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Hosted by paul barnhurst
Hosted by paul barnhurst
Hosted by paul barnhurst
18 episodes with paul barnhurst
2 episodes with paul barnhurst
3 episodes with paul barnhurst
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder explore what really makes a budgeting process succeed, or fall apart. Drawing from decades of experience in finance and corporate strategy, Paul and Glenn share lessons learned from real budgeting cycles, including where things went wrong and how they were fixed. They cover everything from headcount planning mistakes and unrealistic timelines to aligning business partners and creating buy-in at the executive level. Whether you're in the middle of budget season or preparing for one, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can take straight to your team.Glenn Snyder is a strategic finance leader with deep experience across public, private equity, private equity-owned, and family-owned companies. He currently serves as Head of FP&A at Riveron and brings expertise in financial analysis, corporate strategy, modeling, and budgeting. Glenn has worked across several industries including SaaS (healthcare and telecom), eCommerce, data centers, and FinTech. He is also a Fractional CFO, mentor, and educator, with a long-standing connection to UCLA where he supports students and emerging finance professionalsExpect to Learn:Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day oneWhat accountability-based forecasting looks like in practiceHow to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partnerPractical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: timeWhy “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the businessHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Fully burdened compensation isn't just salary plus bonus, there's a lot more under the hood." - Glenn Snyder"Budgeting is a chance to learn the business, not just fill in a template." - Glenn Snyder"Finance exists to help the business make better, faster decisions." - Paul BarnhurstGlenn Snyder emphasized that budgeting is most effective when it's collaborative, strategic, and grounded in real business understanding. He reminded us that finance's role is to support decision-making, not just manage numbers. With clear communication and thoughtful planning, budgeting can become a tool for alignment and impact.Easy Strategic FP&A: Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A's strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0DqppFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Glenn:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/Website - onemomentintimenovel.comFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Nicolas Kopp, the founder and CEO of Rillet, to discuss how AI is transforming finance operations. The episode dives deep into the practical applications of AI-native ERPs, with Nicolas explaining how his platform redefines general ledger management. The discussion explores the future of finance workflows, from the zero-day close to AI-driven automation in accounting tasks. It's a compelling conversation about integrating advanced technology into finance without needing deep technical expertise.Nicolas Kopp is the founder and CEO of Rillet, the AI-native ERP designed to automate accounting and close books faster. Backed by Sequoia, Rillet empowers accountants by integrating AI seamlessly into financial workflows. Previously, Nicolas served as the US CEO of N26, a fintech bank valued at $9 billion, where he played a key role in leading its expansion into the US market. Prior to N26, he spent five years in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Nicolas holds a BA from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and an MSc in Accounting from the London School of Economics.In this episode, you will discover:How AI-native ERP systems like Rillet are revolutionizing general ledger operations.The process of automating complex accounting workflows with AI agents.Why finance leaders need to embrace AI and the practical steps to do so.The challenges and benefits of shifting from legacy systems to AI-driven platforms.How CFOs can leverage AI today, even without a dedicated tech team.Nicolas shared his journey from investment banking to leading Rillet, offering an inspiring look at how AI-native ERPs are transforming finance operations. His insights on automating workflows, achieving zero-day closes, and embracing AI-driven innovation provide essential guidance for finance leaders looking to stay ahead in the evolving landscape. This episode is a must-listen for professionals eager to drive change, innovate, and lead with purpose in the AI-powered future of finance.Follow Nicolas:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/Website - https://www.rillet.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:57] - What is an AI Native ERP?[06:41] - AI Agents and Workflow[09:15] - The Future of AI Agents with Autonomy[11:47] - The Story Behind the General Ledger[16:15] - The ERP Implementation Process[23:43] - CFO...
Ever feel like your crucial financial analysis gets lost in translation? You're not alone. In this episode of FinPod's "What's New at CFI", we sit down with Paul Barnhurst, famously known as The FP&A Guy, to discuss his new CFI course: "Crafting the Narrative: Storytelling with Data."Paul reveals why simply presenting numbers is no longer enough to get buy-in and advance your career. He shares why the ability to transform data into a compelling story is the most valuable skill a finance professional can have today.Key takeaways from our discussion include:The Power of a Narrative: Discover the difference between a simple report and a persuasive story that includes key insights and a clear call to action.The "What, So What, Now What" Framework: Learn a powerful, time-tested framework for building a message that moves decision-makers to action.Structuring Your Presentations: Find out why planning your narrative is more important than building your slides, and how this one shift can make your presentations far more impactful.Case Studies in Action: Get a sneak peek into the course's practical scenarios, including how to tell the story behind a missed earnings target or an acquisition proposal.Presentation Pet Peeves: We both vent about our biggest presentation pet peeves and share tips for how you can avoid them.If you've ever struggled to get your message across in a meeting or a deck, this episode and the new CFI course are for you. Learn how to level up your executive communication and craft narratives that get results.
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Brian McGrath, Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, to explore how FP&A teams can scale smarter, automate faster, and operate as strategic business partners. With over 20 years of experience leading finance transformations in high-growth companies, Brian dives into why finance must be more than a cost center, it should be a driver of operational success and storytelling. From automation frameworks to AI and the power of curiosity, Brian shares lessons that can help FP&A professionals become essential, not just operational.Brian McGrath is the Co-Founder and COO of FutureView Systems, a firm dedicated to delivering scalable, technology-enabled FP&A solutions for growing companies. A graduate of the University of Florida and UNC Chapel Hill, Brian has helped organizations streamline processes, eliminate manual workflows, and build finance functions that influence real-time decisions. His hands-on experience, systems thinking, and deep commitment to automation and business alignment make his insights invaluable for any finance professional ready to modernize their approach.Expect to Learn:Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day oneWhat accountability-based forecasting looks like in practiceHow to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partnerPractical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: timeWhy “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the businessHere are a few quotes from the episode:“The best way to elevate your career? Focus more on your customer's success than your own.” - Brian McGrath“FP&A should be embedded in operations, helping deploy capital in ways that truly move the business.” - Brian McGrath“Accountability-based forecasting means budget owners own their numbers, finance is there to support, not control.” - Brian McGrathBrian McGrath delivered a compelling vision for the future of FP&A, one where automation, process thinking, and operational alignment are non-negotiable. He emphasized that great FP&A professionals are not just technically skilled, but also curious, empathetic, and strategically embedded within the business. From designing scalable systems to navigating AI and storytelling, Brian's insights offer actionable guidance for finance leaders looking to evolve from number crunchers to decision enablers.Easy Strategic FP&A: Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A's strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0DqppFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Brian:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/financial-planning-and-analysis/.Website - https://www.futureviewsystems.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/LinkedIn -
In this episode, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the latest updates in AI and how these advancements are impacting the finance sector. They explore the practical challenges that come with integrating AI into existing finance workflows and the real-world limitations of AI tools. The conversation covers new tools like Claude for financial services and the recent developments from OpenAI, while also delving into how AI can be used in financial modeling and analysis. The hosts also share their personal experiences, frustrations, and optimism about the future of AI, offering a balanced view of the excitement and challenges that come with these technologies.In this episode, you will discover:How Claude for Financial Services is changing AI in finance.Insights on OpenAI's agent rollout and its impact on the industry.The challenges of integrating AI into financial workflows, especially Excel.The practical limitations of AI in real-world finance applications.The future potential of AI tools and their role in financial decision-making.Paul and Glenn highlighted the potential of AI tools like Claude and OpenAI's agents in finance, stressing the importance of understanding their limitations. While these technologies offer exciting opportunities, integrating them effectively into existing workflows is key to realizing their value. The journey to fully harness AI in finance continues, and practical, cautious adoption will be crucial.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:43] - Welcome to the Episode[01:09] - Claude for Financial Services[04:59] - OpenAI's $10 Million Model[06:41] - Integrating AI into Excel Workflows[11:56] - Maintaining Data Integrity in AI Models[13:37] - AI Integration via Spreadsheet Sidebars[16:10] - Testing Data Formats: CSV vs JSON for LLMs[21:59] - SNL Skit with Debbie Downer[24:54] - Closing Remarks
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Jesse Mishler to explore what it takes to build a thriving FP&A function grounded in purpose, people development, and strategic problem-solving. From military discipline to corporate finance leadership, Jesse offers a rare blend of operational rigor and emotional intelligence. His reflections on transforming real estate spaces, empowering teams, and navigating financial complexity will resonate with finance professionals and leaders alike. This episode dives into the evolving role of finance in shaping organizational culture, driving performance, and making workspaces more human-centered and impactful.Jesse Mishler serves as Senior Vice President of FP&A at Carr Properties, where he oversees corporate forecasting, executive reporting, and strategic financial planning. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over two decades of experience, Jesse brings a mission-driven mindset to FP&A leadership. He is known for building high-performing, people-first finance teams, championing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing innovative planning tools like JEDOX to drive operational efficiency. With a master's in real estate from Georgetown University and a passion for continuous learning, Jesse's leadership reflects both financial precision and personal authenticity.Expect to Learn:How military principles like integrity and resilience translate to corporate leadership.What makes FP&A a strategic hub, not just a back-office function.Why developing people is one of the most fulfilling aspects of leadership.Key operational metrics in commercial real estate and how they guide decision-making.The power of curiosity in becoming a better business partner.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"FP&A should be the hub of the company, connecting insights, strategy, and communication across the business." - Jesse Mishler"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing others grow and surpass even their own expectations."