Financial Planning & Analysis: Building a Company's Budget from Udemy

Looking to boost your income as a financial analyst?

Looking to acquire valuable skills that will set you aside from the competition?

You’ve come to the right place.

Financial Planning & Analysis: Building a Company’s Budget from Scratch guides you through the core principles of financial planning and helps you understand how a company prepares a budget. The video lessons touch on several technical topics such as revenue forecasting, cost planning, working capital development, fixed assets roll-forward, and cash flow calculation. Besides that, we will discuss why firms need budgets, which are the financial statements that a company uses to create its budget, what types of budgets are there, which are the main techniques used in financial planning, who is involved in the preparation of a budget, and who is interested in the final numbers that are signed-off in the budget. Specializing in these topics will turn you into a valuable, indispensable member of any company’s Finance team.

Experienced Instructor

Antoniya is a Finance Manager with more than 10 years of experience in FP&A teams. She is the right teacher for you because she understands how to explain a complicated topic in an easy to comprehend way. She is passionate about teaching and happy to answer your questions.

Well structured

This course shows it all, with no steps skipped. The lessons are easy, time-efficient, and well structured. We have used a number of teaching methods. Video lectures, Theory, Real business Examples, Animations, Quiz Questions, Case Studies, a Course Challenge ... you name it.

Why should you learn about FP&A and Budgeting?

One of the most important activities in Corporate Finance

A key topic in interviews, especially when hiring people with a few years of experience
Budgeting is great for networking – you communicate with some of the most important individuals within a company
Salary. FP&A specialists enjoy a very well-paid career
Promotions. Financial Planning Analysts acquire valuable technical skills and are well-known throughout the organization, which makes them the leading candidates for senior roles
Growth. Forecasting what will occur in the future is always interesting and full of surprises

Interactive experience

Here comes the fun part.

We have a challenge for you. After each major block you have covered, you will be asked to solve a challenge. You will:

Predict a company’s sales
Create a budget for the costs that will support the expected level of sales
Work on a Production Budget
Calculate expected Net Cash Flows
Prepare a budgeted Income Statement and Balance Sheet

Sounds interesting, right?

At the end of the challenge, you will send us the work that you’ve done, and we will send back personalized feedback to you. This makes for an interactive student experience that optimizes what you will learn from the course.

The students who complete the task will participate in our monthly Amazon Gift Card lottery with the chance of winning a $10 gift card, rewarding them for their engagement.

What makes this course different from the rest of the Finance courses that are out there?

High quality of production – Full HD video and animations (This isn’t a collection of boring lectures. )
Knowledgeable instructor (experience working for companies like 3M and Coca-Cola)
Specialized training – the only course that covers this topic on Udemy
Extensive Case Studies that will help you reinforce everything you’ve learned
Course Challenge: Solve our Course Challenge and make this course an interactive experience
Excellent support: If you don’t understand a concept, or you simply want to drop us a line, you’ll receive an answer within 1 business day
Dynamic: We don’t want to waste your time. The instructor keeps up a very good pace throughout the whole course.

Please don’t forget that the course comes with Udemy’s 30-day, unconditional money-back-in-full guarantee. And why not give such a guarantee, when we are convinced that the course will provide a ton of value for you?

Click the 'Buy now' button to get access to the course and boost your career.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Prepare a company's budget from scratch
Learn to differentiate between top-down and bottom-up techniques
Prepare the revenue budget of a company
Project a company's planned level of production
Calculate net cash flow

Project various types of expenditures
Estimate working capital needs
Carry out a fixed asset rollforward
Build an integrated financial model
Learn to build financial statements in excel

Prepare a company's budget from scratch
Learn to differentiate between top-down and bottom-up techniques
Prepare the revenue budget of a company
Project a company's planned level of production
Calculate net cash flow
Project various types of expenditures
Estimate working capital needs
Carry out a fixed asset rollforward
Build an integrated financial model
Learn to build financial statements in excel

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Course Introduction. What does the Course cover?

