Accelerating Action: How Certifications Empower Women in Finance

Happy International Women’s Day! As we celebrate the achievements and progress of women worldwide, one critical conversation remains at the forefront—how women can accelerate their careers and break barriers in finance. This was the focus of our International Women’s Day webinar, Accelerating Action Through Certification. The insightful discussion featured accomplished finance professionals who shared their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the undeniable impact of financial modeling and certifications on their careers.

Certifications: More Than Just Letters

"Certifications do more than add letters to your name—they validate expertise, open doors to leadership, and enhance credibility," said Sandra Okodugha, our host and a Chartered Accountant with financial modeling expertise.

Anuoluwapo Oluwagbayela, a Chartered Accountant and financial analyst, emphasized how certifications give professionals a competitive edge. “Everyone has a degree, but employers prioritize those with professional certifications because they demonstrate a commitment to growth and problem-solving. Certifications differentiate you in a crowded job market and provide an advantage in leadership opportunities.”

Overcoming Challenges on the Certification Journey

The path to certification is not without its challenges. For Hafsat Itanaola, a financial modeling educator, time and money were the biggest obstacles. “When I got a scholarship for my CFA, I realized that the responsibility of passing was entirely on me. Managing a 9-to-5 job while preparing for exams required strict prioritization. I had to realign my schedule, dedicate specific weeks to preparation, and use an accountability group to stay on track.”
Her advice? Time management, prioritization, and a support system are key to success.

Financial Modeling as a Strategic Tool

Certifications like the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) go beyond technical knowledge—they empower professionals to drive strategic decision-making. Gboyinde Sodipo, an experienced finance professional, explained how financial modeling transforms executive-level conversations. “Everything at the management level revolves around numbers. Financial modeling helps present data in a way that informs decision-making. Having these skills equips professionals to provide clear, data-driven insights that drive business growth.”

Hafsat also shared how financial modeling supported her entrepreneurial journey. “When launching my business, I built a financial model to understand revenue streams, operating costs, and long-term viability. It allows entrepreneurs to test assumptions before investing resources, helping them avoid costly mistakes.”

The Power of Community and Networking

Professional networks and mentorship play a crucial role in helping women advance in finance. “Professional certifications give women a voice and credibility. Unfortunately, many women hold back due to societal limitations. Networking provides support and mentorship, helping women break barriers,” said Anuoluwapo.

She encouraged women to invest in themselves and leverage professional communities to expand their opportunities.

Lessons from the Financial Modeling Academy (FMA)

For those considering the Financial Modeling Academy (FMA), Gboyinde highlighted the most valuable lesson she took from the program: “Two things: ‘Do it now’ and ‘Do it with others.’ The Academy’s weekend review sessions kept me on track, and the accountability hub provided motivation and support.”

The FMA is an intensive 8-week program designed to transform finance professionals into strategic decision-makers. Its structured learning, peer collaboration, and hands-on approach make it an ideal choice for career growth.

Take Action: Invest in Your Growth

The key takeaway from the webinar? The best time to start is now. Whether you are an aspiring finance professional, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to level up your career, certifications can be the game-changer you need.

To encourage more women to take action, the Financial Modeling Academy is offering a special giveaway!
1. One fully sponsored spot of 100% will be given to one female undergraduate or student of a professional institution and
2. Two partial scholarships of 30% each will be given to two female professionals to help women take charge of their finance careers in the Financial Modeling Academy (FMA) May 2025 cohort.

The deadline for the giveaway is March 31, 2025—so don’t miss this opportunity!

Register Now

As Gboyinde wisely said, “The best time to do it is now. Do it with others and stay committed.”

Let’s continue to accelerate action and create more opportunities for women in finance. Happy International Women’s Day! 🚀