Program Overview

Financial Planning and Analysis (Online): Transition from Reporting to Influencing Business Strategy

Overview

The Financial Planning and Analysis (Online) program from Columbia Business School Executive Education equips finance professionals with a holistic understanding of FP&A, strategic financial forecasting capabilities, and real-world financial models to navigate disruption. Led by Doron Nissim, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at Columbia Business School, this program blends interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on learning to refine your approach to financial planning and elevate your decision-making skills, strengthening your ability to step into senior leadership roles with confidence.

Key Takeaways

The Financial Planning and Analysis (Online) program will enable you to:

• Analyze complex financial data to improve budgeting, forecasting, and risk management
• Apply FP&A principles to support strategic data-driven decision making within your organization
• Evaluate financial strategies for alignment with organizational goals and optimization of resource allocation
• Generate compelling financial data and perspectives that effectively influence stakeholders and drive decision making

Participant Profile

This program is designed for professionals looking to acquire the skills and tools to turn financial data into tangible business insights. These can include finance and accounting professionals, financial advisors and consultants, and business leaders. This program is particularly beneficial for:

• Early- to mid-career finance and accounting professionals seeking to move beyond reporting and data preparation to directly influence corporate strategy, business planning, and decision making
• Consultants and advisors in financial services looking to deepen their expertise in financial planning and analysis to better serve clients and advance their careers
• Business leaders, owners, and entrepreneurs aiming to strengthen their financial acumen, improve planning and reporting capabilities, and drive sustainable business growth

Highlights

• Comprehensive Learning: The program balances foundational FP&A topics, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Advanced application-based topics are also included, such as capital optimization, liquidity management, and scenario planning.
• Learning Journey: A refresher with foundational Excel exercises provides accessibility for learners aspiring to step into FP&A roles, regardless of prior experience.
• Live Sessions: Attend a live session to engage in discussions with faculty and peers and receive expert insights.
• Case Studies and Industry Examples: Explore real-world case studies and examples for an in-depth understanding of the latest industry trends.
• Knowledge Checks: Test your program and industry knowledge by engaging in thoughtful discussions with global peers.
• Peer Learning: Receive valuable feedback through enriching discussions with peers.
• Final Project: Get personalized feedback and evaluation on your final project, as well as practical experience you can apply immediately in a live organizational environment.
• Try-It Activities: Apply your program learning to complete try-it activities, gaining practical hands-on experience.
• Weekly Office Hours: Join weekly office hours with program leaders to get personalized guidance and support.

Program Structure

• Module 1
• Module 2
• Module 3
• Module 4
• Module 5
• Module 6
• Module 7 Introduction to Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):
  • Describe the role of FP&A in an organization, its core functions, and the ways it contributes to value creation
  • Identify the connections and interdependencies between FP&A and accounting
  • Identify essential skills in FP&A
  • Understand the role of data in FP&A
  • Explore the steps of the planning and control cycle
  • Explain strategic planning as the process of establishing long-term goals, coordinating resources, and outlining actions to drive value creation

Faculty

Doron Nissim

Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting & Finance

Earn a Certificate

Upon completion of this program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits.

Program Details

• Dates: November 20, 2025–February 5, 2026
• Cost: $2,600
• CIBE Credits: 2
• Format: Online

Additional Information

• 46% of FP&A professionals in a survey cited data consistency and quality as a significant challenge.
• 64% of respondents say that financial decisions are now data-driven, indicating a 12% increase from the last year.
• 83% of finance professionals say that quickly learning new competencies is the most crucial soft skill.