FinPod

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 conversation, Ahmed shares valuable career lessons, highlighting the adaptability and resilience required to navigate the world of finance and risk management.

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 understanding these complex financial products and their evolution since the financial crisis.

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 financial planner and, eventually, a successful entrepreneur and fractional CFO. Francis offers insights into financial independence, the challenges of starting a business, and the realities of running a consultancy. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the power of networking, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the lessons he's learned about curiosity, resilience, and overcoming failure.

In this episode, Logan Burchett, co-founder and COO of Forecaster, shares his unexpected career path—from aspiring lawyer to finance professional to entrepreneur. Initially set on law, he discovered a passion for economics and finance in college, which led him to work as a financial analyst and later at a pension fund. His time at Venture First sparked an interest in venture capital, ultimately inspiring him to co-found Forecastr, a company revolutionizing financial modeling. Logan discusses the future of financial modeling, predicting a shift away from Excel and encouraging finance professionals to embrace emerging tools and trends. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning in an ever-evolving industry.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI, Ryan is joined by Jeff Schmidt to introduce CFI’s latest course, Accounting for Inventory. They discuss the importance of inventory accounting across industries, covering key methods such as Weighted Average, FIFO (First In, First Out), and LIFO (Last In, First Out). Jeff explains how different inventory accounting choices impact financial statements, profitability, and tax obligations—especially for U.S. companies under GAAP versus those following IFRS. The course dives into critical skills for financial analysts, including understanding LIFO disclosures and adjusting financial statements for global comparisons. Whether you're new to inventory accounting or refining your expertise, this course provides essential knowledge to navigate complex financial reporting. Watch now to learn more!

In this episode of CFI's Member Spotlight, Nigel Rayford shares his inspiring journey into the finance world, detailing his educational background, career progression, and the impact of COVID-19 on his professional life. He discusses his experiences at Nationwide and Goldman Sachs, his current role at Texas Capital Bank, and the importance of mentorship and representation in the finance industry. Nigel also shares his aspirations, including his dream of owning an NBA team and his commitment to helping others navigate their careers in corporate America.

In this episode, Meeyeon, Jeff, and Duncan discuss the newly launched specialization in Investment Banking and Private Equity (IB and PE) at CFI. Join us as we explore the reasons behind the popularity of these fields, the misconceptions surrounding private equity, and the essential skills required for success in both areas.

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we learn that sometimes it takes a little bit of grit. Susanne Swaniker, Group Financial Controller at De Beers, takes us through her career journey that started with asking for a meeting with a Deloitte Partner and asking for what she wanted: an auditing job. Her career journey is equal parts organic and purposeful pursuit. Susanne is the epitome of a continuous learner, and her many academic and career achievements make her actions speak louder than words. Join us as Susanne shares her unique story from audit to leadership.

In this episode of What's New at CFI, we sit down with Ryan Spendelow to discuss the newly launched Risk Management specialization. We explore the essential types of financial and non-financial risks covered in the courses, the relevance of emerging topics like ESG and cybersecurity, and how completing the specialization can enhance job performance and open up career opportunities in finance. Overall, the conversation highlights the growing importance of risk management in the financial sector and the skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape.

In this episode of CFI's FinPod podcast, we sit down with Dang Duong, a young finance enthusiast from Singapore. Join us as we talk about Dang's journey into finance, his education at Polytechnic, and his self-driven learning through CFI courses. Dang shares insights from his internship at Julius Baer and outlines his aspirations in investment banking and quantitative finance. The conversation highlights the importance of practical skills and early career planning in the finance industry and is overall an inspiring conversation with a very ambitious person