- Jesse Mishler"Sometimes the most impactful help you can offer takes less than five minutes, it starts with listening." - Jesse MishlerJesse shared powerful insights into how leadership, resilience, and curiosity can shape a successful FP&A career. He highlighted the importance of problem-solving over perfection, the value of building trust through authentic actions, and the transformational impact of investing in people. From leveraging real estate finance to fostering team growth, Jesse's advice offers practical, inspiring takeaways for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic influence and lead with integrity and empathy.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it's time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Jesse:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessemishler/Company -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome digital transformation expert Tariq Munir to explore how AI and data are reshaping finance leadership. The conversation centers on the core message of Tariq's upcoming book, Reimagine Finance: A Guide to Leading in the Age of Data, AI and Digital, and how finance professionals can drive transformation without needing deep technical expertise. The episode emphasizes mindset shifts, the human role in AI adoption, and the practical use of digital twins and reasoning models in finance.Tariq Munir is a keynote speaker, writer, and digital transformation consultant with over two decades of experience working with Fortune 500 companies. Formerly with PepsiCo, Tariq recently transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. His work focuses on empowering CFOs and finance teams to lead enterprise-wide digital transformations. He's also the author of the forthcoming book Reimagine Finance, scheduled for global release with Wiley.In this episode, you will discover:Why mindset, not technical expertise, is the key to digital transformation in finance.How AI is changing leadership expectations and essential skillsets.What digital twins are and how they can optimize finance processes.The challenges of applying reasoning models in financial AI use cases.Why critical thinking and human judgment remain vital in an AI-driven world.Tariq shared his inspiring transition from corporate executive to digital transformation leader, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone aiming for future-proof finance in the AI era. His reflections on leadership, his vision for human-centered AI adoption, and practical strategies like digital twins offer essential insights for finance professionals seeking to embrace innovation, drive change, and lead with purpose in an increasingly data-driven world.Follow Tariq:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tariq-munirWebsite - https://www.tariqmunir.me/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:23] - Writing "REIMAGINE FINANCE"[03:45] - Key Takeaways For Finance Leaders[06:02] - Career Shift And Current Update[09:56] - AI And The New Breed Of Leaders[14:57] - Balancing AI And Human-Centricity[20:21] - Jobs And Technological Change[28:42] - Challenges With AI Reasoning Models[36:00] - Fun Questions & Episode Wrap-Up
Welcome back to What's New at CFI on FinPod! In this exciting episode, we're joined by Paul Barnhurst, The FP&A Guy, as he introduces CFI's brand-new course: FP&A Tool Selection.Are you an FP&A professional struggling with chaotic Excel models, disconnected reports, or overwhelmed by the sheer number of available planning tools? This course is your ultimate guide! Paul walks us through why choosing the right tool is more strategic than ever and how to navigate the exploding FP&A software market.In this episode, Paul reveals:Key signs it's time to upgrade from Excel: When do broken models, collaboration issues, and countless budget versions signal a need for a dedicated FP&A tool?Navigating the 150+ FP&A tools: Frameworks to narrow down your options based on desired functionality (spreadsheet-native vs. complete replacement), company size (small to enterprise), industry focus, and platform capabilities.The critical groundwork for tool selection: Why building robust requirements, writing a solid problem statement, and managing a rigorous RFP process are essential to avoid the "wow factor" and ensure a good fit.Paul's personal must-have productivity tools (beyond Excel!): Discover his favorite non-FP&A tools like ClickUp, ChatGPT, and Claude, and how he leverages them for productivity, research, and even devil's advocacy in decision-making.This course is a must-have for anyone evaluating new FP&A software or seeking a smarter process for optimizing their finance tech stack. Learn from the expert and make informed decisions to empower your finance career!
In this episode of FP&A Today, host Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, welcomes Christopher Ortega for a candid conversation about the evolution of finance and building a business from the ground up. From basketball analogies to real-world advice, this episode blends personal experience with professional insight. Chris opens up about what it takes to grow a consulting business, how to handle setbacks, and why financial professionals need to think beyond spreadsheets and become true business partners.Christopher Ortega is the CEO and founder of Fresh FP&A, a financial strategy firm that supports small and mid-sized businesses with fractional CFO services. With more than 20 years in accounting, FP&A, and finance leadership, Chris has built a career around driving growth, navigating acquisitions, and helping organizations build financial clarity. He's worked with global companies, led finance teams through complex M&A deals, and now channels that experience into helping others succeedExpect to Learn:Why FP&A needs to evolve from reporting to a real business partnershipHow Chris shifted his mindset from CFO to CEOThe importance of focusing on the right industries instead of trying to serve everyoneWhy failing early became one of his greatest learning toolsWhat to do before you land your first paid clientHere are a few quotes from the episode:"You either win or you learn. You only lose if you don't learn." - Christopher Ortega"To scale, I had to stop thinking like a CFO and start thinking like a CEO." - Christopher Ortega"Sales and marketing taught me more about business than any finance book." - Christopher OrtegaChristopher shared valuable insights on evolving from a technical finance role to a strategic business partner, the mindset shift required to grow from CFO to CEO, and the power of narrowing your focus in business. His advice on embracing failure, building with purpose, and putting impact before income offers meaningful takeaways for anyone looking to lead with confidence in the finance world.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it's time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight, not just report the data.Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Chris:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/Website - https://freshfpa.com/our-team/john-kobs-ceo/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Siqi Chen, founder and CEO of Runway. Siqi opens up about the challenges he faced understanding finance as a founder, and how those frustrations led him to build a more intuitive platform. The conversation explores what's broken in traditional finance tools and how better design can make finance easier to grasp for everyone in the business, not just the experts.Siqi is a builder and investor with a background that spans NASA, gaming, and high-growth startups. Before Runway, he led products at Zynga and Postmates, served as CEO of Sandbox VR, and invested in companies like Clubhouse and Amplitude. His journey gives him a unique perspective on how product design can solve real business pain points, especially in finance.Expect to Learn:Why traditional finance tools are often disliked.The common spreadsheet struggles growing teams face.How user-friendly design improves collaboration.Why Runway focuses on clarity and flexibility over complexity.What it means to build a thinking tool, not just a planning tool.Siqi shares practical, hard-earned insights on what it takes to build a truly useful finance platform, one that prioritizes clarity, flexibility, and collaboration. If you're frustrated by rigid systems or drowning in spreadsheet chaos, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how thoughtful design and a new approach to financial modeling can help you make better, faster decisions.Follow Siqi:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqic/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/runway/Twitter - https://x.com/bladerJoin hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:05] - Origin of Runway[03:00] - Early Challenges & First Users[04:10] - Early Demo & Launch Delay[05:29] - User-Friendly Design[11:43] - Winning by Being Different[15:53] - Powerful Tech, Simple Design[16:33] - From Workflow to Thinking Tool
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Adam Rakich, founder and Consulting Director at North Texas, to discuss why the budgeting process is universally loathed and how to fix it. Drawing from decades of experience implementing planning and consolidation systems, Adam shares strategies to transform budgeting from a burdensome task into a strategic advantage. With humor, insight, and plenty of real-world experience, Adam breaks down common pitfalls and offers practical, actionable advice for finance professionals at every level.Adam Rakich has spent over a decade streamlining finance processes across industries, working with top software platforms like Adaptive Insights, Workday, and OneStream. As the author of The Business User's Guide to Data Integration, he is known for making complex finance concepts accessible, especially to non-technical professionals. At North Texas, Adam helps organizations build better, more collaborative FP&A functions without the pain.Expect to Learn:Why most budgeting processes are broken and how to shift the mindset to fix them.The importance of soft skills in elevating finance's strategic impact.How to avoid the "Jurassic Park" trap of doing more just because you can.The value of driver-based planning and why simplicity often beats complexity.The "James Bond Philosophy" of budgeting: when to seduce and when to take a firmer stance.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"The James Bond approach to budgeting: seduce when you can, shoot when you have to metaphorically, of course." - Adam Rakich"Pick your battles. If you ask for everything, people will tune out and give you nothing." - Adam Rakich"Budgeting works best when it's not adversarial. Finance shouldn't be the department of ‘no'." - Adam RakichAdam shared valuable insights into why budgeting processes often fall short and how a shift in mindset can make all the difference. He emphasized the power of simplicity, the role of soft skills in finance, and the importance of involving stakeholders in meaningful ways. His practical advice on driver-based planning, managing expectations, and building strong business relationships offers key takeaways for finance professionals looking to lead more effective and collaborative FP&A functions.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it's time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Adam:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/northexis/Website - https://northexis.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Siqi Chen, founder and CEO of Runway, a finance platform built to help operators understand their business without needing a degree in finance. The discussion explores how traditional FP&A tools fall short, and why Runway is reimagining financial modeling by combining flexibility, design, and deeper thinking. Siqi is the founder and CEO of Runway, a modeling platform designed for operators and finance professionals who need flexible, intuitive tools to manage business complexity. He previously served as CEO of Sandbox VR, VP of Product at Postmates, and Head of Product at Zynga. Siqi has also invested in over 100 startups, including Clubhouse, Amplitude, Pipe, and Italic. Early in his career, he worked at NASA, where he was awarded a Congressional Space Act Award while still in school for his work on the Mars Exploration Rover.In this episode, you will discover:Why FP&A platforms often fail to replace spreadsheets for financial modeling.How Runway is addressing the core pains of collaboration, complexity, and data integration.Why flexibility and speed of thought matter more than workflow automation.How Siqi thinks about AI's role in making finance tools more usable and accessible.A remarkable story of how a meme coin helped fund life-saving research for his daughter's brain tumor.Siqi shared his remarkable journey from NASA engineer and tech executive to founder of a finance platform built for modern operators. His experiences across product leadership, startup growth, and personal resilience highlight why tools like Runway are redefining how finance professionals think, plan, and collaborate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to move beyond outdated systems and embrace a more flexible, human-centered approach to financial modeling and decision-making.Follow Siqi:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqic/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/runway/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:48] - Siqi's Background[04:41] - Runway Journey So Far[07:11] - Approachable Finance Tools[14:28] - UX & What Makes Runway Unique[20:26] - Thinking Tool Idea[24:28] - Excel Flexibility Trade-Offs[33:46] - AI as a Financial Exoskeleton[40:21] - The Meme Coin Surprise[44:40] - Wrap-Up