Getting Started with Financial Planning and Analysis

What is a budget and why do we need it?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops professional skills and deep expertise in planning and budgeting

Explores budgeting techniques and concepts, which are standard in industry best practices

Teaches financial planning and budgeting processes, which helps learners increase their value within finance teams

Instructed by Antoniya, a finance manager with over 10 years of FP&A team experience

Emphasizes networking and interpersonal knowledge, which helps learners advance their careers

Reviews summary

Practical fp&a budgeting for professionals

According to learners, this course is an exceptionally practical and well-structured guide to financial planning and analysis, particularly for building a company's budget from scratch. Students frequently highlight the instructor's expertise and clear explanations, making complex topics accessible. The course's hands-on approach, including extensive case studies and a unique Course Challenge with personalized feedback, is highly valued for its real-world application. While ideal for aspiring FP&A professionals or those seeking a solid foundation, some learners might find the pace demanding without any prior financial exposure, making it less suited for absolute novices.

Best for aspiring professionals, some background helps.

"This course is excellent for gaining a solid foundation in FP&A, especially if you're new to budgeting."

"While comprehensive, I think a basic understanding of financial statements really helps keep up with the pace."

"If you're already an experienced FP&A professional, some parts might feel like a review, but it's still a good refresher."

Covers all core budgeting elements thoroughly.

"The course covered everything from revenue forecasting to cash flow calculation and fixed assets roll-forward."

"I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the master budget and how all financial statements interrelate."

"It truly guides you through building a complete company budget, step by step."

Interactive challenge enhances skill application.

"The Course Challenge provided invaluable hands-on experience and the personalized feedback was a huge bonus."

"Working through the '99 Agency' challenge solidified my understanding of the budgeting process in Excel."

"The interactive elements truly optimize what you learn from the course, making it more than just lectures."

Instructor explains complex topics simply.

"The instructor's ability to explain complicated topics in an easy-to-comprehend way made all the difference."

"Antoniya is very knowledgeable and her teaching style is engaging and easy to follow."

"I appreciate the dynamic pace and clarity, no time was wasted on irrelevant details."

Focuses on real-world budgeting skills.

"I learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

"The case studies, especially 'Henry's Hats,' were incredibly helpful in understanding the budget preparation process."

"This course helped me prepare a company's budget from scratch, which is exactly what I needed for my career."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financial Planning & Analysis: Building a Company's Budget with these activities:

Review Basic Financial Accounting Concepts

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Brush up on your knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices, as they are foundational to understanding financial planning and analysis.

Browse courses on Financial Statements

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Review the accounting equation and its components.
Understand the purpose and structure of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
Practice analyzing financial statements to identify key financial metrics and trends.

Learn Excel for Financial Modeling

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Develop proficiency in Excel, particularly in functions and formulas used for financial analysis and modeling.

Browse courses on Excel

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Explore Excel's financial functions, such as SUM, AVERAGE, PV, and NPV.
Learn to build financial models in Excel, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
Practice using Excel to perform financial analysis and forecasting.

Practice Revenue Forecasting Techniques

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Gain hands-on experience in applying various revenue forecasting techniques, such as trend analysis and regression analysis, to predict future revenue streams.

Browse courses on Revenue Forecasting

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Collect historical revenue data and identify trends.
Apply regression analysis to forecast future revenue based on historical data.
Evaluate the accuracy of your revenue forecasts.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a Workshop on Financial Planning and Budgeting

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Engage in interactive learning and discussions with experts and peers in financial planning and budgeting.

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Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in activities.
Network with other attendees.

Volunteer with a Non-Profit Organization

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Gain practical experience in applying financial planning and budgeting principles to real-world scenarios by volunteering with a non-profit organization.

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Identify a non-profit organization aligned with your interests.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities related to financial management or budgeting.
Assist with tasks such as budget preparation, financial reporting, or fundraising.

Develop a Budget for a Business Case

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Apply the concepts of financial planning and budgeting to create a comprehensive budget for a hypothetical business scenario.

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Gather financial data and assumptions.
Determine revenue projections.
Estimate operating expenses and capital expenditures.
Create a projected income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

Participate in a Case Competition

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Challenge yourself and apply your financial planning and budgeting skills by participating in a case competition.

