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Creating a high-impact finance function
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Updated: February 13, 2024 |
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Jake Ballinger is an experienced SEO and content manager with deep expertise in FP&A and finance topics. He speaks 9 languages and lives in NYC.
So… it’s finally happened. You’ve decided to embrace your surgical attention to detail and spreadsheet prowess.
Now it’s time to consider a career in FP&A—Financial Planning & Analysis.
You may already know how to whip up an Excel formula like no one’s business...
...but do you know what’s involved in becoming an FP&A analyst, manager, or director/VP?
If you’re not entirely sure, don’t sweat it.
We’ve got you covered.
FP&A Writer, Cube Software
Before we get into the specifics, let’s do a quick overview of FP&A in general. FP&A is an in-house corporate function that typically consists of analysts, managers, and directors or VPs.
Together, they’re responsible for tracking, analyzing, and evaluating all financial activities within the organization. This involves a wide range of responsibilities, including:
Although this may vary by organization, generally speaking, FP&A analysts are responsible for consolidating data and building financial models, while senior analysts and managers focus more on planning and business forecasting.
An FP&A analyst is a junior to intermediate-level role primarily tasked with gathering and maintaining data and building financial models. Responsibilities often include:
The base salary range for most FP&A analysts in the United States is $50,000-$80,000 per year—with an average base salary of $70,506.
It usually takes 3-5 years to progress from analyst to senior analyst.
During that time, the role may evolve from consolidating data and building reports to working more closely with senior management and stakeholders and sharing insights or recommendations.
Analysts are rarely hired right after completing an undergraduate degree. The typical candidate will have at least 1-3 years of experience, most likely in accounting. To succeed, analysts should also be:
Senior analysts may have graduated from routine data collection, but they are still very much on the front lines regarding the company’s finances. At this stage, analysts typically shift their focus to business forecasting, financial modeling, and planning.
Senior analysts also work closely with the executive team to make recommendations and support executive decision-making. Responsibilities often include:
The typical salary range for a senior analyst in the US is $65,000-$125,000, with an average of $90,430.
Senior analysts can typically expect to spend 3-5 years in their role before moving on to FP&A manager.
Senior analysts usually come from accounting backgrounds and have 3-5 years of experience and an MBA. To continue advancing, senior analysts should be:
Next up is the FP&A manager, who is typically responsible for leading a team of analysts and senior analysts.
Managers work closely with executives and provide insights to support decision-making. They’re also charged with ensuring daily FP&A operations run smoothly. Common responsibilities include:
The typical base salary for an FP&A manager in the US ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 per year. $105,667 is the average manager salary within that range.
Like other FP&A roles, managers will usually spend 3-5 years at this level, before they are equipped to move on to the next.
FP&A managers usually have 5-10 years of experience, with the vast majority possessing an MBA or CPA. They also require the following to succeed:
Often reporting directly to the CFO, the Director or VP is the most senior role in the FP&A chain of command.
They essentially supervise the entire FP&A function, which may involve:
The typical finance executive salary range for a director or VP of FP&A in the US is $145,000 - $200,000 per year, averaging $197,500.
It can take 10 years to work up to the director or VP level—and another 5-10 to become a CFO (although this varies by industry or organization).
However, as CFO roles are highly competitive, some FP&A directors/VPs may alternatively seek to transfer to another function like Corporate Development or Business Development.
A director / VP of FP&A will likely have at least 10-15 years of experience in corporate finance. To succeed at this level, they are also:
These professionals command a competitive salary range, reflecting the value they bring to organizations in driving financial strategy and decision-making. Understanding the dynamics of finance executive salary is integral to navigating and advancing in this career path.
Although average base salaries can vary by industry and organization, FP&A roles are generally high-paying.
The average salary for an FP&A analyst—the most junior-level role—is still $70,506 per year, and can scale to $200,000 per year at the director or VP level—sometimes even higher!
At the entry-level, the average salary for the analyst role is between $50,000 - $80,000 per year. More junior analysts can expect to earn on the lower end, while those with more experience can command high salaries.
As always, salary is just one piece of your total compensation, so be sure to take that into account when evaluating a job offer.
Yes. FP&A plays a crucial role in any organization, maintaining its importance even in times of financial uncertainty or economic downturns.
Stability is a key feature of careers in FP&A, with roles such as analysts, managers, and directors/VPs typically experiencing consistent demand. This resilience makes FP&A a particularly promising field for long-term career growth.
If you already have a CPA, CFA, or MBA, you will be perfectly equipped for an FP&A role, and likely won’t require additional certification or online courses to get started.
