Podcast appearances and mentions of paul barnhurst

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Josette Ferrer to discuss one of the most overlooked skills in finance: networking. While many finance professionals focus on technical expertise, Josette explains why building genuine relationships is essential for career growth, leadership development, mentorship, and long-term success. Josette Ferrer is the Founder and Managing Director of Clairent Advisors, a valuation and business advisory firm specializing in business and intellectual property valuations. She also serves as President of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is actively involved with organizations including How Women Lead, ProVisors, the American Society of Appraisers, and several executive leadership communities.Expect to Learn:Why networking should start long before you need your next opportunityHow to choose the right networking organizations for your career goalsSimple strategies introverts can use to build meaningful professional relationshipsWhy mentoring and networking naturally go hand in handHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"Networking isn't transactional, it's about giving, helping, and building relationships." - Josette Ferrer"You don't need a title to add value; small gestures can create lasting connections." - Josette FerrerNetworking is a crucial skill for FP&A professionals, enabling stronger relationships, mentorship, and career growth. Starting early and engaging genuinely helps build trust and opportunities over time. Remember, networking is about giving and adding value, not just seeking benefits for yourself.Follow Josette Ferrer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josetteferrer/Follow Glenn Snyder:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsnyder/Earn Your CPE CreditFor CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode:[00:00] – Trailer[04:22] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[12:36] – Choosing the Right Networking Group[21:23] – Why You Should Start Networking Early[27:39] – Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network[33:18] – Networking Strategies for Introverts[41:21] – The Power of Mentorship[52:05] – Final Networking Advice for Finance Professionals

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie, founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and how finance professionals can prepare for the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive and explains why AI is creating both disruption and new opportunities for finance and data professionals.Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, Robert helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of the bestselling Power Pivot and Power BI book and hosts the Raw Data with Rob Collie podcast. His upcoming book, Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business is Easier Than You Think, explores how organizations can make AI practical and accessible.In this episode, you will discover:How Power BI and Power Pivot changed the way organizations use data.Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance and data professionals.Why sitting still with current skills can create career risks.How companies can build AI systems using strong data foundations.Why semantic models are becoming essential for AI adoption.Robert brings decades of experience in business intelligence, analytics, and AI, sharing practical lessons on how finance leaders and data professionals can adapt, learn, and create value in a rapidly changing environment.Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow Robert:Website: https://p3adaptive.com/Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/In Today's Episode:[00:00] – Trailer[00:00] – How AI is changing jobs[02:43] – Robert's Microsoft journey[06:06] – Power BI and Power Pivot impact[11:25] – Leaving Microsoft for P3 Adaptive[15:43] – AI and the future of data work[19:33] – Making AI accessible[25:13] – AI tools and better workflows[31:11] – AI in career planning[33:38] – AI changing finance and consulting[35:16] – Why semantic models matter[38:35] – Building a strong company culture[40:34] – Robert's AI book and future plans

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Albert Lee, FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance profession. Albert shares practical insights from implementing AI in corporate finance, coaching CFOs, and training finance teams on responsible AI adoption.Albert Lee is an FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer with over 13 years of experience helping finance teams embrace AI and automation. He has led FP&A functions across multinational organizations, including Merlin Entertainments and The Cookware Company, driving forecasting, profitability modeling, and process improvements across APAC. Today, Albert coaches CFOs and finance leaders through the AI Finance Club while delivering AI training for global organizations and professional finance communities.Expect to Learn:Why AI should be your finance copilotHow to build trusted AI workflowsWhen to use AI vs. Power QueryBest practices for secure AI adoptionKey skills for the future of FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"A strong analyst using AI becomes much stronger. A weak analyst using AI simply makes mistakes faster." - Albert Lee"The best FP&A professionals don't just explain the numbers, they explain what they mean and what should happen next." – Albert LeeAlbert Lee shares practical insights on using AI to enhance FP&A without sacrificing governance, accuracy, or human judgment. He reminds finance professionals that while AI can dramatically improve productivity, true business value comes from combining the right technology with strong data practices, critical thinking, and trusted business partnerships.Follow Albert:Website - https://axiomfpa.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-lee-fcpa-869478118/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[02:14] – Meet Albert Lee[03:34] – Why Copilot?[05:27] – AI Automation Journey[09:47] – AI Training & Coaching[19:51] – AI Challenges[23:50] – AI Workflows[28:18] – AI Governance[31:23] – AI's Strengths & Limits[39:40] – Career Advice & Wrap-up

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by guest Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to explore why forecasting problems often begin with the data layer. They discuss data plumbing, semantic alignment, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), vibe coding, and how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared definitions to improve forecast quality and analysis.Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity by up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).In this episode, you will discover:How data hygiene and shared definitions improve forecastingWhy unified data alone does not solve business alignment issuesMCP vs semantic layers for reliable analysisThe risks of untested AI-generated analysisWhy AI cost and governance matterAlex explains how QFlow helps companies prepare data, run planning workflows, and turn analysis into board-ready stories.Follow Alex:Website: https://qflow.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/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] – Introduction[02:15] – Data & Forecasting Challenges[06:43] – MCP vs Semantic Layers[09:55] – AI Coding Risks[15:52] – QFlow Data Preparation[18:10] – Planning & Business Insights[20:51] – Closing Thoughts

In this Episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst features returning guest Jack McCullough, founder of the CFO Leadership Council, for a conversation about The Rodman Paradox and what it means for FP&A teams. The discussion explores how specialists can create outsized value, how leaders should recognise them, and how to manage them without turning them into the wrong kind of generalist.Jack McCullough is the founder and president of the CFO Leadership Council, a professional community he built to empower senior financial executives through peer learning and collaboration. Over the course of his career, Jack has served as chief financial officer for twenty-six companies, leading not only finance but also business development, HR, and IT functions.Expect to Learn:Build FP&A teams with the three Cs: communication, curiosity, courage.Rare specialists can outperform broad generalists.Spot true critical specialists vs. those who just seem important.Find hidden influence by who people turn to in crises.Avoid promoting specialists away from their best work.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:You want to encourage a culture of what I call the three Cs, which are communications, curiosity, and courage." – Jack McCullough"The Rodman paradox is there might be people that on the surface seem like they have a limited skillset, but because there are so few people who can do it well, they may actually be more important to your organisational success than executives." – Jack McCulloughJack brings the perspective of a seasoned CFO, author, and adviser who has spent years thinking about financial leadership, specialist talent, and the skills that matter most in modern finance.Follow Jack:Website - https://cfoleadershipcouncil.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmcculloughcfo/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[01:42] – Jack shares the coming book The Rodman Paradox[05:56] – The three Cs for strong FP&A teams[07:27] – Why the book is about specialists, not basketball[13:15] – How to spot a Rodman through influence and crisis[20:19] – Managing specialists through motivation and bureaucracy[30:05] – AI may increase the value of specialists[33:42] – Career advice for future CFOs and FP&A leaders[40:57] – Reflecting on the ultimate interview opportunities[45:57] – Wrap-up

Future Finance host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to unpack why forecasting often breaks down even when teams have plenty of data. The discussion focuses on how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared inputs, improve planning accuracy, and use AI without losing the structure needed for reliable decisions.Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).In this episode, you will discover:Fix data plumbing before system consolidation.Use data dictionaries for consistent definitions.AI helps, but semantic logic is still needed.Vibe coding can create hidden costs if untested.Start with key unanswered questions, then plan solutions.Alex shares lessons from leading finance, operations, and marketing teams at high-growth companies, including what he learned from living the forecast tension on both sides of the table.Follow Alex:Website: https://qflow.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/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] – Trailer[03:44] – Finance-to-marketing journey & QFlow's solution[07:10] – Data plumbing vs. alignment[11:37] – MCPs, AI, and logic layers[14:50] – Risks of vibe coding & maintainability[21:56] – How QFlow handles data, planning, and storytelling[30:57] – Alignment before strategy & reducing fact-hunting[35:39] – Where CFOs/FP&A should start modernizing[44:03] – Closing & sponsor sign-off