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Alex Holt, the CFO of Milo's Hamburgers, to discuss the intersection of finance, business operations, and growth. Alex shares his journey from public accounting to the food service industry, offering insights into the challenges of managing finance in a family-owned, fast-growing restaurant chain. He also discusses the unique dynamics of budgeting, forecasting, and providing advice for aspiring finance leaders.Alex Holt is the CFO of Milo's Hamburgers, a beloved 23-unit fast-food chain known for its iconic burgers and sweet tea, based in Alabama. With experience as the Executive Vice President of Finance at Capstone Communities and a background in real estate, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in finance, data visualization, and process improvement. He is passionate about making data useful and has a strong focus on enhancing financial operations.Expect to Learn:How the role of FP&A extends beyond reporting to driving business change.The unique challenges of managing finances in a growing, family-owned restaurant chain.The importance of process improvement and documentation when scaling operations.How Alex uses technology to improve efficiency and communication.Key metrics and strategies for managing finance in the restaurant industry, including labor and food costs.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"I use ChatGPT every day for communication, summarizing information, and even Excel formulas. It's a great productivity tool." - Alex Holt"If accounting is reporting what happened, great FP&A is about understanding the why behind the business activities." - Alex Holt"Great FP&A is about pulling insights from what's going on in the business and using that to drive change." - Alex HoltAlex shared valuable insights on what makes a great FP&A professional, the importance of process improvement in a growing company, and how technology can enhance financial operations. His practical advice on managing costs, forecasting, and building consensus provides key takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it's time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Alex:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/holtale/Twitter - https://x.com/holtaleFollow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome John Glasgow, the founder and CEO of Campfire. With backing from Y Combinator and Foundation Capital, Campfire is rethinking the general ledger using AI-powered workflows that streamline accounting and accelerate financial reporting. John shares his journey, his experience with traditional finance systems, and how Campfire is bringing AI to the forefront of finance transformation.John is the founder and CEO of Campfire, a cutting-edge AI-powered ERP platform that redefines how finance teams manage the general ledger. With a career that spans strategic roles in companies like Adobe, Magento Commerce, and Buildcon, John's expertise in finance and corporate development has helped shape his vision for the future of financial reporting. He shares insights on how his career led him to solve the pain points in the finance sector, particularly around outdated software and complex financial processes.Expect to Learn:How AI is transforming finance systems, especially in accounting and financial reporting.The challenges of ERP implementation and how Campfire is tackling them with AI-powered solutions.Insights on getting closer to a “day zero” close and speeding up financial closing cycles.The evolution of the general ledger and how modern ERPs are rethinking traditional finance tools.John offers practical insights and forward-thinking strategies for embracing AI in finance. If outdated systems and slow processes have been holding you back, this episode provides a refreshing look at how AI can drive efficiency and smarter decision-making in finance.Follow John:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Website - https://campfire.ai/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:23] - John's Background[01:34] - $35M Series A Announcement[02:46] - Career Background & Campfire[04:45] - Long-Term Vision & Career Decisions[07:22] - Accelerating Financial Close[12:05] - Modern Ledger vs. Legacy
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Raheli Sasson, the Director of FP&A at JFrog. Raheli shares her expertise on the evolving role of FP&A professionals, discussing the importance of being proactive, clear, collaborative, and continuously learning. She also dives into the challenges of managing cloud hosting costs in a hypergrowth environment and how AI is transforming the finance industry. Raheli discusses the use of AI tools for productivity, forecasting, and machine learning, and provides insights on data storytelling and its impact on decision-making.Raheli Sasson is the Director of FP&A at JFrog, where she partners with executive leadership to deliver financial and operational results. With deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and process automation, Raheli is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to drive efficiency in finance. She has managed budgets exceeding $1 billion and spearheaded global initiatives to integrate AI in finance.Expect to Learn:How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"The ability to present financial data clearly and compellingly is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your FP&A toolbox." - Raheli Sasson"AI is transforming finance, and for me, it's not just about automation. It's about leveraging it to forecast better and make smarter, data-driven decisions." - Raheli Sasson"A great FP&A professional is not just reactive but proactive, anticipating needs before they arise and simplifying complex financial data for everyone." - Raheli SassonRaheli shared key insights on what makes a great FP&A professional, the importance of collaboration in high-growth environments, and how AI is transforming finance. Her practical advice on managing costs, forecasting, and data storytelling provides valuable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it's time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Raheli:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahelisasson/?originalSubdomain=ilCompany - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jfrog-ltd/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com LinkedIn -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome John Glasgow, founder and CEO of Campfire, a modern AI-native ERP system designed for finance teams. The discussion centers on why traditional ERPs are no longer meeting the needs of growing businesses and how Campfire is offering a new solution built with automation and finance-first design. John shares insights from his career in finance and explains how his own challenges inspired the creation of Campfire.John is the founder and CEO of Campfire, an ERP platform developed for mid-sized and enterprise finance teams. With prior roles at Adobe and Invoice2Go, where he led strategic finance and corporate development, John has experienced firsthand the limitations of legacy ERP systems. Campfire, backed by Y Combinator and Foundation Capital, is rethinking the general ledger using AI to accelerate financial reporting, reduce manual work, and help finance professionals focus on strategic insights.In this episode, you will discover:Why companies are replacing legacy ERPs like NetSuite and what they look for in a modern solution.What a modern general ledger looks like, and how AI can support, not replace finance teams.Why finance leaders need systems that enable real-time visibility and decision-making.How strategic accounting is becoming a core part of modern finance.John shared his insightful journey from finance leader to founder, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in modernizing finance through technology. His experiences in building an AI-native ERP, tackling the challenges of traditional systems, and redefining the role of finance offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking to drive efficiency, accuracy, and strategic value in their organizations.Follow John:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Website - https://campfire.ai/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[04:36] - Career Journey & Inspiration[06:35] - From Finance to Founder[10:12] - Day-Zero Close & Real-Time Finance[14:58] - Modern vs. Legacy Ledgers[19:48] - The Case for a New ERP Tool[23:14] - Campfire's AI in Action[28:20] - Key Differences: FP&A vs. Accounting[31:17] - How to Humanize Finance[35:08] - Wrap-Up & Takeaways
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Rohit Divate, to discuss the intersection of finance, operations, and the high-growth startup world. They explore how finance leaders can partner with teams to drive growth while maintaining sustainability, the role of AI in finance, and the importance of communication and trust in leadership. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by finance professionals in high-growth environments and provides actionable insights for those navigating this fast-paced industry.Rohit is a seasoned finance leader with expertise in high-growth SaaS companies. Having raised over $500 million and driven revenue growth from $20 million to over $500 million, Rohit has a deep passion for improving finance team effectiveness and is especially active in the AI space. He currently serves as the head of operations and finance at Sprig, an all-in-one product experience platform.Expect to Learn:How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"You need to build trust with your teams before you can build accountability. It's not about numbers, it's about relationships." - Rohit Divate"AI is going to be a game changer. Right now, we're still figuring out how to use it in finance, but I'm excited for the day it makes me 10x more productive." - Rohit Divate"In early-stage companies, you don't really know what your metrics are yet, but you can always measure improvement." - Rohit DivateRohit shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in finance, particularly those working in high-growth startups. If you're looking to understand the dynamics of scaling a business, driving sustainable growth, and partnering effectively with teams, this episode is for you. Rohit talks about what's worked for him, the challenges he's faced, and the key lessons he's learned throughout his career, offering actionable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.Corporate Finance Institute: You know the numbers. Now it's time to own the story.The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data. Enroll by July 1st and get 40% of this new Certification. Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723Follow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Rohit:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/divate/Twitter - https://x.com/rohitdv8 Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Natalia Toronyi, a finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in financial transformation. The conversation delves into Natalia's impressive journey from navigating life during the collapse of the Soviet Union in Ukraine to leading financial transformations in major global companies. The episode explores how AI is reshaping finance, particularly in the areas of internal audits, treasury, and talent management. Natalia shares insights on the real-world applications of AI in finance, discussing both its potential and challenges.Natalia Toronyi is a finance executive with nearly two decades of experience leading financial transformations across various sectors, particularly in Fortune 500 global industrial manufacturing companies. Known for her problem-solving mindset and focus on data-driven decision-making, Natalia has led numerous automation and digital transformation projects. Her passion for people-first leadership, integrity, and innovation has made her a trusted leader in the finance space.Expect to Learn:How AI is reshaping traditional finance roles, especially in audits and treasury.Why standardized operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial for successful AI implementation.How to evaluate AI tools effectively, focusing on scalability, ROI, and integration with existing systems.The evolving skillsets finance leaders should prioritize in the era of AI.Natalia brings clarity, depth, and a grounded perspective to the conversation around AI in finance. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the speed of technological change or unsure where to begin with AI integration, this episode offers a refreshing take. Her insights are both practical and empowering, showing that transformation starts with well-defined processes and a people-first mindset. Follow Natalia:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliatoronyi/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:59] - Natalia's Journey[05:41] - Generative AI Shift[07:08] - Treasury Insights[09:57] - Audits with AI[12:39] - Documenting SOPs[14:15] - Evaluating Tech
