I’ve been thinking about shifting from traditional accounting into FP&A, but I’m not sure what to expect. I like working with numbers and financial analysis, but I’ve heard FP&A is more strategic and forward looking than accounting. For those who’ve made the transition, how different was the role? And what skills helped you move from financial reporting to a more forecasting and planning-focused position?

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FP&A is all about the why behind the numbers, not just the what. Strong Excel, data visualization, and business partnering skills helped me transition

FP&A is largely storytelling and tailoring models to align with a world people want to see rather than what you really think will happen. Lots of scenario planning, spin, and politicking. I didn't transition from accounting, but I got into FP&A because I also like working with numbers and financial analysis. But what I've learned is, the higher you advance, the less it is about those things

Skills: brush up on Powerpoint because you'll be making a lot of slides, and work on your persuasion and bs'ing skills if you aspire to move up from being an analyst

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