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and Founder & CEO of Decision Alpha, to discuss why pricing is one of the biggest drivers of business success. They explore how customer psychology influences pricing, why many companies underprice their products, and how FP&A can play a more strategic role in pricing decisions.Etinosa Agbonlahor is a behavioral economist and pricing strategist who helps businesses improve pricing through behavioral science and customer insights. As Founder & CEO of Decision Alpha, she has advised organizations across the US, Australia, Africa, and the UK on pricing, customer behavior, and growth. She is also the author of How to Talk to Your Parents About Money.Expect to Learn:Why most businesses underprice their productsHow customer psychology influences pricingThe role of FP&A in pricing strategyWhen outcome-based pricing works bestWhy storytelling makes data more impactfulHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"The problem with underpricing is that no one is going to tell you you're underpriced." – Etinosa Agbonlahor"People don't walk around knowing what your product should cost, they infer your value from your price." – Etinosa AgbonlahorEtinosa shares practical strategies for improving pricing through customer research, behavioral economics, and data-driven decision-making. This episode is ideal for FP&A professionals, finance leaders, and business owners looking to build stronger pricing strategies. Follow Etinosa:Website - https://playbook.decisionalpha.co/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/etinosasere/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[05:18] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[06:12] – Why Pricing Drives Business Success [10:03] – Why Businesses Underprice[17:23] – Customer Segmentation[24:02] – FP&A and Pricing[29:28] – Behavioral Pricing Framework[34:12] – AI & Outcome-Based Pricing[46:05] – Data Storytelling[57:02] – Final Advice

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO. They discuss how AI is changing FP&A, why finance teams still need human expertise, and how their platform helps CFOs automate financial analysis while improving decision-making.Nick Jain is a Harvard MBA and former CEO, CFO, and investor with experience at McKinsey, Bain Capital, and multiple high-growth companies. Daniel Settel is a Stanford engineer, Harvard MBA, former investment professional at Primecap Management, and co-founder of a venture secondary marketplace. Together, they founded Eagle Rock CFO to combine technology with fractional CFO services for growing businesses.In this episode, you will discover:How AI can automate FP&A without replacing finance professionalsWhy clean financial data is essential for better analysisThe role of humans in AI-powered finance workflowsHow fractional CFOs can use technology to serve more clientsWhere businesses can uncover hidden value in their financial data AI-powered finance tools are changing how businesses analyze data, but success still depends on combining automation with sound financial judgment. Nick and Daniel share practical insights into how finance leaders can use technology to save time, uncover opportunities, and make better decisions. Follow Nick:Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/Follow Dan:Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/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:[02:24] – Why Eagle Rock CFO Was Founded[04:35] – Building AI for FP&A[09:12] – The Human Role in AI-Powered Finance[10:38] – Why Fractional CFOs Need Better Tools[14:18] – Cleaning Financial Data & Chart of Accounts[16:21] – White-Labeling the Platform[17:17] – Time Savings and Business Impact[19:18] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Alok Ajmera, CEO of Prophix, to explore how AI is reshaping FP&A, financial planning, and enterprise decision-making. Alok explains how modern finance teams are evolving from spreadsheet-heavy workflows to AI-enabled systems, while still relying on structured data, deterministic processes, and human oversight to maintain accuracy and trust in financial outputs.Alok Ajmera is the CEO of Prophix, a leading financial performance management platform helping CFO organizations modernize planning, budgeting, and forecasting. With over 22 years at Prophix, he has supported more than 3,000 finance teams globally in transforming how they close, consolidate, and plan. Alok has led the evolution of FP&A systems from spreadsheet-first to system-first, and now toward AI-enabled finance operations.Expect to Learn:What makes FP&A a true force multiplier inside organizationsHow data stewardship, collaboration, and forecasting define great finance teamsWhy AI must stay deterministic when handling financial calculationsThe difference between probabilistic AI and structured finance systemsHow AI agents support FP&A without replacing financial controlHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"The biggest opportunity is to take inefficient manual workflows and simplify them with AI agents, delivering value quickly while building confidence in the team." – Alok Ajmera"AI democratizes capabilities, but there must be governance and discipline. It's easy to build things, but maintaining them is hard." – Alok AjmeraAlok explains that while AI is transforming FP&A through speed and automation, the core of finance still depends on structured systems, clean data, and human judgment. He emphasizes that the future of finance is a hybrid model where AI enhances productivity while finance leaders maintain control, context, and strategic oversight.Follow Alok:Website - www.prophix.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-ajmera-93896617/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@prophix Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[04:10] – What great FP&A looks like[09:13] – Revenue and qualitative goals[18:38] – Why AI in FP&A needs structure[29:36] – AI in forecasting and planning[33:45] – Risks, governance, and AI sprawl[45:40] – Soft skills in FP&A[49:11] – Travel and personal reflections[51:25] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, to discuss how AI is reshaping FP&A and fractional CFO services. Nick and Dan explain how their AI-powered system combines structured data processing, automation, and financial expertise to help companies analyze complex financial data faster, reduce manual workload, and uncover hidden value in their operations.Dan and Nick are co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, a financial advisory firm helping mid-size businesses grow faster and improve profitability. They combine AI and technology to deliver operational finance insights at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. Both are Harvard Business School graduates, with undergraduate degrees from Stanford and Dartmouth. Dan previously co-founded FinTech company Zanbato and worked as a professional investor at PrimeCap, while Nick has experience in private equity investing and scaling companies across SaaS, footwear, and trucking.In this episode, you will discover:AI works best when paired with structured financial data, not raw inputsWhy deterministic systems still matter alongside AI in finance workflowsHow Eagle Rock's 5-step system improves financial analysis accuracyWhy human oversight is still needed in AI-powered FP&A systemsHow fractional CFOs can save 20–50 hours per month using AI toolsNick and Daniel demonstrate how AI is transforming finance by automating analysis while still relying on structured systems and human judgment. Their approach shows that the future of FP&A is not fully autonomous AI, but a hybrid model where AI enhances decision-making, improves efficiency, and strengthens financial visibility.Follow Nick:Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/Follow Dan:Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/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] – Trailer[04:10] – Founding Eagle Rock CFO[06:21] – Deterministic vs probabilistic systems[07:22] – Why agents are not enough[09:13] – Data compression and structuring[10:13] – Human oversight in AI workflows[14:51] – Data mess in SMB finance[18:38] – White-label and consulting model[22:18] – How to start using AI safely[29:36] – CFO vs CEO vs CIO experience[33:45] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Tim Stallkamp, Senior Managing Director at Riveron, alongside co-host Glenn Snyder. Tim shares insights on interim management and how it is reshaping finance leadership by helping companies fill critical gaps, accelerate value creation, and bring experienced finance leaders into organizations during transition periods.Tim Stallkamp is a Senior Managing Director and the leader of Riveron's Interim Management practice. He is a seasoned turnaround executive who provides interim management and turnaround management services to distressed and under-performing businesses. Tim has led turnarounds as interim chief executive officer (CEO), chief restructuring officer (CRO), chief transformation officer (CTO), and chief financial officer (CFO). Expect to Learn:Why private equity is driving demand for interim finance leadersWhat makes a strong interim FP&A and finance professionalWhy broad, cross-industry experience matters more than narrow expertiseHow interim leaders create value from day oneThe importance of clear scope and alignment in engagementsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"Interim management isn't about replacing people; it's about supplementing leadership to create value faster and help teams reach their full potential." – Tim Stallkamp"The more experiences an individual has across industries and roles, the more effective they are in interim management. Breadth of expertise is key." – Tim StallkampTim explains how interim management is reshaping finance leadership by bringing experienced professionals into organizations during critical transitions. These leaders not only fill gaps but also help improve processes, guide decision-making, and leave companies stronger than before.Follow Tim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-stallkamp-537b0317/Company: https://riveron.com/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] - Trailer[05:06] - What interim management is[07:42] - Why it's growing[09:13] - Value creation in leadership[13:12] - Defining scope clearly[17:58] - Alignment in engagements[26:11] - Types of interim roles[37:14] - Systems vs skills[42:55] - Private equity decision-making[50:42] - Final thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder of Sapien, an AI-native company building systems that understand and act on enterprise financial data. Ron shares how his team is redefining finance operations using AI agents that go beyond dashboards and chatbots to actively analyze, optimise, and recommend actions across business functions. Ron Nachum is the Founder of Sapien, an AI-native platform that helps companies run finance and operations through intelligent systems built on top of ERPs, spreadsheets, and enterprise data. With a background in applied AI research at Harvard, Ron focuses on building systems that turn fragmented financial data into real-time business decisions. In this episode, you will discover:How AI agents are reshaping finance and FP&A workflowsWhy companies need systems that understand their business contextHow Sapien automates reporting, analysis, and decision supportThe importance of guardrails, auditability, and financial structure in AI Ron shows how AI agents are moving finance beyond reporting into real-time decision-making. Sapien blends structure, data, and intelligence to turn complex systems into actionable insights.Follow Ron:Website: https://sapien.ai/newsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/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: [02:35] – Why Ron left Harvard to build Sapien [05:15] – Founding story and early vision [07:46] – Building AI systems for finance [09:13] – From manual workflows to AI automation [10:03] – Evolution of AI agents in finance [11:29] – How AI is changing FP&A roles [12:45] – Guardrails and system design [13:56] – Financial intelligence in AI systems [16:19] – Opinionated vs. flexible AI systems [18:26] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Nicholas Moen, CMA and Director of Finance at Section, an AI software company. Nicholas shares insights on leveraging AI in FP&A to streamline financial modeling, automate workflows, improve decision-making, and build high-performing teams. He discusses practical strategies for training finance teams, balancing human oversight with AI automation, and applying FP&A insights to drive operational impact in enterprise organizations.Nicholas Moen is a CMA and finance leader at Section, where he reinvents finance through AI, helping organizations build AI-powered workflows at scale. Based in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Nicholas specializes in leveraging AI to streamline FP&A processes, automate workflows, and empower finance teams to focus on strategic decision-making.Expect to Learn:How AI frees FP&A teams from manual workAutomating reports, spreadsheets, and workflowsTraining and empowering teams on AI toolsKey FP&A skills: business partnering, listening, and data understandingHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"Context is everything. Using AI to capture meeting insights and key assumptions helps teams make smarter, faster decisions." - Nicholas Moen"A strong FP&A professional understands both data structures and business partnering, skills that AI cannot replace." - Nicholas MoenNicholas Moen demonstrates how AI is reshaping the role of FP&A, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making instead of manual tasks. By leveraging tools like Claude and Lovable, finance professionals can automate workflows, build models faster, and make more informed business decisions.Follow Nicholas:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-moen-320a11106/Substack: https://substack.com/@runningfinanceEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:56] – What great FP&A looks like today[05:14] – Automating spreadsheets with Claude[14:31] – Building micro-apps with Lovable[17:58] – Commission automation[21:26] – Doing analysis on the go[30:12] – Low-hanging AI wins for FP&A[33:58] – Training and knowledge sharing[38:41] – Top soft and technical skills[41:35] – Personal side: music and hobbies[45:53] – How to connect with Nicholas

