An in-depth look at FP&A-related topics that are developed via interviews with finance professionals. Presented as quarterly case studies with practical applications and tools to help you make informed decisions about key FP&A methods.
AFP FP&A Handbook
The FP&A Handbook: The Who, What and Why of FP&A, defines the core functions of FP&A and contains case studies and career paths of current FP&A Professionals around the globe. It gives you an inside look into real-life FP&A.
The handbook begins by sharing what finance brings to the table. It then explores all things related to FP&A, including what is FP&A, what role FP&A plays in an organization, a day in the life of an FP&A practitioner, characteristics of leading organizations, career paths, and a comprehensive glossary of FP&A terms.
The pace of change in business and life has never been greater — and it will only increase from here. With this comes the evolution of the CFO role, in this new era comes the opportunity to harness new tools to create new capabilities for finance, leading to new operating models of how we deliver our services to the company. FP&A leads the charge.
WHAT IS FP&A
FP&A often goes by different names in different companies and countries, but it always has the same goal: to optimize the use of capital and resources by supporting business decisions.
FP&A drives business decisions throughout the organization through three key services:
- Integrated planning and forecasting
- Performance management
- Financial analysis
WHO IS FP&A
FP&A focuses on Where Capital is Going and goes by different names in different countries and organizations. But for most, FP&A sits between Accounting and the rest of the business.
Below is a list of terms, definitions and applications of FP&A.
- Business Controller
- Centralized FP&A
- Decentralized FP&A
- Expense Analyst
- Finance Business Partner
- Finance Analysts or Finance Consultant
- Financial Controller
- Line Of Business Finance
- Management Accountants
- Operations Finance
- Sales And Operations Planning (S&Op)
- Shared Services/Center of Excellence/Analytics
“FP&A sits at the crossroads of a company’s strategy, investments and operating performance — and the market’s
response to what the company produces.” — Omar Shahawy, FPAC, CTP
A Day-in-the-Life of an FP&A Professional
What’s it like to be an FP&A professional? Because FP&A is such a diverse role, pulling on many areas of knowledge, skills and abilities that apply a financial lens to business and strategic planning and analysis, we have three views of a “day in the life” of FP&A professionals from around the world.
Career Paths to and Through FP&A
Learn about real career journeys of FP&A leaders—from analysts to CFOs—revealing how diverse experiences, strategic pivots and strong business partnerships shape successful finance careers. These firsthand stories show what it truly takes to grow, lead and make an impact in today’s evolving FP&A landscape, offering inspiration and practical guidance for anyone charting their own path forward.
Who Should Download the FP&A Handbook?
The FP&A Handbook is designed for anyone involved in financial decision‑making, whether you’re advancing your career or transforming your finance organization.
It’s an essential resource for:
- FP&A professionals at all levels
- Aspiring FP&A talent
- CFOs and senior finance leaders
- Finance professionals seeking career growth
- Teams undergoing digital or finance transformation