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Sanchez, an expert in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with over 20 years of experience. John, now the managing director of FP&A Group, discusses his journey from accounting to FP&A, the importance of effective communication in finance, and why understanding the business is crucial to delivering great financial analysis. The episode delves into how FP&A professionals can elevate their work beyond spreadsheets by getting involved with business partners and focusing on the bigger picture.John Sanchez brings over 20 years of experience in FP&A and corporate finance. He has worked with world-class organizations such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and AutoNation, and now trains finance professionals through his consulting firm, FP&A Group. With a background in accounting and M&A, John brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to FP&A, including the importance of business acumen and communication skills for financial professionals.Expect to Learn:How great FP&A professionals go beyond Excel to understand the business.The importance of business acumen in making impactful financial decisions.Why communication, especially listening, is crucial in FP&A.Insights on John's career journey from accounting to FP&A.Practical tips for improving communication and networking in finance.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Great FP&A is about getting out of your chair, away from Excel, and interacting with your business partners to understand how the business really works." - John Sanchez"Communication is everything in FP&A. If you're not a good listener, you're going to miss a lot." - John Sanchez"If you're just good at Excel, you'll always be an Excel monkey. You need to understand the business to truly add value." - John SanchezJohn shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in FP&A. If you want to level up in finance or just learn from someone who's been there, this episode is for you. He shares what's worked, what hasn't, and the key lessons he's learned along the way.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fpajohn/ Website: https://thefpagroup.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FPAFastTrack Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com LinkedIn -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Natalia Toronyi, a finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in financial transformation. The conversation delves into Natalia's impressive journey from navigating life during the collapse of the Soviet Union in Ukraine to leading financial transformations in major global companies. The episode explores how AI is reshaping finance, particularly in the areas of internal audits, treasury, and talent management. Natalia shares insights on the real-world applications of AI in finance, discussing both its potential and challenges.Natalia Toronyi is a finance executive with nearly two decades of experience leading financial transformations across various sectors, particularly in Fortune 500 global industrial manufacturing companies. Known for her problem-solving mindset and focus on data-driven decision-making, Natalia has led numerous automation and digital transformation projects. Her passion for people-first leadership, integrity, and innovation has made her a trusted leader in the finance space.In this episode, you will discover:How AI is transforming the finance function, from internal audits to treasury management.The importance of creating well-defined processes and SOPs as AI continues to integrate into business functions.How automation and AI tools can optimize working capital, cash flow forecasting, and financial risk management.The evolving role of talent in the finance industry and how leaders should focus on developing strategic and critical thinking skills.Key considerations when evaluating AI tools for finance teams, including scalability, security, and ROI.Natalia's expertise makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in AI and finance. Her insights on AI in audits, treasury, and talent management offer valuable takeaways for both finance professionals and tech enthusiasts, inspiring new ways to approach decision-making and business processes.Follow Natalia:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliatoronyi/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[03:27] - Natalia's Background[10:09] - Treasury & AI[13:08] - AI in Audits[17:07] - Evaluating AI Tools[24:39] - Talent Development & AI[28:10] - Future of Finance[32:41] - Advice to Younger Self[33:23] - Leadership Across Cultures[35:02] - Episode Wrap-Up
In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Clarke Carter and Landon Cortenbach, two finance professionals who've taken different paths into the world of FP&A and both turned to Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) to level up their skills. They discuss why Excel still dominates the finance world, what separates good FP&A from great, and how to pick the right certification to match your career goals. How Clarke used CFI's FP&A specialization to move from accounting into planning and analysis, and how Landon, a seasoned CFO, turned to CFI's FMVA program to sharpen his modeling and Excel chops after years in senior roles.Clarke Carter is a CPA and CMA working as a senior accountant in the healthcare industry. He supports budgeting and planning and has deep experience with Adaptive Insights and Excel modeling. Landon Cortenbach is a veteran CFO and finance executive who has scaled startups and worked with Fortune 50 companies. With a background in accounting, operations, and enterprise tech, Landon's passion is in financial transformation and continuous learning. He's a CPA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and a big advocate for real-world financial education.Expect to Learn:Why mastering Excel is still foundational in FP&AThe difference between theory and real-world finance trainingHow Power Query can save you hours every weekWhat separates effective FP&A teams from the restHow to choose between certifications like CFA, FMVA, or FPACHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Slow and steady wins. Make time daily to learn, and you'll be amazed where you end up." - Clarke Carter"Power BI and Excel together are unstoppable once you know how to use them." - Clarke Carter"The moment I understood how three-statement models fit together, everything clicked." - Landon CortenbachClarke and Landon bring practical advice, personal stories, and a lot of perspective. If you're looking to level up in FP&A or just want to hear from two people who've learned through doing, this one's for you. They share what worked, what didn't, and what they'd tell anyone trying to move forward in finance.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Landon:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonjcortenbach/Follow Clarke:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarke-carter-cpa-cma-47392180/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.com LinkedIn -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take a deep dive into the latest developments in AI, especially how the technology is transforming the business world, from tools that help with forecasting to the ongoing evolution of AI avatars and agents. They also explore the impact of multimodal models, like OpenAI's multimodal capabilities and Google's recent advancements. From AI-generated images to automated agents, the discussion reveals how AI is quickly becoming a game-changer across industries, including finance, content creation, and customer service.In this episode, you will discover:How multimodal AI models are changing content creation and business operationsThe role of AI-generated avatars in training, presentations, and content productionThe current limitations of AI agents and how businesses are adopting themGoogle's new video AI tools and their impact on content creationHow AI memory is enhancing personalized digital assistants and business processesIn this episode, Paul and Glenn explored how AI is transforming content creation, business operations, and personal assistance. While AI advancements are exciting, they also highlight the current limitations of AI agents. Stay tuned for more as they continue to dive into AI's evolving role in finance and beyond..Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:41] - Welcome to The Episode[05:28] - AI-generated images[08:33] - Google's video AI[13:28] - Multi-step vs. Workflow Agents[17:53] - Persuasion Through Visuals & AI[20:32] - AI: Progress or Rebranding[26:40] - Moore's Law on Steroids[29:55] - AI Models for Clients[39:32] - Closing Thought
In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Paul Lynch, the energetic and straightforward CEO of Centage. They dive into what makes great FP&A in today's world and why so many companies are still stuck with outdated tools and bad habits. From growing startups to leading mature SaaS businesses, Paul shares lessons learned, mistakes made, and why data, not gut instinct, is what really drives success. You'll hear why Excel refuses to die, how sales and finance can (and should) work better together, and why chasing growth without understanding your numbers is a recipe for disaster. Paul Lynch has spent his career leading B2B software companies and helping them scale with better decision-making tools. He's been CEO at Assembla and Import.io, and now heads up Centage, a modern FP&A platform. Originally from Dublin and now living in Texas, Paul brings a mix of humor, experience, and blunt truths about finance, growth, and leadership. He's also a former whiskey salesman in South Africa, a passionate cook, and a lifelong Liverpool fan. Expect to Learn:Why reporting is not just planning should be the core of FP&A.How poor unit economics can quietly destroy your business.Why hiring data people early matters more than sales or recruiters.The lasting dominance of Excel and what that says about innovation.How Paul's early sales career in South Africa shaped his leadership style.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“We need to stop worshipping Excel and start building tools for the next 40 years.” - Paul LynchMany companies chase growth without even knowing if they're making or losing money.” - Paul Lynch“The moment you think you know more than your customer, your business starts to fail.” - Paul LynchPaul brings energy, candor, and real-world perspective to a topic that's often bogged down in spreadsheets and jargon. This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals who want to rethink how they use data, sharpen their business instincts, or learn from someone who's built and led through both booms and busts. If you've ever questioned how to grow responsibly, build a smarter team, or move beyond Excel, Paul's insights will challenge your thinking and leave you with practical takeaways to act on.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Paul Lynch:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulglynch/Website - https://www.centage.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.theFP&A ndaguy.com LinkedIn -
In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Kam Star, a strategic product and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in AI, finance, and digital innovation. Kam shares his unique perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence from early expert systems to today's powerful neural networks and how AI is shaping decision-making in finance and private equity. The discussion discusses the prediction, gamification, motivation, and the future of AI-assisted strategic decisions in business.Kam Star is a visionary in AI and technology, with a rich background blending computer science, psychology, and architecture. He has led significant business growth initiatives, including scaling Blue Prism's product portfolio and founding ventures with revenues exceeding £100 million. Kam holds a PhD in Computer Science and Psychology, alongside advanced studies in AI from MIT, Sloan, and LSE. Passionate about emerging tech, Kam currently focuses on predictive analytics to support better decision-making in private equity-backed companies.In this episode, you will discover:The history and evolution of AI from rule-based expert systems to modern neural networks.How gamification and motivation impact team performance and customer engagement.The role of predictive analytics in supporting strategic business decisions.Challenges and opportunities in democratizing advanced AI tools for mid-market companies.Kam's vision of AI's future impact on decision-making, creativity, and personalization. Kam's expertise and thoughtful insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and finance. His stories about the evolution of technology, combined with practical advice on predictive analytics and gamification, offer valuable takeaways. Whether you're a finance professional or a tech enthusiast, Kam's vision will inspire you to think differently about how AI can transform decision-making. Follow Kam:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamstar/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite - kamstar.netJoin hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[05:48] - Childhood programming story[10:16] - Evolution of AI and expert systems[13:26] - Gamification's role in engagement[19:07] - Predictive analytics focus[22:25] - Cause and effect in decision making[30:46] - Generative AI and creativity[38:22] - Fun rapid-fire: Secret...