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder and CEO of Sapien, to discuss how AI agents are transforming financial operations and decision-making for companies. Ron shares how Sapien leverages AI to unify siloed financial data, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden value while enabling employees to focus on strategic work.Ron Nachum is the founder and CEO of Sapien, an AI-native platform that deploys agents to understand and act on messy, siloed data across ERPs, data warehouses, CRMs, and spreadsheets. Ron studied at Harvard, where he focused on computer science, statistics, and applied AI research. He has spent years building AI solutions for finance and operational processes, creating systems that help companies make better, faster decisions and optimize their operations.In this episode, you will discover:AI can unlock value from messy, siloed financial dataSapien's platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisionsHuman oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurabilityTalent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing companyEarly entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovationRon Nachum demonstrates how AI can revolutionize financial operations by turning siloed, messy data into actionable insights. Sapien's platform empowers companies to automate reporting, optimize decisions, and free employees to focus on high-value work. Ron emphasizes that combining AI with governance, configurability, and a talented team creates systems that not only deliver immediate value but also scale strategically.Follow Ron:Website: https://sapien.ai/newsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/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] – Trailer[03:15] – Data-Rich, Analysis-Poor Challenge[06:21] – Harvard & the Leap to Sapien[11:32] – AI Agents in Finance[17:01] – Balancing AI Flexibility & Guardrails[23:19] – Efficient & Secure Data Handling[26:34] – Making Insights Accessible to All Teams[30:45] – Configurability, Forecasting & Learning[38:22] – Real-World Impact & Optimizations[40:25] – Leading Young Teams with Experienced Advisor[46:11] – Early Entrepreneurial Ventures[49:13] – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.Expect to Learn:What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumenHow to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accountingStrategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teamsNavigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders." – Robert Blanding"Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations." – Robert BlandingRobert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.Follow Robert:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[03:55] – Defining Great FP&A[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to discuss how enterprises can govern, manage, and operate AI at scale. Dave shares insights on implementing AI responsibly, tracking ROI, managing risks, and creating an enterprise-wide AI portfolio that drives value while ensuring compliance and governance.Dave Trier leads ModelOp with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years in data science, AI, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, he brings technical expertise and a pragmatic leadership style, helping CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders deploy AI effectively across organizations .In this episode, you will discover:How enterprises can scale AI responsibly and reliablyThe CFO's role in AI oversight and portfolio managementMeasuring AI value through ROI, usage, and internal feedbackDistinctions between AI governance and traditional data governanceImportance of change management and structured AI adoptionDave provides a framework for enterprise AI adoption, emphasizing disciplined management, measurable impact, and alignment with regulatory and operational requirements. This episode is essential for finance and tech leaders looking to integrate AI at scale while ensuring oversight, efficiency, and business value . Follow Dave:Website: https://www.modelop.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/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] – Trailer[02:38] – AI Compliance & Governance Challenges[04:35] – Distinction Between AI & Data Governance[07:28] – Measuring AI Value & ROI[12:41] – Treating AI as a Portfolio of Investments[15:05] – Change Management & Enterprise Adoption[17:39] – Wild West of AI & Need for Rigorous Processes[18:54] – CFO Oversight in AI Implementation[21:00] – Closing Remarks

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Dors to explore how artificial intelligence, particularly Claude, is transforming the future of FP&A. David shares his journey from banking and FP&A into finance transformation, where he now helps finance teams implement AI-powered workflows, automate repetitive processes, and rethink how work gets done in the Office of the CFO. David Dors is a finance transformation consultant and AI educator specializing in helping finance teams adopt Claude, AI agents, and workflow automation. After beginning his career in banking and FP&A, David shifted his focus to helping finance professionals use AI to improve reporting, analysis, forecasting, and decision-making. Through workshops, training programs, and content creation, he teaches finance teams how to build AI-powered systems that save time and allow analysts to focus on higher-value strategic work. Expect to Learn:How AI is changing the future of FP&APractical ways to automate reporting and recurring finance tasksThe difference between Claude Chat, Claude Code, and AI agentsWhy finance professionals should think of AI as a digital teammateKey skills FP&A professionals need in an AI-driven worldHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"Every forecast, variance analysis, or deck you build should help somebody make a different decision." – David Dors"If nothing changed from the analysis you're providing, there's not much value in what you're doing every day." – David DorsDavid explains how finance teams can use AI to eliminate repetitive work, improve efficiency, and spend more time supporting business decisions. He also shares his perspective on the future of FP&A, where professionals will increasingly manage AI agents that handle routine tasks and reporting. non-traditional organizations. Follow Dave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddors/Website: https://vantagepointconsulting.com/ Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[04:13] – Discovering Claude[10:27] – AI Training for Finance Teams[15:19] – Skills & AI Agents[18:13] – AI Productivity Gains[22:23] – Quick AI Wins in FP&A[25:23] – AI Accuracy & Validation[28:29] – Automating Reporting[32:35] – The Future of FP&A[39:01] – Excel Lessons Learned[42:57] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI at scale in enterprises. Dave shares how organizations can manage AI responsibly, measure ROI, and move from scattered pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach. He also discusses the critical role of CFOs in AI oversight, change management, and creating measurable business value from AI initiatives Dave Trier is CEO of ModelOp, leading the company with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years of experience across AI, data science, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, Dave is a patent-holder and trusted partner to CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders. Prior to becoming CEO, he shaped ModelOp's product strategy and held senior roles at Think Big Analytics, Powered by Action, and Accenture Technology Labs. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. In this episode, you will discover:How to industrialize AI delivery across an enterpriseManaging risk, governance, and compliance for AI implementationsMeasuring AI ROI using financial, feedback, and usage metricsThe CFO's role in AI oversight and rationalizing AI investmentsKey lessons for change management and process discipline in AI adoptionDave Trier highlights how enterprises can move from scattered AI pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach that delivers measurable business value. He emphasizes the importance of governance, change management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure AI initiatives succeed. CFOs play a key role in oversight, setting financial parameters, and rationalizing AI investments. Follow Dave:Website: https://www.modelop.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/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] – Trailer[02:07] – Meet Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp[04:57] – ModelOp & AI Governance Explained[06:21] – AI vs Data Governance[08:11] – Evaluating AI ROI for CFOs[13:24] – AI as a Managed Investment Portfolio[16:43] – Change Management & Process Discipline[20:48] – CFO's Role in AI Oversight[27:38] – Tips to Maximize AI ROI[30:16] – Enterprise AI Complexity & Coordination[32:13] – Dave's Journey: Electrical Engineer to AI CEO[35:12] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Dr. Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas, to discuss the unique world of finance in a sports and entertainment organization. Tim shares how he manages FP&A for a fast-growing, multi-team baseball league, balancing operational efficiency with fan engagement, budgeting for multiple teams, and ensuring the internal finance function supports the entire organization's growth.Tim is the CFO of the Savannah Bananas, a wildly innovative and entertaining baseball organization. With experience in public accounting, higher education, and consulting, Tim brings a unique perspective on financial management, teaching, and operational strategy. He has also authored a book for creatives and non-finance professionals on strategic financial management, helping others understand how to transform ideas into sustainable business ventures.Expect to Learn:How FP&A functions in an unconventional sports and entertainment organizationBudgeting and financial planning across multiple teams and eventsManaging risk, contracts, and operational logistics for traveling eventsLessons on aligning finance with organizational growth and fan engagementHow innovative business models and creativity intersect with FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Finance isn't a stumbling block, it's a support function that ensures internal teams can succeed.” – Dr. Tim Naddy“You don't need to be from an area to support a team, you just need to feel the vibe.” – Dr. Tim NaddyDr. Tim Naddy provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing FP&A for the Savannah Bananas, balancing operational efficiency with creative fan engagement. He highlights how finance supports growth across multiple teams and events, ensuring budgets, logistics, and resources are aligned. Listeners gain insights into innovative financial management, practical FP&A strategies, and the importance of adaptability in dynamic, non-traditional organizations.Follow Tim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimnaddy221b/Website: https://www.houndtalint.com/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[05:07] – Bananas Brand Story[08:12] – Teaching & Book[11:14] – CFO Misconceptions[13:14] – FP&A Process & League[18:12] – Revenue & Ticketing[26:00] – Logistics & Operations[32:28] – Team Management[46:51] – Banana Ball Rules[54:42] – FP&A Advice & Closing

