Alumni Spotlight: Journey to AFM Accreditation and Career Success

It was another exciting session hosted by dbrownconsulting, and this time, the spotlight was on the rising stars from the Financial Modeling Academy (FMA) who’ve taken the Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) exam and passed. But this wasn’t your typical panel discussion—it was a deep dive into the stories, motivations, fears, and triumphs of some of our most brilliant alumni. 

David Brown, Managing Partner of dbrownconsulting, kicked things off with his trademark energy and humor. He reminded us he’s been “modeling” for 28 years—not on the runway, but in the world of financial models and complex analytics. His passion for simplifying the difficult was contagious. 

Meet the FMA Alumni 

Oliver Akamabe was the first to speak—a current 300-level Accounting student at the University of Lagos. He’s not just a student; he’s already an accredited Advanced Financial Modeler, an intern at Itold Investment Research, and part of the CEO Africa Quantitative Finance 2025 cohort. Oliver dreams big—he sees himself as a future Chartered Financial Analyst contributing to impactful business projects. And the most incredible part? He funded the FMA journey himself. 

He told a remarkable story: in 2023, he stumbled upon dbrownconsulting at a CFA event. He was skeptical at first—how could a program worth over $2,000 be offered to him for just $150? It sounded like a scam. But something in him said “What if?” He paid from his savings and took the leap. Today, he describes the experience as transformative. “I didn’t even know what financial modeling was,” he said. “Now, it’s a superpower.” 

Hafsat Itanola brought her voice next. A chartered accountant, a master’s student in International Management in Rabat, Morocco, and a Level 1 CFA holder, she also runs her own financial literacy platform—Money Chartered Assets Consulting. What she loves about financial modeling? The creativity. “Everything I imagine, I can now build it in a model. I even modeled my business idea before launching it,” she said. For Hafsat, FMA turned abstract finance concepts into real, working tools. 

She addressed a popular myth head-on: Do you need to be an accountant to be a great financial modeler? Her answer: No. What matters is the passion and curiosity. “I had classmates from non-accounting backgrounds who taught me! It’s the interest and drive that makes the difference.” 

Ajibola Abiodun came in with a solid five years of experience in investment banking, consulting, and now renewable energy project finance. She emphasized the importance of accounting knowledge, even if you don’t have a formal degree. “You need to know how financial statements connect—how revenue, costs, and profits flow. But you don’t need a degree in accounting to understand that. You need to learn it.” 

For her, the FMA was more than just another certification—it was a game changer. “The community, the mentorship, and the hands-on learning made the biggest difference,” she said. “It gives you tools and confidence to tackle real-world problems.” 

More Than Just a Certification 

The conversation touched on the practicalities—how participants paid for the program, how difficult the exam was, and what real skills they gained. 

What stood out was not just what they learned, but who they became. These alumni didn’t just pass an exam—they became part of a growing, dynamic community of top financial modelers across Africa. 

They gained confidence, critical thinking skills, real modeling techniques, and access to a network that’s changing the face of finance on the continent. 

As David Brown said, “It sounds Skammish, right? $2,800 worth of content and access for just $150? But it’s not. It’s a movement to equip African youth with world-class skills. It’s a commitment to build capacity.” 

So whether you're a student like Oliver, a passionate educator like Hafsat, or an experienced professional like Abiola, there’s a place for you in the Financial Modeling Academy. You don’t have to be an accountant—you just have to be hungry to grow. 

The Financial Modeling Academy (FMA) isn’t just about learning formulas—it’s about shaping professionals who are confident, competent, and globally recognized. If you’re looking to build strong financial modeling skills and join a growing network of professionals making real impact, the FMA program is the right place to start. The next cohort is around the corner. Learn more and explore upcoming opportunities: Get Started Here!