Complete FP&A Study Plan with Free Certified Resources
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-6)
Goal: Build strong basics in finance, Excel, and accounting tools.
1. Advanced Excel for FP&A:
Excel Skills for Business - Essentials (Coursera - Free Audit)
Excel Basics for Data Analysis (Microsoft - Free)
2. Accounting & Finance Fundamentals:
Introduction to Financial Accounting (Coursera - Free Audit)
Accounting Fundamentals by CFI (Free)
3. Tools Overview:
Tally ERP 9 Basics (YouTube - LearnMore)
QuickBooks for Beginners (Free YouTube Course)
Phase 2: FP&A Concepts (Weeks 7-12)
Goal: Understand budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A role work.
1. Budgeting & Forecasting:
Budgeting and Forecasting (OpenLearn - Free)
FP&A Bootcamp (CFI - Free)
2. Financial Modeling (Beginner Level):
Intro to Financial Modeling (YouTube - CFI)
Financial Modeling Basics (OpenLearn)
Phase 3: Advanced Tools + Business Understanding (Weeks 13-20)
Goal: Use tools and interpret business insights through FP&A.
1. Power BI / Tableau:
Power BI Beginner Course (Microsoft)
Tableau for Beginners (Coursera - Free Audit)
2. Business Strategy + KPIs:
KPI Basics and Management (LinkedIn Learning - 1 Month Free)
Business Strategy and Financial Performance (OpenLearn)
Phase 4: Final Polish + Job Prep (Weeks 21-24)
Goal: Final preparation for applying to FP&A roles.
1. Free Certifications:
Financial Analysis Fundamentals (CFI)
Complete FP&A Study Plan with Free Certified Resources
FP&A for Beginners (Great Learning)
2. Resume and Portfolio:
- Create Excel dashboard with budget vs actuals
- Make a Power BI dashboard for sales/cost metrics
- Use projects in resume & LinkedIn profile