefits for finance professionals seeking careers in investment banking, capital markets, risk management, investment and wealth management, finance, and accounting.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Brian Egger, Global Head of Financial Modeling at Bloomberg LP. Brian brings a wealth of experience from his time at Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg, where he has developed and led the Bloomberg Interactive Calculator financial modeling platform. 

Brian talks about the complexities of equity research, such as his analysis on Las Vegas airline service capacity in the late 1990s, which challenged conventional thinking and demonstrated the critical interplay between demand and airline service. He also discusses the importance of modern data analytics, highlighting the role of coding and tools like Bloomberg Query Language (BQL) in enhancing financial modeling.

Listeners will learn about the essential skills for equity research, including meticulous attention to detail, the ability to synthesize data into clear viewpoints, and effective communication tailored to different audiences. 

Tune in to learn from his expertise and gain insights into equity research and financial modeling.

This episode of FinPod covers understanding bank financial statements and analysis. We highlight the unique aspects of bank financial statements compared to typical company statements, plus the significance of the balance sheet and the importance of understanding interest income and expenses. 

You'll learn about specific ratio calculations used in banking and how regulatory capital requirements, like Basel III guidelines, impact banks. The episode also discusses the practical applications of using real-world data for hands-on learning. 

Listen in for practical tips on mastering bank financial analysis. 

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we sit down with David Hyland, a finance leader with a background in establishing processes, systems, and controls for management teams of tech startups.

David shares his career journey from traditional accounting to leading finance functions in startups like Air Garage, a company revolutionizing the parking industry with a full-stack software management service. 

David highlights his experiences in building finance functions from scratch, emphasizing the importance of being able to adapt and excel in diverse industries. He also shares his continuous learning journey through CFI's FMVA program and other certifications, underscoring his commitment to professional growth. Tune in to hear a unique personal account of navigating the evolving world of finance in tech.

In this episode of FinPod, we discuss how to get started with building a financial model. We address common issues beginners face – like too quickly relying on Excel –  and provide tips to streamline the model-building process. Emphasizing the importance of design, we cover the tangible benefits of reverse-engineering financial modeling problems and working backwards from the outputs. Get advice on how to create efficient, effective models. Tune in to get inspired when starting a financial model.