Biography

Rafael J. Irastorza is a results-driven finance leader with over a decade of experience in financial planning and analysis, data analytics, and reporting automation. As Director of FP&A at Entertainment Technology Partners, he contributes to financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting automation. He has played a pivotal role in system migrations, ensuring seamless data integrity and compliance.

A licensed CPA, Rafael holds dual master’s degrees in finance and accounting. He is passionate about empowering finance professionals through automation and analytics. His expertise in Power Query has transformed financial reporting, reducing manual workloads by up to 80% and improving forecasting accuracy through automated data integration and reporting tools. His contributions have streamlined budgeting cycles, improved decision-making frameworks, and enhanced data governance.

Beyond corporate finance, Rafael is an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, where he teaches accounting analytics. He has trained over 300 students and professionals in ETL processes, Power Query, and Tableau, equipping them with the skills to automate data workflows and extract insights efficiently. He co-developed UCF’s first Data Analytics Professional Skills Workshop in Spring 2025, providing students with hands-on experience in advanced Excel, Power Query, and Tableau dashboards.