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss the company's recent acquisition by Hg Capital. Scott explains how OneStream's unified platform is transforming finance workflows, the role of AI in enterprise finance, and how finance teams are learning to trust and use these advanced tools.Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, with experience in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and leading finance technology transformations at Huron Consulting Group. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after driving strong growth in AI initiatives.In this episode, you will discover:The impact of OneStream going private under Hg CapitalHow unified platforms improve financial planning and reportingAI and machine learning are enhancing forecast accuracy and efficiencyImportance of transparency, traceability, and trust in AI outputsScott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile.Follow Scott:Website: https://www.onestream.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/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] – Guest Intro[01:32] – Acquisition & AI-First Strategy[03:57] – Long-Term Growth Opportunities[05:18] – Scott's Career Journey[08:38] – Need for Unified Platform[10:13] – OneStream Overview[13:29] – Practical Enterprise Impact[17:11] – Unified Platform for AI[21:01] – Agentic AI & High Accuracy

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst chats with Derek Baker, the Head of Strategic Finance at Circle, a growth-stage SaaS company. Derek shares insights from his experience in building strategic finance functions, scaling finance teams, and using AI to optimize financial reporting.Derek Baker is the Head of Strategic Finance at Circle, a growth-stage SaaS company focused on building an all-in-one platform for online communities. He has built the Strategic Finance function from the ground up, covering areas like pricing, sales compensation, investor due diligence, and AI-powered financial reporting. Prior to Circle, Derek co-founded The FP&A Hub with Paul Barnhurst and Liran Edelist to support finance professionals. His career spans FP&A roles across SaaS, marketplace, and biotech startups. Expect to Learn:How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis in FP&A.The role of business partnering in aligning FP&A with strategic decisions.Derek's transition from spreadsheets to AI-driven financial models.How FP&A evolves as companies scale.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Spreadsheets are great for MVP models, but AI and data warehouses are the future for repeatable, scalable analysis.” – Derek Baker“AI can manage context better than prompts, and this is what drives its power in finance.” – Derek BakerDerek shares that the future of FP&A is all about embracing technology and innovation. He emphasizes that it's no longer just about spreadsheets and traditional methods; it's about leveraging AI and data to drive smarter financial decisions. By focusing on both the strategic and technical sides of finance, professionals can better align with business goals and create more impactful outcomes. Follow Derek:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-d-baker/Website: https://community.thefpahub.com/home Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Introduction & Derek's Background[06:00] – What Does Great FP&A Look Like?[12:00] – Scaling Finance Functions in Startups[17:00] – The Role of AI in FP&A[22:00] – Building an AI-Powered Financial Reporting System[28:00] – Why Data Architecture is Key to AI Success[33:00] – The Future of Financial Modeling with AI[40:00] – Automating Monthly Finance Reports Using AI[45:00] – Data Integration and Financial Modeling for Future Growth[50:00] – Insights on Scaling FP&A Teams in Tech Startups[53:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing finance workflows. Ali discusses the limitations of legacy finance systems, the challenges of modern revenue models, and how AI is automating the full contract-to-cash cycle for finance teams.Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology.In this episode, you will discover:How automation is transforming the finance sector, particularly revenue managementThe importance of structured data for effective financial solutionsWhy traditional finance systems struggle with modern revenue modelsHow Tabs is automating billing, collections, and revenue recognitionThis episode provides insights into how automation is reshaping finance, helping businesses manage revenue models and streamline financial tasks. Ali Hussain shares his perspective on simplifying finance workflows and the direction the industry is heading. Follow Ali:Website: https://www.tabs.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform 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:[02:00] – Ali's Background and Tabs' Growth[03:00] – Automation in Finance[05:00] – Agents in Finance Workflows[08:00] – Data Quality in Finance[10:00] – Limitations of LLMs in Finance[12:00] – Agents vs Automation[15:00] – The Future of Finance[17:00] – Managing Usage-Based Pricing[21:00] – Closing Thoughts

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we're here to help. On May 21st, I'll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseIn this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Gabrielle Dolan, a global expert in strategic storytelling, about the power of storytelling in business and how it can transform communication. Gabrielle shares her journey from senior leadership at the National Australia Bank to becoming a bestselling author and storytelling expert. She discusses how storytelling helps finance professionals influence decisions, engage teams, and communicate complex messages effectively.Gabrielle Dolan is a global expert in strategic storytelling and communication, having worked with leaders from companies like Amazon, EY, Uber, and the Obama Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles and storytelling, Gabrielle is the bestselling author of eight books, including her latest Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. She is also the co-host of the podcast Keeping It Real with Jack and Ral, which ranks in Spotify's top 3% most shared podcasts. Expect to Learn:Why storytelling is essential for influencing decisions in finance and business.The impact of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership communication.How AI can enhance storytelling without losing its human touch.Practical tips for finance professionals on how to use stories in presentations.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Storytelling is not about manipulation, it's about authentic communication.” – Gabrielle Dolan“AI can be your creative partner, but don't lose your voice when telling your story.” – Gabrielle DolanGabrielle Dolan shared her invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in business, especially for finance professionals. She highlighted how storytelling is a vital tool for influencing decisions, building connections, and making complex messages more memorable. Gabrielle emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling and explained how AI can enhance the storytelling process without losing the human connection Follow Gabrielle:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/ Podcast Link - https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[03:18] – Gabrielle's Leadership to Storytelling Journey[06:00] – Challenges in Transitioning to Storytelling[10:00] – Storytelling's Role in Business Decisions[13:37] – Why Data Alone Won't Drive Action[17:44] – Finding the Right Story for Your Message[22:10] – Storytelling and Data in Finance[30:14] – The Power of Story Intelligence in Leadership[35:09] – AI's Role in Enhancing Storytelling[40:15] – Rapid Fire Questions[43:00] – Conclusion & Key Takeaways

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss OneStream's recent acquisition by Hg Capital and the exciting changes it brings to the company's approach to finance technology. Scott shares how OneStream's focus on a unified platform is reshaping the finance space, and how integrating smart technology into financial workflows is making a real difference for businesses today.Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, where he leads OneStream's growth and innovation. With a background in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and working at Huron Consulting Group, Scott has a wealth of experience in driving major tech transformations. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after helping the company achieve impressive growth. In this episode, you will discover:What OneStream's acquisition by Hg Capital means for its futureThe benefits of using a unified platform in financeHow automation is improving financial processesThe evolving role of automation in financial planning and decision-makingHow OneStream's tools are helping businesses become more agile and efficientScott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile. Follow Scott:Website: https://www.onestream.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/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[03:00] – OneStream's Acquisition Impact[05:00] – Transition from Public to Private[06:00] – Scott's Career Path[10:00] – What OneStream Does[14:00] – The Power of Unified Platforms[18:00] – Automation in Financial Planning[19:00] – The Rise of Automation[26:00] – Building Trust in Automation[29:00] – Improving Forecast Accuracy[35:00] – The Future of Finance[50:00] – Fun Questions with Scott[55:00] – Closing Thoughts