In today's Member Spotlight, I get to sit down with someone who can't sit still in the absolute best of ways. Antowan has done a little bit of everything, and it's all been driven by his curious nature and love of economics. It only takes a few minutes to understand what the power of curiosity and a genuine desire to learn can do for someone's career.From an apprenticeship as an electrician to transitioning into healthcare and eventually landing in logistics, Antowan's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability. His academic pursuit in economics combined with his hands-on experience in finance, systems analysis, and logistics, has shaped him into the versatile professional he is today. Currently working as a system analyst at Dollar Tree, he’s taken on projects that leverage both his financial and technical skills, all while continuing to grow academically with an MBA and FMVA certification.Tune in as Antowan shares how his unique path has shaped his success and how he’s used continuous learning to unlock new opportunities.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we chat with Chris Stanley, an experienced finance professional turned successful business founder, about his journey to where he is today.During this episode, Chris shares how he has found that leaning into the network you have at an early age, no matter how big or small, is the best way to scale your career. He studied Economics at Yale University and landed his first job in Sales and Trading at Nomura in New York. He credits this experience with establishing the hustle, work ethic, and resilience required to be an entrepreneur. Today, Chris is the Founder of Patterns.app and is passionate about leveraging AI to boost productivity and accuracy and transform the workflow of financial accounting in today's data-driven world. Join us as we chat through all of this and more.

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we have an insightful conversation with Bill Dillmeier, exploring his unique career journey in finance. Bill shares his intentional path into finance, starting from a young age, influenced by his entrepreneurial grandfather. He discusses his educational background, early entrepreneurial ventures, and the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping his career. The conversation delves into Bill's experiences at Vanguard and Morgan Stanley, his transition into mortgage banking, and the importance of finding balance in a fast-paced career. Last but not least, Bill touches on something we often don't think about: the evolution of our professional passion.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI, we are talking about a course that is going to help make everyone's job a little bit easier. The course itself may be in the context of financial statement analysis, but in today's world, everything is data-driven, and in turn, so is almost every job. Spend some time with Glenn as he talks about what AI can do, what it is best at, and how we can interact with it now that generative AI gives the layperson a friendly user interface.If you want to learn and practice how to make your working day a little easier, this is a course you don't want to miss.

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we sit down with Ben Murray, known as the SaaS CFO, who shares his unique career journey from customer service in a mutual fund company to becoming a fractional CFO and entrepreneur. Ben discusses his early experiences in finance, the transition from traditional industries like airlines and healthcare tech to the SaaS model, and the importance of understanding metrics and operations in finance. He emphasizes the need for attention to detail, the role of RevOps, and the current trends in SaaS, including the focus on efficiency and profitability. Ben also offers valuable advice for aspiring finance professionals.

In this episode of What's New at CFI, you have the whole gang: Ryan Spendelow, Duncan McKeen, Jeff Schmidt, and Sebastian Taylor. We all took part in creating this course that deeply resonates with a major reason why people come to CFI: to learn about career paths in finance and banking and the skills required. This course is different - it does not talk about roles in isolation but rather places them into the context of a real-life business' evolution. If you're not sure what that means, here's all the more reason to join us and listen to this podcast.

In today's episode of What's New at CFI, join us as we talk about the G in ESG. Our latest ESG offering is a mini module of three courses with a module dedicated to each of environmental, social and governance issues and financial materiality.Today, we focus on governance issues – which are arguably the most important. Why? without proper governance, how could anything be actioned?

In today's episode of What's New at CFI, join us as we talk all about the S in ESG. Our latest ESG offering is a mini module of three courses with a module dedicated to each of environmental, social and governance issues and financial materiality. Today we focus on what social issues are and how they can pose potential risks and opportunities for investors and business operators alike.

In today's episode of What's New at CFI, join us as we talk all about the E in ESG. Our latest ESG offering is a mini module of three courses with a module dedicated to each of environmental, social and governance issues and financial materiality. Today we kick things off by talking about environmental issues, which are often the most tangible and readily understood amongst ESG topics. In our discussion, we talk about how they can pose potential risks and opportunities for investors and business operators alike.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Eric Mason, CFO of the City of Quincy, to explore his journey into municipal finance. Eric shares how his background as an economist, economic advisor, and chief analyst prepared him to take on the CFO role during the pandemic, leading his team through uncertainty with resilience and innovation. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning in finance.Eric dives into his groundbreaking initiatives, including leading the first blockchain bond in U.S. municipal finance, and explains how public finance can drive transparency, innovation, and community impact. From maximizing taxpayer dollars to embracing new technology, Eric offers practical insights and inspiration for finance professionals and public service enthusiasts alike.

In today's episode of What's New at CFI, we are talking about one of your favorite topics: Mergers and Acquisitions, or better known as, M&A! We're so excited to be bringing you a more bite-sized course on the topic so join us as we talk about how we've tailored this course and what you can expect to learn.