You can work as an FP&A analyst without an MBA. However, this could limit you as you get further in your career, as most successful candidates for mid-to-senior-level FP&A roles do have an MBA.
Additionally, the average starting finance professional salary for MBA graduates is 22-40% higher.
Yes and no.
Financial analyst is a broader term that can describe several roles involved with financial analysis, including FP&A analysts.
However, financial analysts may also refer to financial professionals with external clients, notably investment banking.
FP&A analysts only work within their corporation. That is, their clients and stakeholders work for the same company that they do.
Yes! Studies have shown that having a CFA can increase your finance professional salary by up to 47%.
Absolutely. According to Deloitte, 47% of CFOs have background experience in FP&A.
It’s easy to see why. Succeeding in FP&A requires analyzing and communicating complex data, managing critical processes, working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, anticipating obstacles, and identifying new growth opportunities.
You also have to be fluent in an organization’s finances. Although becoming CFO is never guaranteed, you could hardly ask for better preparation than an FP&A career path.
CFOs at several organizations worked in FP&A first, including Kate Bueker at HubSpot, Ann Gugino at Papa John’s, and Thomas Dreher at Heinz.
In the world of finance, there's a whole range of specializations and roles to choose from. For anyone eager to carve out a successful path in this field, it's pretty important to have a clear grasp of the various career stages and directions you could take.
The Beginning: Entry-Level Positions
Starting your journey in finance typically involves entry-level positions. These roles, such as Junior Financial Analyst, Accounts Assistant, or Audit Associate, provide foundational experiences that are critical for understanding the basics of finance. At this stage, you’re building skills like financial reporting, basic analysis, and getting familiar with financial software.
Mid-Level Progression: Specialization and Management
As you gain experience, the path diverges into more specialized roles. You might find yourself drawn towards corporate finance, investment banking, risk management, or even FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis). Mid-level positions like Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, or Portfolio Manager require not just technical skills, but also an ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions. This is also the stage where management skills begin to take center stage, as many roles involve leading teams or projects.
Advanced Roles: Senior Management and Beyond
Reaching senior management positions, such as Finance Director, VP of Finance, or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), means having a combination of deep financial expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership abilities. These roles involve making high-level decisions that affect the entire organization, requiring an extensive understanding of market trends, regulatory environments, and organizational strategy.
A career in FP&A requires a blend of formal education, relevant certifications, and a diverse skill set that goes beyond number crunching. It’s a field that offers immense opportunities for those who are prepared to keep learning and evolving.
Educational background
Most professionals in FP&A start with a strong foundation in finance, accounting, or economics. A bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is typically the minimum requirement. However, in an increasingly competitive landscape, many are turning to further education. An MBA or a master's degree in finance or accounting can provide a deeper understanding of business and financial concepts, which is invaluable in FP&A roles.
The role of certifications
Certifications can also play a pivotal role. Credentials like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are highly regarded in the finance world. They not only demonstrate a commitment to the field but also provide advanced knowledge and skills that are beneficial for FP&A professionals.
Essential Skills
While educational qualifications are important, the skill set you bring to the table is equally crucial:
Here we explores key developments in the FP&A job market, shedding light on what employers value most and how professionals can thrive in this dynamic field. By staying ahead of these trends, FP&A professionals can position themselves as invaluable assets in 2024 and beyond.
Increased Demand for Data Analysis: FP&A professionals with strong data analytics skills are highly sought after as businesses rely on data-driven decision-making.
Hybrid Work Models on the Rise: The adoption of remote and hybrid work models has gained momentum, providing increased flexibility to FP&A professionals.
Emphasis on Advanced Financial Modeling: Employers highly value expertise in advanced financial modeling techniques, particularly for scenario planning and forecasting purposes.
Technology Integration in FP&A: The incorporation of financial software and tools, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and data visualization solutions, is now a standard feature in FP&A roles.
Economic Uncertainty Management: The ability to navigate economic uncertainty, including market volatility and regulatory changes, is a key skill in demand.
Sustainability Reporting: As sustainability becomes a critical aspect of business, FP&A professionals may be involved in tracking and reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.
From the most junior analyst to the VP, FP&A teams are the lifeblood of strategic finance.
The FP&A career path, while demanding and challenging, offers remarkable stability and the potential for substantial financial rewards.
Typically, you can expect to invest about 3-5 years at each level before advancing to the next. This gradual ascent ensures that with each step, your skills and value within the organization grow exponentially. With dedication and skill, it could very well lead you directly to a position in the CFO's office.
Unlock the full potential of your FP&A career with Cube software. Experience the future of strategic finance with a free demo today.