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we're here to help. On May 21st, I'll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseIn this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Michael Gould, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Kaleidoscope, about his extensive experience in financial planning and modelling. Michael shares insights from his 40+ years in the industry, including his work with Anaplan, and discusses how modern finance teams can break free from the limitations of spreadsheets and legacy systems.Michael Gould is a technology entrepreneur and software engineer with over 40 years of experience in financial planning and modeling systems. After studying Mathematics and Computation at the University of Oxford, Michael co-created Adaytum, a leading business planning platform, and later founded Anaplan, a globally successful enterprise planning platform that became a British tech unicorn. Today, he is the founder of Kaleidoscope, focusing on rethinking financial modeling for modern teams and continuing to pioneer innovations that drive better decision-making in business. .Expect to Learn:The challenges and complexities of modern financial modellingHow Kaleidoscope is helping businesses move beyond spreadsheetsMichael's journey from IBM to Anaplan and now KaleidoscopeThe importance of understanding business processes in financial modellingHow AI is impacting the financial modeling landscapeHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The key to financial modeling is representing the complexity of a business without over-simplifying it.” – Michael Gould“AI is a powerful tool, but it's the data context that drives the real value.” – Michael GouldGlenn explains that career growth in FP&A is no longer about following a fixed path or relying on credentials. It comes from building relationships, gaining real experience, and understanding how the business works. He also highlights that strong professionals go beyond numbers by connecting financial results to real business drivers and supporting better decisions.Follow Michael:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/migould/Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interviewEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[06:00] – Challenges of Multi-Dimensional Modelling[12:00] – Transitioning to Anaplan[15:00] – Kaleidoscope's Mission to Help Small Businesses[21:00] – The Role of AI in Financial Modelling[27:00] – The Future of Financial Modelling[33:00] – Key Learnings from the Entrepreneurial Journey[39:00] – How AI is Changing Financial Decision-Making[45:00] – Overcoming the Data Challenges in Finance[51:00] – Final Thoughts on Innovation and Future Trends in Finance[57:00] – Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing the revenue process for finance teams. Ali discusses how the traditional ERP systems have left revenue management behind, and how Tabs is changing the game by automating the full contract-to-cash cycle. He shares his insights on the complexity of revenue management, AI's role in financial systems, and why understanding the data context is key to success in AI-powered finance tools.Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology.In this episode, you will discover:How AI is transforming revenue management in financeThe importance of data context in AI-powered toolsWhy traditional finance systems fail to address modern revenue modelsHow Tabs automates billing, collections, and revenue recognitionAli Hussain shared invaluable insights into the future of finance, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing revenue management and financial operations. While AI brings immense potential for automation, human judgment remains crucial in making strategic decisions. Follow Ali:Website: https://www.tabs.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform 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] – Trailer[03:00] – Legacy Finance Systems[06:15] – Revenue Management Gaps[09:00] – How Tabs Transforms Finance[12:00] – AI in Billing & Rev Rec[15:30] – Clean Data Importance[19:00] – AI vs Human Judgment[22:30] – The Future of AI[25:00] – Complex Revenue Models[29:00] – AI Challenges in Finance[34:00] – Closing Thoughts on AI

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we're here to help. On May 21st, I'll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseIn this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Glenn Snyder about the current state of FP&A, focusing on career growth, hiring challenges, and how the role continues to evolve. Glenn shares his perspective on why networking matters more than ever in today's job market, how professionals can stand out without relying only on certifications, and what it really takes to move up in FP&A. They also discuss the shift toward strategic partnership, the importance of understanding business drivers, and how leadership and empathy shape long-term successExpect to Learn:Why networking is the most effective way to find opportunitiesHow to stand out in a competitive job marketThe shift of FP&A from reporting to strategic partnershipWhy understanding business drivers is critical in FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"If you can't figure out how to get other people to move with you, your career is not going to go anywhere." — Glenn Snyder“Leadership isn't about telling people what to do, it's about getting them to follow you.” – Glenn SnyderGlenn explains that career growth in FP&A is no longer about following a fixed path or relying on credentials. It comes from building relationships, gaining real experience, and understanding how the business works. He also highlights that strong professionals go beyond numbers by connecting financial results to real business drivers and supporting better decisions.Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/Website: https://www.riveron.comEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:29] – FP&A Education Gap[06:34] – Certifications vs Experience[09:56] – Networking for Jobs[11:22] – Building Personal Brand[12:16] – Volunteering & Experience[17:45] – FP&A as Strategic Partner[22:19] – Finance & Business Roles[24:03] – Empathy in Leadership[29:46] – Career Growth Strategy[33:14] – Leadership vs Execution[38:12] – Drivers & Scenario Planning[44:50] – People Management Lessons[52:44] – Ethics & Transparency

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk with David Ingraham, founder and CEO of HyperPerfect. David explains why AI works best in finance when it is used step by step, with clear context and human review. He also shares why Excel is still central to finance work and how better AI tools can help teams move faster without losing control.David Ingraham is the CEO and founder of HyperPerfect, a financial reporting and accounting platform that integrates powerful AI directly into Excel. With nearly 20 years of experience in private equity, David has worked on deals totaling over $1.5 billion. He is also passionate about educational initiatives, serving as board president of Aim High, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides free summer education to nearly 2,000 students annually.In this episode, you will discover:Why finance teams are still slow to adopt AIWhy context matters when using AI in ExcelWhy AI should be treated like a teammate, not a shortcutHow breaking work into smaller steps leads to better resultsWhere AI helps most in finance todayDavid Ingraham is the founder and CEO of HyperPerfect, a company that brings AI tools into Excel. He spent nearly 20 years in private equity and has worked on deals worth more than $1 billion. He also serves as board president of Aim High, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides free summer education to students.Follow David:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsingraham/Website: https://www.hyperperfect.comFollow 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:[00:22] - David's background[02:49] - What HyperPerfect does[06:01] - Why finance struggles with AI[07:36] - Why context matters[12:23] - What AI agents are good at today[13:08] - Using AI as a partner[17:51] - Building models step by step[19:20] - Productivity gains and closing thoughts

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we're here to help. On May 21st, I'll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una- AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseOnto this weeks episodeIn this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Carolina Lago, founder of Tactic Financial, about the impact of AI on financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Carolina shares her extensive experience in the industry, discusses the power of AI in transforming finance workflows, and explains how AI is amplifying the work of finance professionals rather than replacing them. She delves into her use of AI agents, like Claude, as thinking partners in her work, and gives practical advice for finance teams on leveraging AI for strategic decision-making.Carolina Lago is the founder of Tactic Financial, where she helps FP&A professionals integrate AI into their workflows through hands-on training and practical tools. With over 20 years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and modeling across multiple industries and continents, she brings a unique perspective on how technology can amplify (not replace) the work of finance teams. Expect to Learn:The evolving role of FP&A as a bridge between strategy and operationsHow AI can reduce manual tasks and enhance strategic thinkingThe importance of understanding workflows and processes in FP&A Carolina's approach to using AI as a "thinking partner" to amplify human skillsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:"AI is not going to replace humans; it's going to improve how we work and give us more time for strategic decision-making." - Carolina Lago"The differentiator for companies will be how they use AI to complement human intelligence, not replace it." - Carolina LagoCarolina explains that AI is not here to replace humans but to enhance their capabilities and free up time for strategic decision-making. She also emphasizes that understanding workflows and the human factor will be key in effectively integrating AI into finance roles. Follow Carolina:This week's Guest Carolina has launched a hands-on program for FP&A professionals who want to move from manual processes to AI-powered workflows. Learn to use Claude for FP&A:Course:https://hub.tacticfinancial.com/accelerator?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=acceleratorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:50] – FP&A : Strategy & Operations[06:43] – AI in Reducing Manual Tasks[10:52] – Transforming Finance with AI[14:26] – Learning AI & Human Judgment[19:37] – AI in Finance: Real Applications[25:57] – The Future of AI in FP&A [33:12] – Elevating FP&A with AI[39:45] – Adopting AI in FP&A [45:30] – AI for Better Decision-Making[50:15] – Getting Started with AI[54:05] – Final Thoughts on AI & Collaboration