In this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we speak with CFI member Devrhoid Davis, who shares how following his passion and pursuing what made him curious led him from medical radiation physics to finance. During the episode, Devrhoid shares his unconventional path into finance and how he finds himself in a full-circle moment today as he aspires to find a business in robotic prosthetics. From his academic studies in medical physics to multiple roles in capital markets, Devrhoid discusses how his unique path now empowers him to be able to pursue entrepreneurship with more than just a great idea but, moreover, a sharp business acumen. With his background in capital markets, Devrhoid speaks to the importance of understanding the financing of a business and how he does and plans to further give back to the small/medium business owners of his native Jamaica's economy.

It's not about the extraordinary, it's about making it ordinary. In this episode we talk about our Normalizing Income Statements course where we spotlight the importance of making company income statements reflect their true underlying profitability by adjusting for any one-off or non-recurring events that make profits look more volatile than they really are.

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we sit down with Co-Founder of CFI, Scott Powell. If you are familiar with CFI, then you will know Scott as an instructor and coach. But today, he's showing you a different side as he shares his personal career journey. Join us as Scott shares how finding his passion was a process of elimination, and how his full circle career roots his deep passion for mentorship. During this episode, Scott talks about how he wanted his very first job to be in investment banking, but his parents strongly encouraged him to go into Accounting (thanks, Mom and Dad!). But every step has a purpose, and it's through earning his CPA and his time at EY that he found his passion for teaching, and specifically adult education in Investment Banking and Capital Markets. While there is no surprise where his career takes him in the end, Scott's journey demonstrates why the in-between is what makes life so interesting.

Data analysis has had some immense benefits with the introduction of ChatGPT. A great deal of the 'heavy lifting' can be done with ChatGPT, but it takes a bit of getting used to in order to take advantage of it. Try it out with our course on how to use ChatGPT for data analysis.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we welcome back Ashok Manthena, founder of Chatfin.ai and finance analytics expert. Ashok shares insights on how generative AI is impacting finance—from FP&A to tax and treasury—by automating tasks like reconciliation and variance analysis. We discuss how AI is improving data access, enhancing forecasting accuracy, and enabling real-time analysis, creating game-changing efficiencies for finance teams. Ashok also explains the hurdles to AI adoption, particularly team readiness for automation, and offers practical advice on leveraging AI tools like Chatfin.ai for finance professionals, especially those working with Excel. Tune in as we discuss what a future landscape driven by AI looks like.

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.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the newly released course, FP&A Professional: Model Roll Forward and Analysis. This course is the second in a three-part series designed to enhance Excel skills while focusing on essential monthly workflows for FP&A professionals. Listeners will learn best practices for managing files, rolling models forward, and incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data to drive decision-making. We also cover key strategies for improving forecasting accuracy and rolling models forward at the end of the fiscal year. If you work in FP&A or are looking to make a shift into an FP&A role, you’ll want to tune in for real-world tips & advice to help refine month-end workflows, enhance forecasting precision, and effectively incorporate qualitative insights alongside the data for more informed decision-making.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we talk to Alex Yuditski, a growth investor at Bessemer Venture Partners. Starting with a pivot in college from history to economics, Alex’s path led her from investment banking at Regions Bank and William Blair to working on pre-IPO growth equity deals at Blue Owl Capital. Now at one of the top venture firms globally, Alex focuses on Series B and beyond, with a special interest in the role of AI in finance.Alex emphasizes the importance of embracing curiosity, taking risks, and navigating unexpected career shifts. She offers insights on her transition from finance to tech-focused investment roles, highlighting how each stage of her journey provided valuable experience and growth. Tune in for practical advice and reflections from Alex’s career in finance.

