Financial Modelling Courses to Forecast Business Performance for FP&A Analysts

An FP&A analyst or financial planning and analysis analyst is a professional in charge of analyzing, studying and examining the financial status of a company to make the best investment decisions. These professionals generally use their skills to provide a detailed financial report showing the economic evolution of a business. They outline a business viability plan that meets the needs of a realistic budget and is in line with the market's needs and the expected level of sales over a financial year. 

An FP&A analyst must have the appropriate training to analyse the financial status of a company and its economic evolution. They are expected to have a university degree or a postgraduate degree that certifies the acquisition of specific skills so that these professionals can carry out their work effectively. We have listed some handpicked online to help FP&A analysts build their professional profiles and gain more job-relevant skills.

1. Financial Modeling: Build a Complete DCF Valuation Model by Udemy
2. UPenn - Business and Financial Modeling Specialization
3. Financial Modelling with Python & Excel: DCF Valuation
4. Financial Modeling for Startups & Small Businesses
5. Financial Business Accounting and MIS Reports

1. Financial Modeling: Build a Complete DCF Valuation Model

This Financial Modeling course by Udemy introduces the course takers to the discounted cash flow (DCF) model to value a company, and it is suitable for those without any finance background. The course incorporates video content that guides the student through the basics of Excel modelling with some mainstream skills, including company valuation, cash flow statement, and scenario analysis.

The course includes easy-to-understand materials, detailed explanations, and regular updates. By the end of the course, learners can build a valuation model from scratch, conduct sensitivity analysis, and create professional charts, gaining a clear understanding of the factors that drive a company’s value.

2. UPenn - Business and Financial Modeling Specialization 

The Business and Financial Modeling Specialization from Wharton guides learners in making well-informed business and financial decisions. This series of 5 foundational courses covers spreadsheet models, modelling techniques, and practical applications for investment analysis, company valuation, and forecasting. Upon completing the specialization, learners can use data to build multiple scenarios and predict performance.

3. Financial Modelling with Python & Excel: DCF Valuation 

Financial Modeling with Python & Excel: DCF Valuation will teach you how to value companies, even if you are new to finance or coding. You will learn how to create Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models using Python and Excel, with all course files provided for free, including downloadable Jupyter notebooks and MS Excel workbooks. The course covers the basics of Python programming, Excel modelling, and fundamental analysis of financial statements, helping you understand what affects a company's value and risks. The course will help you build cash flow statements and perform company valuations with financial data.

4. Financial Modeling for Startups & Small Businesses 

The Financial Modeling for Startups & Small Businesses course teaches you how to build a financial model from a blank Excel sheet, making it easy to fully understand each step and adjust the model for your business. You will learn to create a complete financial model using vital elements of financial modelling, including the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement. This model will be helpful in two ways -

1. It helps you communicate clearly with investors, showing you can manage their investments well.
2. It allows you to test different ideas, like raising prices or hiring more staff, to analyze their impact.

5. Financial Business Accounting and MIS Reports 

In the Financial Modeling and Forecasting Financial Statements course, you will learn how to create financial forecasts that help predict future business performance. You will get hands-on experience using past data—such as cost of goods sold, depreciation, and inventory levels—to identify trends and fluctuations, forming a foundation for reliable forecasting. The course also explores real business cases, like Home Depot’s 1985 cash-flow challenge, to highlight how accurate financial forecasts can guide crucial business decisions.