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by David Ingraham to discuss how AI is transforming the world of finance, particularly in Excel, and why it's essential to treat AI as a partner rather than a tool to simply execute commands. David, the CEO and founder of HyperPerfect, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in the AI-finance intersection, including the importance of context and understanding AI's limitations.David Ingraham is the CEO and founder of HyperPerfect, a financial reporting and accounting platform that integrates powerful AI directly into Excel. With nearly 20 years of experience in private equity, David has worked on deals totaling over $1.5 billion. He is also passionate about educational initiatives, serving as board president of Aim High, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides free summer education to nearly 2,000 students annually.In this episode, you will discover:Why finance professionals are slow to adopt AI despite its potentialHow AI should be treated as a teammate, not a replacementWhy context is everything in AI models, especially in ExcelThe limitations of AI in finance and how to work around themDavid emphasizes that AI isn't a shortcut; it's most effective when used incrementally, with human oversight to ensure accurate results. He also discusses how AI can significantly increase productivity, with an efficiency gain of 15 to 20 times if used properly.Follow David:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsingraham/Website: https://www.hyperperfect.comFollow 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:[02:35] – David Ingraham Background[04:02] – AI in Finance & Accounting for Dummies[05:57] – AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat[07:09] – AI as a Thought Partner[10:01] – Why Finance Teams Struggle with AI[11:51] – Evolution of FP&A[14:30] – RevOps & Finance Alignment[16:41] – AI Use Cases in Finance[19:20] – Agentic AI & Future Direction[22:31] – Process, Data & AI Limitations[28:52] – AI Questions & Closing

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst talks with Bryan McGowan, founder of Alpyne, about what great FP&A looks like, how technical skills can improve finance work, and where AI is actually useful for CFOs and finance teams. Bryan shares how his background in engineering shaped his approach to finance, why he built Alpyne to solve real workflow problems, and how AI can reduce manual work so finance professionals can spend more time on analysis and business partnering.Bryan McGowan is the founder of Alpyne and a CFO with a rare mix of finance and technical skill. After spending a decade leading finance in tech, he launched Alpyne in 2021 to solve a problem he had lived himself: great CFOs were spending too much time on manual work and not enough time on strategic thinking.Expect to Learn:What great FP&A looks like in practiceWhy accounting fundamentals still matterHow coding and data knowledge help finance professionalsWhy Bryan built Alpyne to solve his own CFO workflow problemsHow AI can help save time in finance rolesHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Models are never right, but sometimes they're useful.” - Bryan McGowan“If you can create a structure, if you can provide a framework that allows for supports effective decision making across the organization, I feel like you're doing your job.” - Bryan McGowanBryan explains that FP&A is not about predicting the future perfectly. It is about giving the business a useful framework to make better decisions. He also shares that AI works best when it is used on process-heavy work like cleanup, mapping, reporting, and system workflow.Follow Bryan:Primary Alpyne website: https://getalpyne.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mcgowan-8572644/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:55] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[04:03] – How Bryan Uses AI Today[08:26] – Why Technical Skills Matter in Finance[10:47] – Why Bryan Built Alpyne[14:24] – Using AI in Finance Workflows[17:49] – Building Client Context Into AI Tools[21:44] – Checks, Controls, and Trust in Finance[24:26] – A Real Finance Problem Solved With AI[29:04] – Advice for Finance Professionals Starting With AI[33:12] – What Holds Finance Teams Back From AI[35:31] – The Most Important Skills in FP&A[40:43] – Better Business Partnering and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Josh Schauer to discuss how AI is being adopted in finance and why many teams are still hesitant. They explore the gap between knowing AI is important and actually using it, along with the challenges around data quality, risk, and accuracy expectations.Josh Schauer is the CFO at insightsoftware, where he leads financial strategy and operations. He previously served as SVP of Finance from 2020 to 2024 and led Financial Planning and Consolidation at Longview prior to its acquisition by insightsoftware in 2020. Josh has deep experience in FP&A, consolidation, and finance transformation, and holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.In this episode, you will discover:Why AI should be treated as a teammate, not a replacementHow poor data limits the value of AIPractical ways AI is used in FP&A todayHow AI improves variance analysis and scenario planningWhy finance teams need to become more proactiveJosh highlights that AI is not a shortcut. It works best when built on strong data, clear processes, and a thoughtful approach. While there is pressure to adopt AI, the focus should be on using it in a way that improves decisions without compromising accuracy..Follow Josh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-schauer-51b18b115/Website: https://insightsoftware.com/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:[00:27] – Josh Schauer Background[01:33] – AI in Finance & Accounting for Dummies[04:13] – AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat[05:40] – AI as a Thought Partner[08:06] – Why Finance Teams Struggle with AI[09:46] – Evolution of FP&A[10:53] – RevOps & Finance Alignment[12:32] – Practical AI Use Cases[15:03] – Closing

In this special solo episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst celebrates reaching 100 episodes of the podcast while also reflecting on his broader journey of hosting over 200 FP&A episodes across multiple shows. He shares lessons from his experience in FP&A, career growth, and learning AI, along with what actually matters in the field today. He also shares his thoughts on AI and how it's changing finance workflows, explaining why building repeatable processes matters more than just prompting. He also previews upcoming conversations with professionals already using AI in their day-to-day work.Expect to Learn:What helps FP&A professionals grow beyond technical skillsWhy career paths are rarely linearHow to approach networking in a more effective wayWhy AI is more about processes than promptsHow AI can help save time in finance rolesHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“AI is a magnifier. If you don't know what you're doing, it will magnify that.” - Paul Barnhurst“Technical skills get you your first job, the soft skills get you promoted.” - Paul BarnhurstPaul explains that FP&A is not just about reports and models. It's about understanding the business and working with people. AI can help speed up tasks, but it doesn't replace core skills like financial modeling, data understanding, and communication. If anything, those skills matter more now.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[01:41] – 100 Episodes Milestone[02:36] – What Makes FP&A Professionals Stand Out[03:38] – Career Growth Is Not a Ladder[04:25] – Early Career Struggles After Graduation[05:47] – How to Approach Networking the Right Way[06:37] – Turning Down Offers & Career Decisions[07:28] – Moving into FP&A & Career Shift[09:08] – Learning AI & Current Challenges[10:06] – AI Skills, Courses & Future Focus

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Josh Schauer to explore how AI is being adopted in finance and why many teams are still hesitant. They discuss the gap between understanding AI's importance and actually using it, along with the challenges around data quality, risk, and expectations of accuracy.Josh Schauer is the CFO at insightsoftware, where he leads financial strategy and operations. He previously served as SVP of Finance from 2020 to 2024 and led Financial Planning and Consolidation at Longview before its acquisition by insightsoftware. Josh has extensive experience in FP&A, consolidation, and finance transformation, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.In this episode, you will discover:Why are finance teams slow to adopt AI despite knowing its importanceWhy AI should be treated as a teammate, not a replacementHow poor data and broken processes limit AI's valuePractical use cases for AI in FP&A, including variance analysisHow scenario planning can be done faster using AIJosh emphasizes that AI is not a shortcut. It works best when built on strong data, clear processes, and a thoughtful approach. While the pressure to adopt AI is real, the focus should be on using it in a practical way that improves decision-making and productivity without compromising accuracy.Follow Josh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-schauer-51b18b115/Website: https://insightsoftware.com/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:[01:35] – Josh Schauer Background[03:02] – AI in Finance & Accounting for Dummies[05:57] – AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat[07:09] – AI as a Thought Partner[10:01] – Why Finance Teams Struggle with AI[11:51] – Evolution of FP&A[14:30] – RevOps & Finance Alignment[16:41] – AI Use Cases in Finance[19:20] – Agentic AI & Future Direction[22:31] – Process, Data & AI Limitations[28:52] – AI Questions & Closing

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Josh LaSov to explore how FP&A is evolving with data, BI, and AI. They discuss how finance professionals can move beyond traditional reporting by combining financial and operational data, and why understanding data at a deeper level is now essential. Josh shares how AI is changing analysis, forecasting, and workflows, and how FP&A teams can use it to increase productivity and deliver faster insights.Josh LaSov is an FP&A and data professional with experience in consulting, ERP implementations, and analytics. He has implemented NetSuite and FP&A tools across many companies and previously co-founded Satori Reporting, a BI platform for NetSuite users that was later acquired by private equity. He is now the founder of Causi AI, where he focuses on building AI agents to help finance teams automate analysis, processes, and forecasting.Expect to Learn:What makes FP&A professionals stand out todayWhy combining financial and operational data is criticalHow BI tools expand the role of FP&AHow AI is improving analysis, forecasting, and workflowsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“AI helps you save a lot of time, but the judgment and analysis still need to be done by you.” - Josh LaSov“You can't explain why numbers changed if you don't understand the data behind them.” - Josh LaSovJosh highlights that FP&A is no longer just about building reports or models. The role is shifting toward deeper analysis and faster decision-making. While AI can handle large amounts of data and speed up workflows, the real value still comes from understanding the business and communicating insights clearly.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Josh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-lasov-7897334/Homepage: https://www.cauzzy.ai/AI Agent Marketplace: https://marketplace.cauzzy.ai/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cauzzyAIFollow Glenn:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyderEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:25] – Introducing Josh LaSov[04:59] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[09:52] – Building Satori Reporting[13:19] – BI Tools and Reporting Challenges[16:25] – Introduction to Causi AI[25:05] – AI Agents and Accuracy Challenges[29:22] – How FP&A Should Use AI[36:10] – AI Tech Stack & Future Direction[43:05] – Key Skills for FP&A[46:53] – Get To Know Function

