There are 9 traits and characteristics FP&A professionals should have. That doesn’t even include the technical ones. This is what they are:

1. Exceptional communication skills​​

FP&A professionals are excellent communicators with financial and non-financial people alike. They’re able to interact with a wide range of functions within the business as well as a wide range of different personalities and people.

2. Objective and unbiased​

FP&A professionals remain unbiased and are an objective source of information and guidance. It’s easy to be swayed by opinions, politics and emotions of others, especially in organizations that are changing, growing, or going through distress and revitalization. But because FP&As deal with much data and many viewpoints, they strive to be objective when necessary.

3. Assertive yet approachable​

Strategic finance professionals stand ready to challenge other people’s assumptions. It’s no secret that some departmental heads will be self-interested — their bonuses, raises, commissions, and budgetary constraints may all be at risk due to FP&A’s recommendations. They may remain steadfast and skeptical at the same time they’re challenged. Because FP&A is the heart of the finance team, they’re approachable to those who are sharing information or need assistance.

​4. Neither overly optimistic or pessimistic​

​Too much optimism exposes the company to unnecessary risk, whereas too much pessimism inhibits the company’s ability to take risks and pursue certain opportunities. Strategic finance professionals know how to strike a balance.

​5. Well-organized, process-driven +

6. Appetite for problem-solving +

7. Ability to manage multiple projects​

Obviously, because FP&A is dealing with lots of information requests, people and analyses, it requires being organized, an ability to manage multiple projects, an appetite for problem-solving, and an ability to do so through systematized processes and workflows.

8. Detail-oriented and a big picture thinker​

FP&A should be able to dive deep into the analysis and the mechanics of business models, yet understand how they fit into the bigger picture of the strategy. Competent professionals know what level of granularity and macro perspective to seek in different situations.

9. Analytical with a critical mindset​

Of course, there’s an expectation to be analytical, but FP&A also requires coloring outside the lines. This means being open to improvisation, thinking creatively, and working through ambiguity with a critical mind.

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