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.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Financial Accounting, Variance Analysis, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Performance Measurement, Management Accounting, Return On Investment, Revenue Forecasting, Financial Management, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Cost Management, Financial Data, Budgeting, Finance, Accounting, Cash Flows
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Risk Management, Business Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Portfolio Management, Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Financial Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Risk Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Investment Management, Financial Statements, Data Modeling, Quantitative Research, Business Analytics, Microsoft Excel
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Financial Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Business Planning, Revenue Forecasting, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Business Modeling, Cost Estimation, Cash Flow Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Market Trend, Risk Mitigation, Variance Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering Tools, Miro AI, Financial Accounting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Accounting, Risk Analysis, Cash Flows, Data Processing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

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

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

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Financial Modeling, Variance Analysis, Financial Statements, Revenue Forecasting, Budget Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Forecasting, Business Intelligence, Power BI, Financial Analysis, Cash Flows, Cost Management, Spreadsheet Software, Balance Sheet, Financial Reporting, Microsoft Excel, Dashboard, Data Visualization, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Capital Budgeting
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Corporate Finance Institute
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Power BI, Snowflake Schema, Data Modeling, SQL, Dashboard, Microsoft Excel, Business Intelligence, Excel Formulas, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Import/Export, Business Reporting, Databases, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Financial Statements, Data Manipulation, Data Transformation, Financial Analysis, Data Visualization
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Corporate Finance Institute
Skills you'll gain: Wealth Management, Financial Services, Consultative Approaches, Financial Planning, Investment Management, Compensation Management, Risk Management Framework, Asset Management, Market Intelligence, Client Services
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Statements, Investment Banking, Financial Forecasting, Business Valuation, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Mergers & Acquisitions, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Corporate Finance, Forecasting, Cash Flows, Benchmarking
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Ledgers (Accounting), Prompt Engineering, Tax Planning, Tax Management, Large Language Modeling, LLM Application, Auditing, Portfolio Risk, Portfolio Management, Tax Compliance, Generative AI, Income Tax, Cash Flow Forecasting, Fraud detection, Financial Forecasting, Financial Analysis, Responsible AI, Financial Data, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 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.