How to Select & Implement
FP&A Planning Software
A comprehensive, free course that walks you through the entire FP&A software lifecycle—from knowing when to upgrade off spreadsheets through managing the RFP, selecting a vendor, and implementing successfully.
Your Instructor
Paul is a widely recognized FP&A expert, Microsoft MVP for Excel, and the instructor behind the Modern Excel content in the Wharton Online FP&A Certificate program. He's trained thousands of finance professionals, hosts three top-rated finance podcasts, and has nearly 100,000 LinkedIn followers. His teaching style is practical, hands-on, and focused on skills you can apply immediately.
Selecting FP&A Software Is Harder Than It Should Be
The market has exploded with 100+ tools, and selecting a tool is harder than ever. One of the biggest barriers is a lack of awareness about what's out there and how to select a tool that will work for your business.
An Overwhelming Market
Most Projects Fail
Costly Mistakes
That's exactly why I built this course. Whether you're just exploring whether you need a tool, or you're already mid-selection, these 45 lessons will give you the frameworks and confidence to make the right call.
9 Modules. 45 Vidoes. Everything You Need.
From your first question of "do I even need a tool?" all the way through implementation and what's coming next in AI-native planning.
What You'll Walk Away With
A Framework for Evaluation
- How to assess organizational readiness
- Requirements categorization (mandatory vs. nice-to-have)
- Weighted scoring frameworks for vendor comparison
Deep Market Knowledge
- How to segment the tool market by size and type
- SMB, mid-market, and enterprise landscape maps
- Other methods for segementing the tool market
A Proven RFP Playbook
- What to include in your RFP document, sample templates included
- How to manage vendor demos effectively
- Evaluation, negotiation, and decision-making best practices
Implementation Confidence
- Data migration and validation best practices
- Change management and user adoption strategies
- How to scope phases and avoid common failure points
What Students Are Saying
Take this course before making any commitments and planning out the evaluation and implementation of an FP&A tool to save headaches down the line. Understanding the different types of FP&A tools out there, their benefits, and their core components have helped our company focus on the type of tool we need and plan out our implementation approach.
Need Hands-On Help After the Course?
The course gives you the knowledge. But if you want an expert at your side during the actual selection process I offer consulting services to guide you from requirements through vendor selection and implementation readiness.
- Structured 25-question business assessment
- Curated vendor shortlist tailored to your needs
- RFP development and management support
- Vendor evaluation, demos, and scoring
- Contract negotiation guidance
- Implementation readiness planning
100% impartial. No vendor affiliations. Your team stays in the driver's seat.
Book a Free Consultation
Let's discuss your situation and whether my consulting services are a fit. No commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation about your FP&A software needs.
Schedule a Call →Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course really free?
Yes, completely free. All 45 vidoes across 9 modules are available at no cost. There's no credit card required and no upsell wall during the course. I built it to help finance professionals make better software decisions.
Who is this course for?
Anyone involved in selecting or evaluating FP&A planning software. FP&A analysts, managers, directors, VPs of Finance, CFOs, and IT stakeholders who participate in the selection process. Whether you're exploring your first tool or replacing an existing one, this course gives you a proven framework.
How long does it take to complete?
The course is fully self-paced. Most students complete it in as little as a two hours.
Is this the same content as your CFI course?
The content is based on the same material I developed for the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) on Planning Software Tool Selection & Implementation. This free version on Thinkific gives you the full 9-module curriculum.
What if I need help beyond the course?
That's exactly what my consulting services are for. After completing the course, if you want hands-on guidance through your actual selection process, you can book a free consultation to discuss how I can help. I offer everything from shortlist development to assistance throughout the entire process.
Do you recommend specific vendors?
The course teaches you how to evaluate the market objectively. In my consulting engagements, I create curated shortlists based on your specific requirements, but I have no affiliate relationships with vendors. My only client is you.