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ramya Krishnaganth, founder of Yuvi Consulting and a leader in finance transformation. Ramya brings a thoughtful and practical perspective on how FP&A goes far beyond numbers; it's about understanding the business, working across departments, and making real-world decisions easier. She shares stories from her work helping companies solve messy data problems, improve cost control, and build stronger financial processes.Ramya Krishnaganth is an experienced advisor with a background in cost accounting, financial planning, and enterprise transformations. She holds an executive MBA from Wharton and has helped companies across industries build smarter, more responsive finance functions. Her passion is making data more meaningful and empowering teams to work better together not just through systems, but through clarity, communication, and care.Expect to Learn:Why great FP&A is about being the “nervous system” of a company, not just reporting numbers.How a CFO used one simple metric to drive company-wide cost discipline.Why fixing data issues means looking beyond tech and starting with people and processes.How to build credibility in finance by solving one problem at a time.What it means to approach data with empathy and why it changes how you solve problems.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“You don't always need a new system. Sometimes clarity and better definitions solve the problem.” - Ramya Krishnaganth“Credibility comes when you give people answers they can use, when they need them.” - Ramya Krishnaganth“Transformations aren't about technology alone. They're about making real decisions easier.” - Ramya KrishnaganthRamya brings warmth and wisdom to a topic that often feels technical and dry. This episode is a great listen for finance professionals looking to strengthen their influence, better understand how to approach messy data, or simply hear how someone else has helped real companies tackle hard problems. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by data or unsure where to start, Ramya's insights will give you both a fresh perspective and practical next steps.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Ramya:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramyadurgak/Website - https://uvidconsulting.com/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your CPE...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin CPA, Microsoft MVP, and the creative mind behind the Piggybank Accountant YouTube channel. They get into the real deal behind Microsoft Copilot: what it actually does well, where it's still rough around the edges, and how it's starting to make a difference for people working in Excel every day. David shares how he got recognized by Microsoft, what it's been like behind the scenes, and why he's focused on teaching finance pros to use these tools without losing sight of the basics.David Fortin brings a mix of startup experience, accounting know-how, and a ton of enthusiasm to the conversation. After helping raise $30 million and navigating a successful exit at a SaaS company, he turned his attention to content creation-making Excel and Copilot more approachable through online courses and quick-hit tutorials. He's passionate about helping people understand tools that can save time and make their jobs a little easier, especially in finance.Expect to Learn:What it's like becoming a Microsoft MVP and how David ended up on their radar.The strengths and limits of Copilot in Excel today especially for those new to the tool.Why features like “clean data” and basic Python functionality can be surprisingly useful.How to avoid being overwhelmed by buzzwords and just focus on what works.The value of starting small, staying curious, and being honest about what tech can (and can't) do.David brings clarity, honesty, and a little humor to the conversation around Excel, Copilot, and where these tools are headed. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest features, this episode will help you see how to use what's already available without needing to be an expert. It's a conversation that feels more like advice from a savvy colleague than a tech demo.Follow David:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/Website - https://courses.davidpba.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:11] - Introduction of guest[03:05] - How He Became a Microsoft MVP[06:00] - What Copilot Does Well Right Now[09:46] - “Clean Data” and Smarter Tools in Excel[10:44] - Using Python Without Being a Coder[13:03] - What the Future Could Look Like[14:11] - Cutting Through the AI Hype[17:21] - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Nate Saperia, a seasoned finance professional and founder of his own consulting firm, to explore what great FP&A truly looks like, especially in private equity-backed companies. Nate draws from over 20 years of experience in consulting, corporate finance, and strategic roles, sharing practical insights on how to make KPIs measurable and actionable, the blurred lines between strategic finance and FP&A, and what working in fast-paced PE environments really entails. He also talks about the skills FP&A professionals need today, from mastering Power Query to building effective business partnerships that drive real impact.Nate Saperia is a finance veteran with a background spanning economic consulting, corporate finance at companies like GE and Hess, and advising private equity-backed firms on financial planning and analysis. Recently, Nate launched his own consulting firm, focusing on helping businesses navigate strategic finance challenges and achieve smarter growth. Known for his clear and pragmatic approach, Nate is passionate about helping FP&A professionals elevate their role beyond reporting into true business partnering.Expect to Learn:Why truly great FP&A means understanding the business and enabling better decision-making.How to break down high-level financial goals into clear, measurable, and actionable KPIs.The nuanced difference between traditional FP&A and strategic finance roles.What it's like working in private equity-backed companies, including the heavy reporting demands and rapid pace.The top technical and interpersonal skills FP&A professionals should prioritize now.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“If we had truly clean data, FP&A would be more exciting because we'd spend more time on analysis, less on manual work.” - Nate Saperia“Business partnering is about empathy and understanding others' perspectives, not assuming you have all the answers.” - Nate Saperia“Power Query is the single most important technical skill for FP&A professionals today it solves most data cleansing headaches.” - Nate SaperiaNate delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective on the evolving role of FP&A, especially within private equity-backed companies. He highlights the importance of building actionable KPIs, mastering essential technical skills like Power Query, and developing genuine business partnerships grounded in empathy and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic impact and navigate the fast-paced demands of PE environments.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Nate:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathansaperia/Website -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin, CPA, YouTuber, and 2024 Microsoft MVP, to explore the real-world evolution of Excel, Microsoft Copilot, and how AI is changing the finance landscape. With his signature humor and down-to-earth style, David shares how he transitioned from SaaS finance to teaching Excel online, and why he believes learning should be both practical and fun.David is the creator behind Piggybank Accountant, a fast-growing YouTube channel that teaches Excel and Copilot to accountants and finance professionals. Before diving into content creation full-time, David helped raise $30 million for a SaaS startup and supported its successful exit. Today, he's known for making even the most technical topics feel approachable. Whether he's talking about conditional formatting or Python in Excel, David's mission is simple: help people learn skills that matter in the most engaging way possible.In this episode, you will discover:What it means to be a Microsoft MVP and how it's opened doors in David's career.Why Copilot is ideal for Excel beginners and how it's starting to serve power users too.How finance professionals can actually use Copilot today to save time and improve workflows.Where Copilot shines, where it falls short, and what to expect next.Why David walked away from a corporate role to pursue content full time. David brings fresh energy to conversations around Excel, Copilot, and how technology is changing the way finance professionals work. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about Copilot, looking to up their Excel game, or wondering how to bring creativity into finance. David proves that learning can be entertaining, and still incredibly useful.Follow David:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/Website - https://courses.davidpba.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:07] - Welcome & Introduction[02:04] - Meet David: From CPA to Microsoft MVP[05:00] - What the MVP Journey Has Been Like[08:08] - Copilot in Excel: Where It Is Now[12:33] - New Features and Real Use Cases[17:33] - Sorting Through the AI Hype[21:03] - Using Copilot as a Finance Pro[25:40] - Time-Saving Examples from the Field[29:06] - Thoughts on Prompting and Productivity[36:06] - Excel Meets World of Warcraft[43:12] - Leaving the 9-5
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Wassia Kamon, the Chief Financial Officer at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), about her journey from financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to leading as a CFO. Wassia opens up about the challenges, surprises, and growth she's experienced, particularly in learning to navigate the boardroom and building strategic influence within her organization. Along the way, she shares valuable insights into leadership, trust-building, and why it's essential for finance professionals to expand beyond the numbers.Wassia Kamon is a finance powerhouse with over 15 years of experience across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and nonprofits. As CFO at ACE, a nonprofit lending institution, she plays a key role in providing capital to entrepreneurs. Wassia has also been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by CPA Practice Advisor and is the host of the podcast The Diary of a CFO. She's passionate about helping high-potential finance leaders step into executive roles and shares her expertise through coaching, speaking engagements, and teaching at the Wharton Online Certificate Program.Expect to Learn:How Wassia transitioned from FP&A to CFO and the unexpected challenges she faced along the way.The power of trust and relationships in becoming a key business partner, not just a number cruncher.Why being invited into decision-making conversations early is a game changer for finance teams.What it was really like dealing with the board of directors for the first time as a CFO.How to expand your influence and take a broader view of business to become a true strategic partner.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“In FP&A, it's important to build those relationships early and not just be the person catching up after decisions are made.” - Wassia Kamon“You can't be great at FP&A unless you are in the room where decisions are made. It's about having the trust to influence, not just report.” - Wassia Kamon“Good FP&A is when you're already top of mind to decision makers, and they come to you for input, not the other way around.” - Wassia KamonWassia delivers a powerful perspective on the role of financial leaders and the critical need for stronger relationships, trust-building, and strategic influence in today's business environment. This episode is essential listening for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and business leaders looking to enhance their impact, improve decision-making, and build stronger, more collaborative teams.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Wassia:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wassiakamon/Website -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, veteran finance leader and co-founder of Safe AI, the world's first platform for financial data governance. Ahikam shares how his experience at companies like Intuit led him to build a solution that replaces manual processes with smarter, more reliable financial oversight. He explains how Safe AI connects data across systems like ERP and CRM to catch issues early and automate routine checks. The conversation explores how finance teams can move faster, stay compliant, and trust their data.Ahikam Kaufman is the co-founder and CEO of Safe AI, a platform built to monitor and govern financial data across systems like ERP, CRM, and payroll. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and entrepreneurship, he's seen both the promise and pitfalls of financial operations. From M&A and compliance challenges to launching B2C fintech ventures, Ahikam's career shaped his vision for making financial data easier to manage, review, and trust. At Safe AI, he helps companies replace manual work with smart oversight so teams can close the books faster, avoid errors, and stay ahead of compliance.In this episode, you will discover:What inspired Ahikam to move from finance leadership into founding Safe AIWhy traditional finance teams struggle to govern their own data across systemsHow Safe AI helps companies spot errors, detect fraud, and stay ahead of complianceThe real-world challenges of financial close and how to fix them before they snowballHow finance teams can embrace innovation without giving up controlAhikam Kaufman gave us an inside look at how finance teams can take control of their data and move beyond the manual processes that slow them down. From automating reconciliations to catching issues before close, he showed how Safe AI helps finance professionals work smarter and stay compliant without the last-minute scramble. This episode is a great reminder that true financial leadership isn't just about tracking numbers-it's about building systems that support accuracy, trust, and long-term growth.Follow Ahikam :LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/Website - https://safebooks.ai/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode[00:24] - SXSW and Startup Energy [01:00] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup [03:25]