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Identify and register for a case competition.
Analyze the case study and develop a comprehensive financial plan.
Present your plan to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Planning & Analysis: Building a Company's Budget will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are frequently tasked with building out financial models in excel spreadsheets, and this course helps build a solid foundation for doing so proficiently. It covers the theory and practice of financial modeling, including how to calculate revenue, expenses, and cash flow, and how to create income statements and balance sheets. The course also covers more advanced topics such as cost planning, working capital development, and fixed assets roll-forward. If you're interested in a career in financial analysis, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts are responsible for planning and managing budgets for organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the budgeting process, from developing budget assumptions to monitoring and controlling expenditures. You will learn how to prepare a master budget, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. You will also learn how to use financial modeling to forecast revenue and expenses. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to pursue a career in budget analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the financial operations of organizations. They are responsible for developing and implementing financial plans, managing cash flow, and making investment decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in financial planning and analysis, which are essential skills for financial managers. The course covers topics such as budgeting, financial forecasting, and capital budgeting. It also covers more advanced topics such as mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. If you're interested in a career in financial management, this course is highly recommended.

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Investment Analyst

Investment analysts evaluate and recommend investments for individuals and institutions. This course provides a solid foundation in financial analysis, which is essential for investment analysts. The course covers topics such as financial statement analysis, valuation, and portfolio management. It also covers more advanced topics such as alternative investments and behavioral finance. If you're interested in a career in investment analysis, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Financial Planner

Financial planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course provides a solid foundation in financial planning, which is essential for financial planners. The course covers topics such as risk assessment, asset allocation, and retirement planning. It also covers more advanced topics such as estate planning and charitable giving. If you're interested in a career in financial planning, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Corporate Finance Manager

Corporate finance managers are responsible for raising and managing capital for corporations. They also develop and implement financial strategies. This course provides a solid foundation in corporate finance, which is essential for corporate finance managers. The course covers topics such as capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. It also covers more advanced topics such as financial modeling and international finance. If you're interested in a career in corporate finance, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Finance Manager

Credit Analyst

Credit analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. They provide recommendations to lenders on whether to approve or deny loans. This course provides a solid foundation in financial analysis, which is essential for credit analysts. The course covers topics such as financial statement analysis, credit scoring, and loan underwriting. It also covers more advanced topics such as structured finance and credit derivatives. If you're interested in a career in credit analysis, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement. They also provide expert testimony in court. This course provides a solid foundation in financial accounting and auditing, which are essential for forensic accountants. The course covers topics such as financial statement analysis, auditing procedures, and fraud detection. It also covers more advanced topics such as forensic accounting software and data analytics. If you're interested in a career in forensic accounting, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess risk. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, banking, and consulting. This course provides a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics, which are essential for actuaries. The course covers topics such as probability, statistics, and financial mathematics. It also covers more advanced topics such as life insurance, health insurance, and pensions. If you're interested in a career in actuarial science, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use their knowledge to advise businesses and governments on economic policy. This course provides a solid foundation in economics, which is essential for economists. The course covers topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. It also covers more advanced topics such as international economics and development economics. If you're interested in a career in economics, this course is highly recommended.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts use data to solve business problems. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. This course provides a solid foundation in data analysis, which is essential for data analysts. The course covers topics such as data mining, data visualization, and machine learning. It also covers more advanced topics such as big data and cloud computing. If you're interested in a career in data analysis, this course is highly recommended.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business analysts use their knowledge of business and technology to solve business problems. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course provides a solid foundation in business analysis, which is essential for business analysts. The course covers topics such as business process modeling, requirements gathering, and solution design. It also covers more advanced topics such as systems analysis and project management. If you're interested in a career in business analysis, this course is highly recommended.

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Management Consultant

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Risk Analyst

Risk analysts assess the risks faced by organizations. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, insurance, and healthcare. This course provides a solid foundation in risk analysis, which is essential for risk analysts. The course covers topics such as risk identification, risk assessment, and risk management. It also covers more advanced topics such as operational risk, and credit risk. If you're interested in a career in risk analysis, this course is highly recommended.

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Auditor

Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They work in a variety of industries, including accounting, finance, and government. This course provides a solid foundation in auditing, which is essential for auditors. The course covers topics such as auditing standards, auditing procedures, and internal control. It also covers more advanced topics such as forensic accounting and information technology auditing. If you're interested in a career in auditing, this course is highly recommended.

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