We recently had the privilege of interviewing Dhawal Parvatikar, Finance Career Coach and the Co-founder and Lead Faculty at FP&A Professionals Institute (FPI). A career span of over 15 years in diverse sectors led him to his current role as a Finance Career Coach, dedicated to empowering finance professionals. Dhawal has impacted thousands of individuals by helping them unlock their full potential and achieve success in the finance industry over the last four years.
Dhawal Parvatikar shares his career journey, company creation inspiration, insights on new learning mediums, and forthcoming events of his company in this insightful interview.
The Beginning We asked-Dhawal Parvatikar
We were curious to learn about the beginning of Dhawal Parvatikar’s professional journey. So, we asked, “Could you start by telling us about your professional career path?”
Dhawal shared, “Choosing Chartered Accountancy was the most important step on my path. Being a tough mix of theoretical knowledge and a practical internship of three years, CA became my window of opportunity to understand the functioning of large companies.
As a CFO, I spearheaded financial planning, risk management, and leadership in high-stakes environments, driving profitability and sustainability for multinational corporations.”
He added, “My experience of nearly 15 years of working with people from diverse sets of backgrounds and cultures has particularly been challenging and a great learning experience. I have been fortunate enough to work at companies with a relatively slimmer management hierarchy, which allowed me to interact with senior management and cross-functional heads at regular intervals.
My career path across diverse sectors, marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for finance, naturally led me to my current role as a Finance Career Coach, where I aim to empower finance professionals to achieve their full potential, and I have successfully impacted thousands of finance professionals positively in this period.”
Spark Behind Being a Finance Career Coach
Eager to learn about the factors that influenced Dhawal Parvatikar to choose this profession, “Could you share a bit about your story of what inspired you to become a Finance Career Coach?”
He replied, “The inspiration to become a Finance Career Coach stemmed from my own experiences within the finance industry. Back in the day, we did not have any organized way to get guidance like LinkedIn, Career Coaching, etc. Witnessing firsthand the challenges and opportunities that finance professionals encounter sparked a desire in me to share my knowledge and guide others.
The pivotal moment came when I realized that my accumulated insights across diverse industries and roles could serve as a beacon for those navigating their careers in finance. My goal as a coach is to illuminate the path for others, helping them to overcome obstacles, capitalize on opportunities, and ultimately, to craft careers that are not only successful but also fulfilling.”
A New Wave – Accessible Education We asked-Dhawal Parvatikar
To understand Dhawal Parvatikar’s perspective on emerging unconventional learning methods, we asked, “We see a wave of upskilling and online courses, what is your view on this?”
Dhawal responded, “The surge in upskilling and online courses represents a transformative shift in professional development. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving financial landscape, continuous learning is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Today you are no longer dependent on universities. The new wave enables you to learn from the source directly, for example, you can learn to be an entrepreneur from an entrepreneur, and you can learn to be a CFO from a CFO.
Online platforms democratize access to education, allowing finance professionals to enhance their skills and stay abreast of industry trends and technologies from anywhere in the world. However, the key to truly benefiting from this wave lies in strategic selection – choosing courses that not only align with one’s career aspirations but also offer practical, applicable knowledge.”
A Strong Vision And Soft Skills
We further asked, “What, according to you, separates great finance professionals from the average ones?”
“Great finance professionals distinguish themselves through a combination of technical proficiency, strategic vision, and soft skills. They possess not only an in-depth understanding of financial principles and tools but also the foresight to anticipate market trends and the agility to adapt strategies accordingly.
Equally important are the soft skills – leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities – that enable them to inspire teams, drive change, and forge strong relationships with stakeholders. It’s this holistic blend of skills that elevates a finance professional from average to exceptional.” He shared.
A Go-To Resource: FPI
We were intrigued to learn how FPI is unique from the competition. So, we inquired, “Tell us more about FP&A Professionals Institute (FPI), and how are your programs different from others?”
Dhawal replied, “At FP&A Professionals Institute (FPI), we’re committed to guiding 1 million finance enthusiasts towards mastery in Financial Planning & Analysis. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: equip you with the essential knowledge and tools that pave the way for your success in this dynamic field.
Along with my co-founder Asif Masani, we want FP&A Professionals Institute (FPI) to be your go-to resource for all FP&A-related articles, videos, courses, workshops, books, and other content. FPI offers education to a whole spectrum of finance professionals, whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional.
What distinguishes our programs is the experiential learning. We blend real-world case studies with group discussions and simulations. This approach enhances the practical application of the learning along with elevating the confidence of our students to take on finance roles in any sector.”
Upcoming Events At FPI
To learn more about the upcoming events and certification program at Dhawal Parvatikar’s organization, we asked, “Could you tell us about your upcoming FP&A certification program?”
He responded, “Our upcoming program is called the ‘Certified Global FP&A Professional’ (CGFPA) program, which offers a comprehensive pathway for finance professionals aspiring to excel in the dynamic world of financial planning and analysis. Tailored to foster a deep understanding of strategic financial management, this program blends theoretical knowledge with practical insights.
It is a 6 months program with LIVE online teaching and self-study, followed by an examination. CGFPA also gives you access to a global alumni network and access to personalized finance career coaching sessions. Upon completion, participants will not only receive certification but will also have developed a portfolio of work demonstrating their expertise and readiness to tackle real-world challenges. Our goal is to make CGFPA the top preferred choice for finance professionals to learn and companies to hire.”
Words Of Wisdom For Finance Professionals
Lastly, addressing the beginners in this field, we asked Dhawal Parvatikar, “What would be your advice to finance professionals who are just starting?”
Dhawal shared, “For those just beginning their journey in finance, my advice is threefold: First, embrace continuous learning as the cornerstone of your career. The finance field is dynamic, and staying informed is key to your growth and success.
Secondly, cultivate a network of mentors and peers. Finance is as much about relationships as it is about numbers, and a strong network can provide invaluable guidance and opportunities.
And lastly, start looking at your career in blocks of 2-3 years each, plan for the next 2-3 years, and then the next, and so on. Within 10 years, you will notice that you have come a long way, and you have carved out a meaningful and satisfying finance career for yourself.”
Follow Dhawal Parvatikar on LinkedIn.
Find FPI on LinkedIn and visit their website https://fpnaprofessionals.teachable.com
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