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Parker Gilbert, CEO and Co-founder of Numeric, to explore the transformation of accounting through smarter tools and processes. From his background in investment banking to leading finance at a startup, Parker shares the inspiration behind Numeric, a platform built specifically to simplify the financial close. Why the financial close is still so manual, how poor tooling can hinder team performance, and what it takes to modernize accounting. Parker discusses the pain points accounting teams face with existing software and explains why Numeric was designed to meet the real-world needs of growing finance teams.Parker Gilbert is the CEO and Co-founder of Numeric, a financial close platform designed to make accounting teams faster, more accurate, and more collaborative. With a background in investment banking and hands-on experience as Head of Finance at Hearth, Parker understands both the strategic and operational challenges finance teams face. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional accounting tools, Parker set out to build Numeric, software purpose-built to simplify and streamline the month-end close.Expect to Learn:Why Parker and his team started Numeric to solve overlooked pain points in accounting.How traditional tools like Excel and legacy ERP systems are failing modern accounting teams.What it means to build software specifically for the financial close process.Why visibility and collaboration are essential in reducing close errors.How Numeric empowers teams to understand what's been done, what's left, and where issues arise.Here are a few quotes from the episode:“The close is this sort of well-understood pain point in accounting, but there's no purpose-built software that helps solve it.” - Parker Gilbert“We believe the best way to build software is to partner really closely with customers.” - Parker Gilbert“Accounting is really about trust, it's about giving your team the confidence that everything is covered.” - Parker GilbertParker delivers a powerful perspective on the role of accounting teams and the urgent need for smarter, more intuitive tools. This episode is essential listening for finance professionals, controllers, and startup leaders looking to improve their close process, enhance accuracy, and make better business decisions. If you're tired of copy-pasting across spreadsheets and guessing what's done, this conversation will inspire you to rethink your accounting stack.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Parker:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-gilbert-99483298/Website - https://www.numeric.io/Follow...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. They dig into what it really takes to run finance at a fast-growing global company. From building systems that can handle international payroll to staying on top of ever-changing rules and regulations, Ahikam shares a behind-the-scenes look at how finance can be a key driver of growth, not just a support function.Ahikam Kaufman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, a platform focused on ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data for organizations. With a strong track record in leadership roles across finance and technology, Ahikam brings deep insight into the challenges companies face in managing financial data at scale. Prior to Safebooks AI, he held key positions in companies like Buildup and ScanModul, giving him a well-rounded view of both startup growth and enterprise needs.In this episode, you will discover:Why paying people in different countries is way more complicated than it soundsHow finance teams can shape a company's strategy-not just track expensesWhat makes Papaya Global stand out in the crowded HR and payroll spaceHow to deal with the endless maze of international tax and labor lawsAdvice for finance pros who want to grow their careers in a changing worldAhikam Kaufman shared practical insights on how messy and unreliable financial data can hinder companies and what it really takes to fix that. Drawing from his experience as Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, he offered a grounded view on why visibility, structure, and accountability in financial operations are crucial for any organization. He emphasized that success starts with clean data and clear systems, not just better dashboards. At the heart of it all: discipline, attention to detail, and building tools that make finance teams stronger.Follow Ahikam:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/Website - https://safebooks.ai/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:53] - Welcome to the episode[02:19] - SXSW and Startup Energy[02:53] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup[03:46] - The Importance of a Strong Foundation[05:40] - Replacing Manual Financial Controls[08:03] - AI-Powered Financial Graphs at SafeBooks[17:10] - Ensuring Compliance with SafeBooks[22:49] - AI's Impact on...
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Anders Liu-Lindberg, a leading expert in business partnering and finance communication. Anders discusses how finance teams can elevate their role from traditional number crunchers to strategic partners within the business. He shares his insights on the importance of effective communication in finance, the value of business partnering, and how FP&A professionals can make a greater impact within their organizations.Anders is the co-founder and partner at the Business Partnering Institute, where he helps finance teams transform into strategic business partners. With over 10 years of experience as a business partner at Maersk, Anders has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create value through finance. He is the co-author of Create Value as a Finance Business Partner and is about to release his new book, Communicating Financials to Executives. He is also a top LinkedIn voice with over 400,000 followers, where he shares valuable content for finance professionals looking to grow their careers and impact.Expect to Learn:How FP&A can go from just reporting numbers to playing a strategic role in the company.The best way to present financial insights so executives can act on them.Why synthesizing data is important for decision-making, and how it's different from just summarizing it.Practical steps to improve communication between finance teams and business leaders.How to build strong relationships with stakeholders, even when they're hesitant to work with finance.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Business partnering isn't about pushing your thoughts on the business; it's about bringing them along." - Anders Liu-Lindberg"The true value of FP&A comes from helping the business translate strategy into actionable plans." - Anders Liu-Lindberg"FP&A should move beyond budgeting and forecasting to become a strategic business partner." - Anders Liu-LindbergAnders Liu-Lindberg provided valuable insights on how finance professionals can become strategic business partners. His advice on communication, synthesizing data, and building relationships offers practical steps for success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a bigger impact in FP&A. The wisdom shared will help professionals thrive in an evolving business environment.Corporate Finance Institute: Master real-world finance skills with CFI's FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_adsFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Andres:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/Anders liulindberg/?originalSubdomain=dkWebsite - https://www.bpidk.org/Follow Paul: Website -
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility.Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He's passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI.In this episode, you will discover:Why Carlos created his own MBA path at Wharton focused on analyticsWhy cash flow forecasting isn't just a finance problem - it's a data problemThe hidden reasons businesses turn to factoring (and why that's risky)How Tesorio uses AI to clean up messy financial dataWhy actionable insights are way more valuable than fancy reportsCarlos Vega gave us a fresh look at why cash flow is so critical and how using AI to clean, structure, and act on financial data can change the way businesses operate. From building smarter forecasts to creating better cash management habits, Carlos showed that real success isn't just about growing fast, it's about being predictable and staying in control.Follow Carlos:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/Website - https://www.tesorio.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode: [00:15] - Guest Intro [01:58] - Innovation and AI MBA [05:51] - Telecom Data Insights [06:41] - MBA as a Career Catalyst [07:19] - From Factoring to Forecasting [09:26] - Cash Flow vs Budgeting Focus [13:48] - Unlocking Cash Flow Insights [15:28] - Three Pillars of Data [17:57] - Final Takeaway
In this special episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Cassie McCombs, Marcus Gadson, and Mario Vasquez. Together, they share their experiences with the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC) credential from the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The guests discuss how earning the FPAC has shaped their careers, the impact it's had on their professional growth, and why this certification is becoming an essential asset for finance professionals.Cassie is the Vice President of FP&A at Ultradent Products, a dental manufacturing company, where she played a key role in building the company's first FP&A team from the ground up. Marcus serves as the Senior Finance Director at Wellpath, a healthcare company, where he is passionate about making finance accessible across all departments. Mario is the Senior Director of Finance at E.W. Scripps Company, brings over 25 years of experience in FP&A. He was part of the first cohort to earn the credential and shares valuable insights on how the certification helped him stand out and advance in his career.Expect to Learn:The impact of continuing education on staying up-to-date in the field of FP&A.The value of the credential and how it can impact your career in FP&A.Key insights on how to prepare for the exam and tips for success.The importance of continuous learning and staying updated in the financial industry.The role of FP&A in driving business strategy and decision-making.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Data is not a four-letter word. It's essential to understanding and improving the business." - Cassie McCombs"If you're not learning, you're going backward. The FPAC credential helps you stay on top of industry trends." - Mario Vasquez"Collaborating with non-finance teams is essential for making an impact as a finance leader." - Marcus GadsonCassie, Marcus, and Mario shared valuable perspectives on the impact of the FPAC credential on their careers and the financial planning and analysis profession. Their advice on the importance of continuous learning, collaboration across departments, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry provides actionable steps for finance professionals seeking to advance their skills and make a greater impact within their organizations. The experiences and wisdom shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of FP&A and drive long-term business success.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Mario:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-vasquez-finance/Follow Marcus:LinkedIn -
In this episode of Careers in Finance, we sit down with Paul Barnhurst—also known as The FP&A Guy—to explore what it means to build a career in Financial Planning & Analysis. From his early days in procurement to leading FP&A functions across multiple companies, Paul shares how the role has evolved into one of the most strategic areas of corporate finance today.If you're exploring a future in FP&A—or wondering how to turn finance experience into something entrepreneurial—this is the episode to tune into.