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Shannon Nash to discuss how finance roles are evolving and how AI is changing the way businesses operate. They talk about Shannon's career journey, the importance of understanding operations, and how companies are handling AI at different levels.Shannon Nash is a CPA, attorney, and experienced C-suite leader. She has worked as CFO at companies like Wing, Reputation.com, and Inside Source. She is now a Partner at Alpha AI, focusing on AI governance for executives and boards.In this episode, you will discover:Why career paths are not linear anymoreWhy finance leaders need to understand operationsHow AI is being used across companiesThe gap between AI usage and leadership awarenessWhat CFOs need to manage when it comes to AIKey questions boards should ask about AIAI is becoming part of everyday business, but many companies are still catching up when it comes to managing it properly. Understanding where AI is used and how it's controlled is becoming essential for leaders.Follow Shannon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonknash/Podcast: https://www.noboxesjustverses.com/ 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:[01:03] – Shannon Nash Background[05:54] – Why Switching Careers Is the New Normal[09:00] – Finance Leaders & Operations Mindset[08:33] – From AI Tools to AI Strategy[14:26] – The Challenge of Catching Up with AI[20:00] – How Boards Should Approach AI Oversight

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder are joined by Vikram Bhandari to explore how organizations should approach AI in finance and FP&A. They discuss why most companies fail with AI adoption, the importance of enterprise-wide strategy over siloed tools, and how finance teams can evolve from reporting to forward-looking decision-making. Vikram shares practical insights on AI readiness, forecasting, and how leaders can leverage AI to drive better business outcomes.Vikram is the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Riveron, where he leads AI, digital transformation, and finance modernization initiatives. With nearly 25 years of experience, Vikram works closely with CFOs to transform finance functions through technology. He previously served as the President and CEO of Yantra, a company he founded and led for over 15 years before its acquisition by Riveron.Expect to Learn:Why most AI implementations fail and how to avoid common mistakesThe importance of enterprise AI strategy vs. siloed tool adoptionHow FP&A is evolving into a forward-looking, decision-making functionWhat it takes to prepare your data, processes, and governance for AIHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:The real question is not which AI tool is best, it's whether your finance architecture is ready to absorb AI.” - Vikram BhandariIf you treat AI as a feature, you get incremental gains. If you treat it as a strategy, you get competitive advantage.” - Vikram BhandariVikram emphasizes that AI should be treated as a capability multiplier rather than a shortcut. He highlights the importance of strong data foundations, governance, and enterprise strategy to unlock real value. The episode reinforces that the future of FP&A lies in combining machine intelligence with human judgment to drive better, faster decisions.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Vikram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrambhandari/Company: https://riveron.com/Website: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyderEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:08] – Introducing Vikram Bhandari[03:16] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[05:21] – AI in Finance Today[05:09] – Why Most AI Implementations Fail[11:05] – Enterprise AI Strategy vs. Siloed Tools[15:16] – AI Readiness: Data, Decisions, Governance[17:54] – AI Forecasting: Calibration & Trust[23:14] – Skills Finance Needs in an AI World[34:24] – AI Agents, Excel, and Productivity vs. Strategy[41:40] – Final Advice on AI Strategy[47:52] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Glenn Hopper and special guest Shannon Nash to explore how AI is transforming the role of finance leaders and boardrooms. The conversation dives into AI adoption, governance, and the shift from traditional finance responsibilities to more strategic, decision-driven roles. Shannon Nash is a global C-suite leader, CPA, attorney, and board director with over 30 years of experience across finance, technology, and governance. She is a Partner at Alpha AI, where she helps organizations strengthen AI governance and strategic decision-making. Shannon has served as CFO at companies like Wing, Reputation.com, and Inside Source, and currently sits on multiple boards, including SoFi Bank and NetScout Systems.In this episode, you will discover:Why finance professionals must continuously retool in the age of AIHow AI is changing the role of CFOs and decision-makingThe importance of AI governance at the board levelHow to manage AI investment alongside “AI sprawl.”What key questions boards should be asking about AIAI is rapidly evolving from a tool that supports workflows to one that actively drives decisions. As Shannon highlights, this shift requires stronger governance, better alignment between leadership and operations, and a proactive approach from both CFOs and boards. The future of finance will belong to those who can balance innovation with control and strategy with execution.Follow Shannon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonknash/Podcast: https://www.noboxesjustverses.com/ 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:[02:37] – Shannon Nash Background[04:53] – Career Journey & Non-Linearity[09:00] – Finance Leaders & Operations Mindset[11:44] – AI & Alpha AI[17:47] – AI Across Companies[24:32] – AI Governance & Board Questions[31:31] – AI in Decision-Making[35:26] – Shannon's Podcast[42:22] – AI Questions & Closing

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Vincent Messina and Ilana Esterrich to discuss how organizations should approach ROI and transformation. They dive into why traditional ROI methods often fail, the concept of Return on Change, and how financial leaders can better manage software implementations and drive business outcomes.Vincent is a seasoned enterprise software sales leader with over 25 years of experience. Vincent is currently the Northeast Director of business development at UHY, a CPA firm, and works on advising CFOs through his partnership with UHY. Ilana is the Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio, including accounting, treasury, compliance, and financial planning.Expect to Learn:Why ROI calculations often fail and how Return on Change provides a more effective approach.How to align financial decisions with business outcomes.The evolving role of FP&A professionals in driving decisions beyond traditional reporting.Key strategies for managing change during financial transformations.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The real value comes when technology enables people to do different, more impactful work.” - Vincent Messina“As CFOs, our job is to help guide the organization by providing the right insights for informed decision-making.” - Ilana EsterrichVincent Messina and Ilana Esterrich emphasize the importance of shifting from traditional ROI to Return on Change in financial transformations. They highlight the crucial role of FP&A professionals in driving strategic decisions and managing change effectively.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Vincent:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmessina/Company: https://uhy-us.com/Follow Ilana :LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Ilanaesterrich/Website: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:30] – Introducing Vincent Messina[02:55] – Introducing Ilana Esterrich[05:00] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[08:00] – Why ROI Fails in Transformations[13:00] – Shifting from ROI to Return on Change[19:00] – The Importance of Consensus in Transformation[25:00] – Business Outcomes vs. Software Decisions[30:00] – How to Make Change Work[35:00] – Mindset Shifts in CFOs and FP&A[40:00] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst are joined by John Thomas Foxworthy, the founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS). John discusses the role of augmented intelligence in the future of AI, particularly in finance, and shares his insights from his book The Augmented Intelligence Revolution: How Leaders Win in the AI Century.John Thomas is the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS), a consulting and professional development organization focused on helping organizations successfully implement AI and data science initiatives. He serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer for Fortune 500 companies and teaches AI and machine learning courses at Caltech CTME and UC San Diego Extended Studies.In this episode, you will discover:The role of augmented intelligence in financeHow GIDS helps companies implement AIOvercoming AI adoption challenges and cognitive biasesThe evolution of machine learning and AI terminologyHow AI enhances decision-making and operations in financeJohn highlights how the rapid evolution of AI can create challenges in its adoption, especially within complex industries like finance. The Global Institute of Data Science addresses these issues by focusing on feasibility studies, AI strategy, and tackling cognitive biases, ensuring the successful integration of AI in business operations.Follow John:GIDS: https://gidsco.substack.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thomas-foxworthy-m-s-data-science-1718073/Future Alpha Event: https://www.alphaevents.com/events-futurealphaglobal/agenda-page/filter?_gl=1*1j0347f*[…]ovIhoCWOYQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAomEzrlLzh-epjUJjbfXNnASlChgaFollow 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:[01:50] – John's Background and Expertise[03:11] – The Augmented Intelligence Revolution[05:40] – Machine Learning vs. Augmented Intelligence[08:45] – The Global Institute of Data Science[11:04] – Feasibility Studies in AI Projects[15:17] – Managing AI Expectations[17:18] – Closing Thoughts and Book Release

