After 25 years in FP&A, here are 25 lessons:
1. Speed matters more than accuracy.
2. Focus on actionable insights, not reports.
3. Track KPIs that align with strategic goals.
4. Master the art of influencing without authority.
5. Tie financial insights back to business strategy.
6. Balance short-term goals with long-term vision.
7. Numbers tell a story. Learn to be a great storyteller.
8. Build a growth mindset. The field is always evolving.
9. Simplicity is key. Complex models lead to confusion.
10. Cultivate a network. Learn from other FP&A professionals.
11. Communicate clearly with finance and non-finance teams.
12. Understand business operations. Context enriches numbers.
13. Relationships matter more than spreadsheets. Build partnerships.
14. Collaborate across departments to drive company-wide success.
15. Time management is crucial. Prioritize what moves the needle.
16. Be comfortable with ambiguity. Perfect information is rare.
17. Be a business partner first, a number cruncher second.
18. Continuous learning keeps you relevant and adaptable.
19. Transparency builds trust. Always communicate openly.
20. Forecasting is both art and science. Refine constantly.
21. Be proactive; anticipate questions before they arise.
22. Don’t focus solely on cost cutting. Invest in growth.
23. Embrace technology, but rely on critical thinking.
24. Stand firm on ethics and integrity. Non-negotiable.
25. Learn to say no. Protect your team’s focus.
Repost ♻️ if you appreciate the lessons and effort.
P.S. Follow Erik Lidman for more FP&A insights and lessons.
1. Speed matters more than accuracy.
2. Focus on actionable insights, not reports.
3. Track KPIs that align with strategic goals.
4. Master the art of influencing without authority.
5. Tie financial insights back to business strategy.
6. Balance short-term goals with long-term vision.
7. Numbers tell a story. Learn to be a great storyteller.
8. Build a growth mindset. The field is always evolving.
9. Simplicity is key. Complex models lead to confusion.
10. Cultivate a network. Learn from other FP&A professionals.
11. Communicate clearly with finance and non-finance teams.
12. Understand business operations. Context enriches numbers.
13. Relationships matter more than spreadsheets. Build partnerships.
14. Collaborate across departments to drive company-wide success.
15. Time management is crucial. Prioritize what moves the needle.
16. Be comfortable with ambiguity. Perfect information is rare.
17. Be a business partner first, a number cruncher second.
18. Continuous learning keeps you relevant and adaptable.
19. Transparency builds trust. Always communicate openly.
20. Forecasting is both art and science. Refine constantly.
21. Be proactive; anticipate questions before they arise.
22. Don’t focus solely on cost cutting. Invest in growth.
23. Embrace technology, but rely on critical thinking.
24. Stand firm on ethics and integrity. Non-negotiable.
25. Learn to say no. Protect your team’s focus.
Repost ♻️ if you appreciate the lessons and effort.
P.S. Follow Erik Lidman for more FP&A insights and lessons.