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility.Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He's passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI.In this episode, you will discover:How Carlos designed a custom MBA in “Innovation Through Analytics”Why cash flow forecasting is more of a data problem than a finance oneThe real reason so many businesses rely on factoring (and what it reveals)How Tesorio uses AI and ML to clean and structure financial dataWhy actionable insights matter more than predictive reportsCarlos Vega shared practical insights on why cash flow is one of the most overlooked-yet critical-parts of running a business. With his background in finance and experience building Tesorio, he brought a real-world perspective to the conversation. He emphasized the importance of understanding where your money is coming from and when, and how small changes can make a big difference. At the heart of it all: clear processes, good habits, and staying on top of the details.Follow Carlos:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/Website - https://www.tesorio.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:28] - Welcome to the Episode[02:54] - Creating a Custom MBA[09:46] - Lessons from a Factoring Business[10:50] - Why People Ignore Cash Flow[12:27] - Building in Panama vs. the U.S.[14:12] - Cash Flow Is a Data Problem[19:21] - Is Cash Flow Forecasting Overlooked?[21:01] - Building Accurate Collection Models[23:53]...
In this special episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Karan Sood, a global pricing expert with over a decade of experience in revenue management and pricing strategies. Karan shares his knowledge on the impact of tariffs on global trade and pricing models. He talks about the complexities of tariffs, offering advice on how businesses can effectively manage the financial implications and adapt their pricing strategies during these uncertain times. Karan discusses the importance of collaboration across departments and creating flexible models that can quickly adjust to changing market conditions.Karan Sood is a global pricing expert and the Director of Sales Operations with a wealth of experience overseeing revenue management for over $6 billion across a wide range of industries. He is passionate about using pricing as a powerful tool to drive profitability and improve business performance. Karan has worked across industries including automotive, digital marketing, consumer goods, and more, developing pricing strategies that create real business value.Expect to Learn:How tariffs impact different industries and pricing strategies.Why a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs is flawed and the importance of tailored strategies.The role of cross-functional collaboration in managing tariff impacts.How to create flexible pricing models that can quickly adjust to shifting market conditions.The importance of transparency with customers when adjusting prices due to tariffs.Here are a few quotes from the episode:"Every industry is different; you can't use the same assumptions for all goods under tariffs." - Karan Sood"Stay calm, don't make decisions too quickly. Information is constantly changing." - Karan Sood"The key to managing tariffs is creating a flexible pricing model that can adapt quickly to new developments." - Karan SoodKaran Sood shared meaningful strategies for managing the complexities of tariffs in today's global trade environment. His advice to stay calm, work collaboratively, and prioritize flexibility in pricing models is invaluable for finance professionals looking to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. By emphasizing the importance of cross-departmental communication and transparency with customers, Karan offers actionable steps that can help businesses succeed in a volatile market.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Karan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soodkaran/?originalSubdomain=caWebsite - https://substack.com/@karansoodFollow Paul: Website -
In this special episode of CFI's FinPod, we're joined by our co-founder Scott Powell and founder of “The FP&A Guy,” Paul Barnhurst, to explore how AI, automation, and evolving skill sets reshape careers in FP&A, capital markets, and investment banking.We discuss how tools like ChatGPT are already changing workflows, why Python and Excel are still essential to your skill set, how to stand out in the hiring process, and what finance professionals need to thrive by 2030.
In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Karan Sood, a global pricing expert with over a decade of experience in revenue management and pricing strategies. Karan shares his knowledge on the impact of tariffs on global trade and pricing models. He talks about the complexities of tariffs, offering advice on how businesses can effectively manage the financial implications and adapt their pricing strategies during these uncertain times. Karan discusses the importance of collaboration across departments and creating flexible models that can quickly adjust to changing market conditions.Karan Sood is a global pricing expert and the Director of Sales Operations with a wealth of experience overseeing revenue management for over $6 billion across a wide range of industries. He is passionate about using pricing as a powerful tool to drive profitability and improve business performance. Karan has worked across industries including automotive, digital marketing, consumer goods, and more, developing pricing strategies that create real business value.Expect to Learn:How tariffs impact different industries and pricing strategies.Why a one-size-fits-all approach to tariffs is flawed and the importance of tailored strategies.The role of cross-functional collaboration in managing tariff impacts.How to create flexible pricing models that can quickly adjust to shifting market conditions.The importance of transparency with customers when adjusting prices due to tariffs.Karan Sood shared meaningful strategies for managing the complexities of tariffs in today's global trade environment. His advice to stay calm, work collaboratively, and prioritize flexibility in pricing models is invaluable for finance professionals looking to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. By emphasizing the importance of cross-departmental communication and transparency with customers, Karan offers actionable steps that can help businesses succeed in a volatile market.Follow Karan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soodkaran/?originalSubdomain=caWebsite - https://substack.com/@karansoodFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:08] - Introduction of Episode[03:05] - Karan's Journey into Pricing[06:45] - The Global Impact of Tariffs[12:05] - Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn't Work[16:00] - Managing the Impact of Tariffs[20:04] - Building Flexible Pricing Models[23:09] - Transparency with Consumers[28:46] - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Strategy[34:34] - Cross-Department Collaboration[39:06] - Book recommended by Karan
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) speaks with Alfredo Kinanga and Jihane Mochamad, two graduates of the Certified Global FP&A Certificate Program (CGFPAC). They share why they chose the program, the key takeaways that shaped their professional growth, and how the course helped them sharpen both technical and soft skills. From business partnering and financial modeling to data storytelling and AI, their experiences offer practical insight for anyone considering an FP&A certification or looking to elevate their career in finance.Alfredo Kinanga is a finance and trade marketing professional with 14+ years of experience in accounting, planning, and commercial finance.He's passionate about driving business growth and using FP&A to connect strategy and execution. Jihane Mochamad is a CPA from Canada with over 10 years in payroll, financial reporting, and budgeting.She works in the senior living industry, focusing on automation and preparing for the future of finance.Expect to Learn:What Alfredo and Jihane gained from the strategy and AI modulesHow financial modeling and data storytelling helped transform their workThe power of co-creation and business partnering in FP&AWhy communication, empathy, and stakeholder relationships are must-have skillsHow the program helped them reconnect with foundational finance knowledgeHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Strategy gave me a big picture view, even from a payroll position.” - Jihane Mochamad“FP&A is about empathy, collaboration, and understanding the business.” - Paul Barnhurst“Data storytelling taught me how to present insights with clarity.” - Alfredo KinangaAlfredo and Jihane brought energy, honesty, and real-life examples to this episode, sharing how the Certified Global FP&A Program helped reshape their careers and perspectives. From strengthening their technical and soft skills to embracing AI and strategy, their stories show what's possible when you invest in your own development and approach FP&A with curiosity and collaboration.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Alfredo:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-kinanga/?trk=org-employees&originalSubdomain=aoFollow Jihane:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jihane-mochamad/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn -
FinPod's 100th Episode: The Future of Finance CareersIn this special episode of CFI's FinPod, we're joined by our co-founder Scott Powell and founder of “The FP&A Guy,” Paul Barnhurst to explore how AI, automation, and evolving skill sets reshape careers in FP&A, capital markets, and investment banking.We discuss how tools like ChatGPT are already changing workflows, why Python and Excel are still essential to your skill set, how to stand out in the hiring process, and what finance professionals need to thrive by 2030. Whether you're breaking into finance or growing your career, this episode covers the trends and tactics that matter most.
