Financial planning and analysis courses can help you learn budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modeling. You can build skills in interpreting financial statements, conducting scenario analysis, and making data-driven recommendations for business strategy. Many courses introduce tools like Excel for financial modeling, Tableau for data visualization, and various software for performance management, all of that support analyzing financial data and supporting strategic decision-making.

Skills you'll gain: Financial Modeling, Financial Statements, Financial Forecasting, Financial Statement Analysis, Risk Modeling, Risk Management Framework, Capital Budgeting, Financial Auditing, Risk Management, Data Cleansing, Financial Data, Portfolio Risk, Financial Analysis, Risk Analysis, Budgeting, Credit Risk, Predictive Modeling, Power BI, Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Budget Management, Variance Analysis, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Performance Measurement, Forecasting, Management Accounting, Return On Investment, Financial Data, Cash Flow Forecasting, Cost Management, Budgeting, Financial Modeling, Finance, Accounting, Financial Accounting
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Risk Management, Cash Flow Forecasting, Business Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Statistical Modeling, Portfolio Management, Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Financial Modeling, Risk Analysis, Data Modeling, Data Presentation, Quantitative Research, Presentations, Financial Forecasting, Spreadsheet Software, Predictive Modeling, Microsoft Excel
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Financial Forecasting, Financial Data, Variance Analysis, Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Financial Modeling, Cost Management, Forecasting, Cost Control, Supervised Learning, Financial Planning, Predictive Modeling, Risk Modeling, Decision Intelligence, Risk Analysis, Credit Risk, Model Evaluation, Performance Analysis, Performance Stress Testing, Data Pipelines
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Corporate Finance Institute
Skills you'll gain: Wealth Management, Financial Planning, Financial Management, Finance, Relationship Building, Customer Relationship Building, Financial Services, General Finance, Client Services, Rapport Building, Plan Execution, Goal Setting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Board Infinity
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Financial Modeling, Financial Analysis, Working Capital, Business Valuation, Financial Data, Financial Forecasting, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Forecasting, Business Metrics, Accounting and Finance Software, Cash Flows, Budgeting, Variance Analysis, Trend Analysis, Spreadsheet Software, Operational Efficiency, Google Sheets
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Forecasting, Cash Flows, Financial Analysis, Financial Data, Business Planning, Entrepreneurship, Forecasting, Financial Planning, Financial Management, Finance, Business Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Strategic Planning
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Sustainability Reporting, Financial Statements, Financial Analysis, Budget Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Budgeting, Project Risk Management, Cost Benefit Analysis, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Operating Budget, Income Statement, Cost Estimation, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Engineering Management, Financial Forecasting, Corporate Sustainability, Financial Management
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Dashboard, Variance Analysis, Resource Utilization, Financial Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Excel Formulas, Financial Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Performance Reporting, Data Validation, Spreadsheet Software, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Cost Management, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Business Intelligence, Performance Analysis
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

London Business School
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Analysis, Financial Statements, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Income Statement, Return On Investment, Accounting, Investments, Cash Flows
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Financial Modeling, Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Forecasting, Income Statement, Variance Analysis, Financial Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Cost Control, Balance Sheet, Revenue Forecasting, Cash Flows, Capital Budgeting, Cost Accounting, Business Valuation, Cash Flow Forecasting, Auditing, Corporate Finance, Business Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Corporate Finance Institute
Skills you'll gain: Wealth Management, Financial Services, Financial Planning, Financial Sales, Investment Management, Compensation Management, Banking, Portfolio Management, Asset Management, Market Intelligence, Client Services, Estate Planning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) is a crucial function within organizations that involves budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial performance. It helps businesses make informed decisions by providing insights into their financial health and future prospects. FP&A is important because it enables organizations to allocate resources effectively, identify trends, and prepare for potential challenges. By understanding financial data, companies can strategize for growth, manage risks, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Careers in financial planning and analysis are diverse and can lead to various roles within finance departments. Common job titles include Financial Analyst, FP&A Manager, Budget Analyst, and Financial Planning Consultant. These positions often involve analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and advising management on financial decisions. Additionally, roles in investment banking and corporate finance may also benefit from FP&A skills, providing a pathway to more specialized financial careers.
To excel in financial planning and analysis, several key skills are essential. Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques is crucial. Familiarity with financial statements and accounting principles is also important. Additionally, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities are necessary to convey complex financial information clearly. Learning tools such as Excel and financial software can further enhance your capabilities in this field.
There are numerous online courses available for those interested in financial planning and analysis. Some notable options include The Language and Tools of Financial Analysis, which covers essential financial concepts, and Introduction to Financial Planning and Wealth Management, which provides insights into the financial planning profession. These courses can help you build a solid foundation in FP&A.
Yes. You can start learning financial planning and analysis on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in financial planning and analysis, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning financial planning and analysis involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Start by enrolling in relevant online courses, such as those focusing on financial analysis and budgeting. Engage with real-world case studies and practice using financial tools and software. Additionally, consider seeking internships or entry-level positions in finance to gain hands-on experience and apply what you've learned in a professional setting.
Typical topics covered in financial planning and analysis courses include budgeting techniques, financial forecasting, variance analysis, and performance measurement. Courses may also explore financial modeling, risk management, and the use of financial software tools. Understanding these topics will equip you with the skills needed to analyze financial data and support strategic decision-making within organizations.
For training and upskilling employees in financial planning and analysis, courses like Financial Statement and Ratio Analysis for Accountants and GenAI for Financial Insights and Analysis with QUILL can be particularly beneficial. These courses provide practical skills and knowledge that can enhance the financial acumen of your workforce, ultimately contributing to better financial decision-making within the organization.