How the FPAC Certification Helps FP&A Professionals Get Promoted and Earn Strategic Credibility

In this special episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Cassie McCombs, Marcus Gadson, and Mario Vasquez. Together, they share their experiences with the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC) credential from the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The guests discuss how earning the FPAC has shaped their careers, the impact it’s had on their professional growth, and why this certification is becoming an essential asset for finance professionals.

Cassie is the Vice President of FP&A at Ultradent Products, a dental manufacturing company, where she played a key role in building the company’s first FP&A team from the ground up. Marcus serves as the Senior Finance Director at Wellpath, a healthcare company, where he is passionate about making finance accessible across all departments. Mario is the Senior Director of Finance at E.W. Scripps Company, brings over 25 years of experience in FP&A. He was part of the first cohort to earn the credential and shares valuable insights on how the certification helped him stand out and advance in his career.

Expect to Learn:

• The impact of continuing education on staying up-to-date in the field of FP&A.
• The value of the credential and how it can impact your career in FP&A.
• Key insights on how to prepare for the exam and tips for success.
• The importance of continuous learning and staying updated in the financial industry.
• The role of FP&A in driving business strategy and decision-making.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Data is not a four-letter word. It's essential to understanding and improving the business." - Cassie McCombs
• "If you’re not learning, you're going backward. The FPAC credential helps you stay on top of industry trends." - Mario Vasquez
• "Collaborating with non-finance teams is essential for making an impact as a finance leader." - Marcus Gadson

Cassie, Marcus, and Mario shared valuable perspectives on the impact of the FPAC credential on their careers and the financial planning and analysis profession. Their advice on the importance of continuous learning, collaboration across departments, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry provides actionable steps for finance professionals seeking to advance their skills and make a greater impact within their organizations. The experiences and wisdom shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of FP&A and drive long-term business success.

FP&A Community Hub:

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-vasquez-finance/

Follow Marcus:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusgadson/

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-mccombs-fpac-10a373a4/

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FP&A Certificates:

FP&A Certificates is where finance professionals go to level up, stand out, and grow their careers. Built by FP&A experts for the FP&A community, this platform features the top certificate programs from Wharton Online,, CFI, FMI, and more. It’s the smartest way to compare your options, find the right fit, and get exclusive discounts. Show your commitment to FP&A and take your skills to the next level. Explore now at https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certifications

Explore the resources and discounts available:

• FPAC Program from Association of Financial Professionals (AFP)
• Use Code Exam: TheFPAGuy-FPAC – Exam for $150 Discount
• Use Code Exam Prep Platform: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP – Exam Prep Platform for $100 Discount
• Certificate of FP&A from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prep
• https://secure.enroll.wharton.wallstreetprep.com/referral/
• Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 – $300 Program Discount
• Certified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) | FP&A Professionals
• Use Code: FPAGUY - $200 Program Discount
• Financial Modeler's Corner Podcast - FMI
• Code: Podcast for a 15% Program Discount
• Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) Programs
• Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
• Code: FPAGUY30 for a 30% discount on the FMVA and FP&A Specialization programs
• FP&A specialization
• Certification in Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM™) | Wall Street Prep

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:34] - Introduction of Episode

[02:35] - Meet the Guests: Cassie, Marcus, and Mario

[04:30] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[07:21] - The Decision to Get Certified

[10:13] - Other Credentials Considered

[13:19] - Career Impact of the FPAC

[19:19] - Study Approaches & Exam Tips

[27:06] - Continuing Education with AFP

[29:23] -'s Long-Term Career Impact

[41:41] - Top FP&A Skills

[46:36] - Fun Questions with the Guests