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Joyce Li, a CFA, AI strategist, and former investor. Joyce shares her journey from managing multi-billion dollar portfolios to advising businesses on AI strategy and governance. She offers a thoughtful take on how AI is transforming decision-making, the importance of trust in technology, and why being human in a tech-driven world still matters more than ever.Joyce Li is a CFA, board director, AI strategist, and entrepreneur with a background in managing multi-billion dollar investments and advising corporate leaders. With an MBA from Wharton and a master's in computer science, she bridges the worlds of finance and technology. Joyce is a recognized voice in AI and advises companies on how to develop practical, trusted AI strategies for long-term value.Expect to Learn:How Joyce transitioned from finance and investing into AI strategyWhy trust and governance are essential for AI adoptionHow SMBs and large companies can adopt AI more effectivelyTips for building AI readiness in your companyWhy generative AI adoption is moving faster than past tech wavesWhy “human in the loop” matters now more than everJoyce Li brought clarity, experience, and a grounded view on what it really takes to adopt AI in a meaningful way. From building trust and transparency to thinking critically about end goals, her perspective helps bridge the gap between tech hype and business value. Whether you're leading a large company or a growing startup, Joyce's insights make it clear: real AI success starts with the right questions and ends with thoughtful execution.Follow Joyce:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoyceli/Website - https://averanda-ai.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Intro and Guest Welcome[01:04] - Joyce's Shift Into AI[03:46] - Guiding Leaders on AI Strategy[06:42] - Lessons from an AI Startup[09:24] - Trust and AI in Finance[11:07] - Why Governance Matters in AI[12:57] - Replacing Legacy Tech[15:00] - AI Myths in Small Business[16:32] - Enterprise Hesitation with AI[17:58] - Speed of Generative AI Adoption[19:53] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways
In this episode, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) sits down with Dan Cotoia and Anh Tran, two accomplished finance professionals who recently completed the FP&A Certificate Program from Wharton Online in collaboration with Wall Street Prep. They share their reasons for enrolling, how the program supported their career growth, and what aspiring FP&A professionals can expect. From personal career pivots to practical tools and concepts, this conversation offers a clear and relatable look at the value of formal training in today's finance landscape.Dan Cotoia is a Senior Finance Director in the pharmaceutical industry with 18+ years of FP&A experience across commercial finance, R&D, and cost accounting.Anh Tran is a finance professional with a background in investment banking and regulatory finance, recently returning to corporate finance after completing the Wharton FP&A Certificate Program.Expect to Learn:Why Dan and Anh chose the Wharton FP&A Certificate over other programsWhat makes the program stand out, from live interaction to practical contentKey takeaways they applied directly to their jobsHow much time you'll actually spend on the courseworkHow the program supports career transitions and networkingThe role of AI and Power Query in modern FP&A trainingHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The AI module helped me see where FP&A is heading. It's not just Excel anymore.” - Dan Cotoia“It's not just about learning concepts, it's about connecting with others who live FP&A every day.” - Anh TranDan Cotoia and Anh Tran shared honest, practical experiences about completing the Wharton FP&A Certificate Program.Their stories show how structured learning and the right tools can make a real difference in everyday finance work.FP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Dan:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancotoia/Follow Anh:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anh-tran-fpna-ccar-ppnr/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Certificates: FP&A Certificates is where finance professionals go to level up, stand out, and grow their careers. Built by FP&A experts for the FP&A community, this platform features the top certificate programs from Wharton Online, FPAC, CFI, FMI, and more. It's the smartest
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Joyce Li, a seasoned investor, AI strategist, and entrepreneur. Joyce shares her fascinating journey from being a CFA and managing multibillion-dollar investments to transitioning into AI and tech strategy. With nearly two decades of experience, Joyce now helps board directors and business leaders develop AI strategies and governance frameworks. Joyce Li is a seasoned investor, entrepreneur, and AI strategist. With an MBA from Wharton and a master's in Computer Science from the University of Virginia, Joyce has spent almost 20 years managing investments and guiding businesses in technology adoption. She now advises leaders on developing AI strategies and governance frameworks. Joyce also co-founded an AI-powered financial planning platform, where she learned the challenges and opportunities AI can bring to business.In this episode, you will discover:How Joyce's background in finance led her to focus on AIThe real challenges businesses face when adopting AIWhy trust is crucial when introducing AI into decision-makingThe speed at which AI is changing business modelsHow to build a successful AI strategy without getting lost in the techWhy businesses need to focus on their goals before diving into AI toolsJoyce Li shared valuable insights on how AI is transforming business strategy and decision-making. Her experience in both finance and technology has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities businesses face when adopting AI. Trust, transparency, and a clear understanding of business goals are essential when integrating AI into decision-making. Follow Joyce:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoyceli/Website - https://averanda-ai.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:46] - Welcome to the Episode[04:02] - Shifting Focus to AI Strategy[10:52] - Lessons from Co-Founding an AI Platform[12:42] - Building AI with Limited Resources[16:12] - Generative AI and the Future of Robo-Advisors[20:44] - AI's Role in Startup Growth[23:23] - Why Startups Are Winning Big Clients[25:03] - Redesigning Workflows for the Future[32:26] - Why Big Companies Hesitate[38:24] - Describe AI's Personality[42:58] - Wrapping Up the Conversation
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Geoff Robinson, founder of TheInvestmentAnalyst.com and former Managing Director at UBS. Geoff shares his passion for innovation in finance and technology, diving deep into how AI, digital avatars, and automated agents are reshaping the way we learn, invest, and deliver financial advice.Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI's impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions.Expect to Learn:How digital avatars are revolutionizing financial educationWhy traditional institutions struggle with tech adoptionThe power of combining AI agents and personalized contentHow Geoff is building a fully AI-generated financial podcastWhat the future holds for AI in finance, training, and recommendationsIn this episode, Geoff Robinson offers a glimpse into the near future of finance where AI-generated avatars, real-time advisory bots, and metadata-driven recommendations shape how professionals learn and interact with data. His message is clear: those who stay closest to the technology frontier will be the first to innovate, adapt, and lead.Follow Geoff:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofftheinvestmentanalystWebsite - https://theinvestmentanalyst.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[02:12] - Starting the Platform[03:30] - Digital Avatars and AI[05:25] - AI Agents in Action[07:12] - Personalized AI Experiences[08:45] - AI-Generated Podcast[10:53] - Managing AI Risks[11:38] - Favorite Tech Tools[13:18] - AI Recommendations[14:10] - Final Thoughts
In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka the FP&A Guy) welcomes Glenn Snyder, a seasoned FP&A leader with over 20 years of experience. Glenn shares insights on financial planning and analysis, leadership strategies, and building effective business partnerships. He discusses the keys to driving business impact, managing teams, and navigating career growth in FP&A.Glenn Snyder is a Senior Director at Riverrun Consulting, specializing in interim financial leadership. With a career spanning financial services, fintech, SaaS, private equity, and more, he has held leadership roles at Franklin Templeton, Visa, Charles Schwab, and Digital Realty. Glenn is also an author, educator, and board member, passionate about mentoring finance professionals and improving FP&A effectiveness.Expect to Learn:The key elements of great FP&A and how it drives executive decisionsHow to balance company goals with employee career developmentStrategies for building strong business partnerships in FP&AThe role of automation and efficiency in FP&A reporting and analysisHow to successfully transition into a new leadership roleOvercoming resistance from business leaders and earning trust in financeThe importance of storytelling and data visualization in financial reportingHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The best leaders give credit to their teams and create opportunities for them to shine.” - Glenn SnyderYour career growth is your responsibility. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning.” - Glenn Snyder“You don't have to be the smartest person in the room, but you must be the most adaptable.” - Glenn SnyderIn this episode, Glenn Snyder shared his expertise on what makes FP&A impactful, how to lead finance teams, and the importance of strong business partnerships. He emphasized that great FP&A professionals don't just report numbers, they drive decisions, build trust, and continuously improve processes. Being proactive, investing in relationships, and focusing on delivering insights, not just reports, are key. Success in FP&A comes from adapting, influencing, and always adding value.Operator's Guild:Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghSFollow FP&A Tomorrow:Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 Follow Glenn:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFP&A Community Hub: Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals...
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst welcome Geoff Robinson, a financial expert, tech enthusiast, and founder of theinvestmentanalyst.com. Geoff shares his insights on the intersection of AI, financial markets, and digital avatars, discussing how technology is reshaping finance, training, and investment strategies.Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI's impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions.In this episode, you will discover:How AI powered digital avatars are transforming financial educationWhy traditional financial institutions struggle to keep up with tech innovationThe role of AI agents in real time investment advice and analysisHow banks like JP Morgan are integrating AI into their operationsThe ethical and reputational risks of AI generated financial contentIn this episode, Geoff Robinson shared how AI, digital avatars, and automation are transforming finance. He discussed the power of AI driven training and the rise of digital investment advisors. Geoff emphasized the need for finance professionals to embrace technology and adapt quickly. Staying ahead in banking, investing, and education requires leveraging AI tools. Those who innovate will lead the future of the industry.Follow Geoff Robinson:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofftheinvestmentanalystWebsite - https://theinvestmentanalyst.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[01:55] - Introduction to the Episode[06:39] - Innovation Challenges in Finance[10:49] - AI in Financial Training[15:16] - AI Avatars in Advisory Services[19:36] - AI in Investment and Risk[22:19] - AI-Generated Podcasts[26:50] - Managing AI Risks and Reputation[37:08] - Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts[48:55] - Main Takeaway
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk about the latest AI developments impacting the finance and technology sectors. They discuss Perplexity AI's rise, OpenAI's new AI agent pricing, and how finance professionals can leverage cutting-edge AI tools to stay ahead. The growing AI browser wars, with Perplexity challenging Google and Microsoft, and the role of AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now in transforming forecasting and decision-making for finance professionals.In this episode, you will discover:How Perplexity AI is competing with ChatGPT and Gemini in AI-powered searchThe impact of AI-driven networking tools like Boardy on business connectionsOpenAI's AI agent pricing and why some models cost up to $20,000 per monthThe AI browser wars and Perplexity's challenge to Google and MicrosoftHow finance professionals can use AI to enhance efficiency and decision-makingAI is advancing rapidly, and finance leaders must adapt to remain competitive. Whether it's leveraging AI for research, forecasting, or automation, staying informed is key to success in this evolving landscape. As new AI tools emerge, understanding their strengths and limitations will be crucial for making informed decisions. Those who embrace AI early will gain a significant edge in efficiency, strategy, and innovation.Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:32] - Perplexity AI's rise and its impact on AI-powered search[04:19] - Boardy's AI networking tool and its implications for professionals[05:51] - The risks of AI-generated content and best practices for using AI[16:11] - AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now and their impact on forecasting[18:53] - Deep Research AI and how finance professionals can use it [28:52] - Final thoughts on AI adoption in finance
In this episode, Chris joinsFP&A Tomorrow host Paul Barnhurst (a.k.a.The FP&A Guy) to talk about the intersection of finance and GTM. Chris shares his perspective on why most B2B companies get GTM investments wrong, the inefficiencies in traditional marketing measurement, and how CFO's and finance teams can play an incredibly strategic role in driving revenue efficiency.Key topics from this episode:The disconnect between finance and GTM teams—and how to fix itWhy most companies mis-allocate GTM investmentsThe problem with measuring marketing ROI through attribution modelsHow finance can take ownership of GTM efficiencyThe four key stages of a revenue factory and why companies need to rethink pipeline creationThe impact of content strategy on brand awareness, demand generation, and revenue growthWhy finance leaders should actively participate in GTM strategy rather than just measuring its outcomesHow Chris is building Passetto and Refine Labs to solve the GTM efficiency problem–Thanks to our friends at Hatch for producingRevenue Vitals and all of Chris's short-form video and YouTube content. Hatch is a video-first content agency that creates short-form video content, video podcasts, original video series, and YouTube videos for B2B companies. Visit www.hatch.fm to learn more.
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