In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we’re excited to introduce our latest course, "Intro to Bank Valuations." We’ve designed this course to simplify the world of bank valuation models by focusing on practical methodologies like the asset value approach, comparables, and the dividend discount model. We dive into why mastering bank financial statements and Basel III regulations is a prerequisite of valuation performance, why traditional valuation metrics like enterprise value don’t apply to banks, global banking comps, insurance companies, and non-bank financial institutions.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we welcome Kristen Kelly and Jennifer Saarbach, founders of The Wall Street Skinny. Through their podcast, social media platforms, and other channels, they've built a highly regarded brand dedicated to demystifying the complex world of finance and helping others break into the industry.Kristen and Jennifer share their journeys of transitioning into high finance, offering real-world advice for those considering similar career moves. From navigating the challenges of non-finance degrees to leveraging mentorships and the power of perseverance, their stories are full of practical tips for listeners looking to unlock opportunities in finance. Tune in to hear how they started, the myths of working on Wall Street, and their thoughts on why keeping career options open is key to long-term success.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we dive into the complexities of calculating diluted shares, including how various factors—such as stock options, convertible debt, and restricted stock—affect a company’s share count. We explain how failing to account for potential shares that could be issued (like employee stock options or convertible debt) can lead to overvaluing a company’s equity. By breaking down the differences between basic shares outstanding and fully diluted shares, we can begin to see how these complexities can impact financial valuations.We also discuss how convertible debt and preferred stock can convert into shares and cause dilution. Through practical examples, including a case study on a well-known supermarket chain, we walk listeners through the step-by-step process of calculating the impact of these conversions on the total share count. This approach makes a complex topic more approachable and easier to understand.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Iain Main, who has built a career working across global markets. Iain began his journey at BDO, where he trained as a Chartered Accountant and gained valuable experience in London and Vancouver. His career later took him to Omnicom, where he worked in FP&A, partnering with CFOs and CEOs across 25 countries, gaining deep insights into financial planning and business operations. Now a consultant at Bedford Consulting, Iain specializes in implementing and optimizing Anaplan, helping businesses scale their financial planning strategies. In the episode, Iain shares key lessons from his diverse roles, the trends shaping FP&A today, and the importance of scenario planning and collaboration across organizations. This episode is packed with actionable insights for finance professionals looking to navigate the evolving financial planning landscape.

In this episode of What's New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss accounting for leases, focusing on the key differences between operating and finance leases under US GAAP and IFRS. We explain the recent changes in accounting standards and how they impact financial analysts when comparing companies using different reporting frameworks. We cover essential topics like how to treat lease liabilities and assets on the balance sheet and the implications for financial analysis and valuation. Whether you're dealing with finance leases, operating leases, or comparing companies across accounting standards, this discussion provides practical tips and real-world examples to help you navigate the complexities of correctly classifying leases, adjusting for different accounting treatments, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. If you're a financial analyst or just interested in understanding the latest insights in lease accounting, this episode is packed with insights to expand your knowledge and improve your ability to interpret financial statements

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we sit down with Zane Tarence, Partner and Managing Director at the investment banking firm, Founders Advisors. Zane has over 20 years of experience guiding businesses through high-stakes deals and has built a high-performing firm known for its sector specialization and strategic expertise. Starting his career as a software engineer at IBM, Zane took an unconventional path to finance, eventually becoming a trusted advisor to founders and companies navigating complex capital markets.Zane shares his journey from tech to investment banking, revealing how deep industry knowledge and relational equity can be the keys to success. He also dispels the myth that there’s only one path into investment banking, offering actionable insights for those looking to break into the industry. You won’t want to miss this featured episode that provides an insider's look at what it takes to thrive in finance.

In this episode of What’s New at CFI on FinPod, we discuss the power of AI for finance, focusing on AI-powered scenario analysis and its impact on financial modeling. We explain how AI is not just enhancing traditional scenario analysis but also making it more efficient, detailed, and accessible for finance professionals at all levels. The conversation breaks down key components of scenario analysis, the differences between traditional and generative AI, and why these advancements are crucial for those in FP&A and corporate finance roles. This episode offers a dive into the evolution of finance, providing practical knowledge that can help you leverage AI to improve your financial models and decision-making processes. If you’re looking to stay ahead, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In this episode of Careers in Finance on FinPod, we talk with Ashok Manthena about his experiences at companies like Google, Gap, and Ingersoll Rand, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges in finance functions. The conversation explores the impact of AI on finance processes, automation, predictive analytics, and generative AI. Ashok provides insights into how AI transforms finance tasks and the timeline for widespread adoption. We also discuss the potential of AI in decision-making and the future of finance operations. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of finance and AI!

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!