What I Believe
In FP&A and other finance, business intelligence and accounting roles new analysts are thrown into the water to sink or swim with limited training and guidance. Worse than that they’re left to figure out for themselves how to navigate a corporate environment, how to build relationships and collaborate across departments, how to balance the interests of the business unit they support with the expectations of executive management. Too much focus is spent on developing technical skills (Excel, SQL, VBA, Essbase, Cognos etc.). Eventually, you are left with someone who can pull data exceptionally, but can’t tell you what it means.
I believe that the real value in the analyst role itself is the ability to merge creativity and problem solving with data savvy to become an active participant in decision making rather than just a scorekeeper.
My Goal
My goal is to provide you with honest guides and tutorials that have practical strategies for accelerating your career and real skills to add to your toolbox. I want you to impress your boss, your business partners and your peers. I want the CEO to know your name and to know that when it comes to making critical decisions your work product and insight are key.
Who I Am
I’m Matthew, a former analyst who’s worked his way up and around. These days I consult.
Throughout my career I’ve been shocked by the lack of resources available to the FP&A and Corporate Finance/Strategy profession to support training and career guidance, especially to young professionals.
Now, I want to teach you the skills you need to accelerate your career.