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Jeff Greenfield, an entrepreneur, advisor, and founder of Provalytics, a leading attribution and measurement solution. Jeff discusses marketing attribution, the challenges marketers face in proving the impact of their campaigns, and the evolving role of FP&A in understanding marketing spend. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building an SEO platform to leading Provalytics in providing marketers with a single source of truth for their efforts.Jeff Greenfield is the co-founder and CEO of Provalytics, a "cookie-less" attribution solution that helps marketers demonstrate the value of upper-funnel channels like CTV, podcasting, and more. Before founding Provalytics, Jeff built and led multiple digital marketing companies, pioneering the use of data-driven approaches to improve marketing performance.Expect to Learn:The challenges marketers face in proving campaign ROI and how to overcome themWhy FP&A professionals should understand marketing's data modelsHow marketers and finance teams can align on data-driven goalsHow to ensure marketing budgets are being spent effectivelyHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“A great FP&A relationship is when marketing can demonstrate that their efforts are working and walk away with the budget they need.” – Jeff Greenfield“It's important to understand that marketing is not just about clicks, it's about capturing attention.” – Jeff GreenfieldJeff Greenfield shared valuable insights on the challenges of marketing attribution and how finance teams can collaborate with marketing to ensure efficient budget allocation. He emphasized the importance of understanding marketing data and aligning on a common measurement framework for better decision-making.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Jeff:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/Company: https://provalytics.com/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:40] – Jeff's Background[03:33] – What Does Great FP&A Look Like?[08:21] – Measuring Revenue from Podcasts[11:25] – From Chiropractic to Marketing[15:10] – Founding Provalytics: Marketing Attribution[18:48] – The Google Tax in Attribution[29:46] – Why Google Isn't Enough Anymore[37:49] – AI and Podcast ROI[41:07] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A[48:00] – Last Questions & Final thought

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how leaders can cut through the hype around artificial intelligence and focus on real-world impact. The conversation dives into why so many AI initiatives fail, how cognitive biases affect AI adoption, and why finance professionals must learn to ask better questions before deploying models. John Thomas is the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS), a consulting and professional development organization focused on helping organizations successfully implement AI and data science initiatives. He serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer for Fortune 500 companies and teaches AI and machine learning courses at Caltech CTME and UC San Diego Extended Studies.In this episode, you will discover:Why 85% of AI projects fail and how to avoid The difference between AI hype and real implementationHow augmented intelligence improves human decision-makingWhy asking the right questions about AI models matters mostHow AI can help with risk analysis and financial decision-makingThis episode highlights that successful AI adoption is not about chasing the latest technology trends but about asking better questions, understanding assumptions, and focusing on real business problems. As AI continues to evolve, finance leaders who combine human judgment with intelligent systems will be best positioned to turn AI from hype into measurable results.Follow John:GIDS: https://gidsco.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thomas-foxworthy-m-s-data-science-1718073/Future Alpha Event: https://www.alphaevents.com/events-futurealphaglobal/agenda-page/filter?_gl=1*1j0347f*[…]ovIhoCWOYQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAomEzrlLzh-epjUJjbfXNnASlChgaFollow 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:[03:05] – Meet John Thomas[04:11] – Augmented intelligence explained[11:21] – Global Institute of Data Science[15:18] – Why AI projects fail[21:29] – Understanding AI models[24:45] – AI in portfolio risk analysis[30:16] – Best advice for finance leaders[32:15] – Rapid-fire questions & wrap-up

In this episode, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Nick Desbarats, a data visualisation expert, bestselling author, and independent educator, to discuss data visualisation. Nick talks about the skills needed to create effective charts, how to avoid common mistakes, and the importance of understanding the "job" of a chart. He shares his journey from software executive to becoming an authority in the field and explains why the true skill of visualising data goes beyond knowing the software.Nick is the author of Practical Charts (Amazon #1 New Release) and the upcoming Practical Dashboards. He has taught thousands of professionals globally, including teams at NASA, Bloomberg, Visa, the United Nations, Shopify, and more. He is also the first educator authorised by Stephen Few to teach his foundational data visualisation workshops.Expect to Learn:Why understanding the "job" of a chart is more important than the data itselfThe key skills needed for creating effective chartsCommon mistakes in data visualisation and how to avoid themWhy empathy for your audience is crucial when designing visualsHow to decide when to use default charts vs. creating custom visualsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The real job of a chart is to serve people, not the software.” – Nick Desbarats“Data visualisation is not about the tool, it's about the message you want to convey.” – Nick DesbaratsNick Desbarats shared valuable insights on creating effective data visualisations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose behind each chart. He highlighted key skills, common mistakes, and the need for empathy with your audience.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Nick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdesbarats/Company: https://www.practicalreporting.com/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[03:33] – Nick's Background[05:32] – Key Skills for Data Visualisation Experts[09:50] – Executive to Data Viz Educator[12:35] – Book Recommendations[19:35] – Moving Beyond “It Depends”[26:08] – Common Finance Chart Mistakes[34:13] – The Pie Chart Dilemma[37:54] – AI in Data Visualisation[45:56] – Chart Type Selection Skills[58:30] – Final Wrap-up

In this highlights episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper chat with Riya Grover about how AI is transforming order-to-cash workflows. Riya shares insights into billing automation, revenue operations, and the evolving role of finance teams. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of Sequence, the first agentic AR platform, which is revolutionizing B2B pricing and contracts.Riya Grover is the Co-founder and CEO of Sequence, an AI platform automating accounts receivable for B2B companies. Backed by a16z with $40M raised, Sequence streamlines quoting, billing, invoicing, and revenue recognition. Before Sequence, Riya founded Feedr, a venture-backed company acquired by Compass Group in 2020. She holds an MBA from Harvard and a BA from Oxford University.In this episode, you will discover:The role of AI in automating order-to-cash workflowsHow Sequence helps B2B companies with custom pricing and revenue operationsInsights into building and scaling a venture-backed companyWhy talent density is key to scaling businessesRiya explains how complex contracts, usage-based pricing, and custom deal structures create massive billing challenges for growing companies. Sequence solves this by combining deterministic billing foundations with AI-powered workflow agents.Follow Riya:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riya-grover-a22a4822/Website: https://www.sequencehq.com/Sequence Series A Fundraising: AnnouncementFollow 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:[00:26] – Riya's background[04:05] – Challenges of a Two-Sided Marketplace[05:57] – Building Sequence: AI for AR[10:00] – Human Oversight vs. AI Automation[12:52] – Revolutionizing Billing & Invoicing[14:18] – Defining Workflow Rules for AI[19:23] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder are joined by HR leaders Cynthia Kenny and Deborah Hill to discuss the important partnership between HR and FP&A. They explore how aligning goals across departments can drive organizational success, share personal stories about career development, and highlight the importance of trust and collaboration.Cynthia Kenny is a CHRO and C-suite partner with over 30 years of experience in human resources, focusing on change management and organizational transformation. Deborah Hill is an HR leader with over 10 years of experience leading HR teams in tech-focused and tech-enabled companies. She specializes in building culture and driving talent initiatives, and has managed businesses with revenues ranging from $400M to $5B.Expect to Learn:How HR and FP&A can partner to drive organizational successThe importance of aligning company, team, and individual goalsBest practices for goal-setting and performance managementWhy flexibility is important when managing goals throughout the yearHow to build trust and collaboration between HR and FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Great FP&A is about turning financial data into actionable insights for business leaders.” - Deborah Hill“Real success happens when HR and FP&A work together, understanding each other's worlds and creating synergy.” - Cynthia KennyCynthia Kenny and Deborah Hill provided valuable insights on the critical partnership between HR and FP&A, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals across departments to drive organizational success. They discussed how clear, actionable goals can lead to better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and improved business outcomes.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Deborah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hill-8a24771/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-tire-distributors/Follow Cynthia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiakennymaccp/Company:

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Riya Grover to explore how AI is transforming order-to-cash workflows. The conversation explores billing automation, revenue operations, and the evolving role of finance teams. Riya shares her entrepreneurial journey and how Sequence is building the first agentic AR platform. This episode is packed with practical insights for modern finance leaders navigating AI adoption.Riya Grover is the Co-founder and CEO at Sequence. Sequence, backed by a16z with $40M raised, is building the first agentic platform for accounts receivable. The company helps B2B businesses automate quoting, billing, invoicing, and revenue recognition, especially for complex pricing and custom contracts. Prior to Sequence, Riya founded Feedr, a venture-backed company that exited to Compass Group in 2020. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics and Management from Oxford University.In this episode, you will discover:Why building a two-sided marketplace is incredibly difficultHow modern B2B pricing models break traditional billing systemsThe difference between deterministic systems and generative AI in financeWhy human-in-the-loop design is critical for financial AI agentsWhat the future finance tech stack will look like in the next five yearsRiya explains how complex contracts, usage-based pricing, and custom deal structures create massive billing challenges for growing companies. Sequence solves this by combining deterministic billing foundations with AI-powered workflow agents. The discussion highlights where AI should and should not be used in finance operations. Trust, auditability, and human oversight remain central to successful AI implementation.Follow Riya:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riya-grover-a22a4822/Website: https://www.sequencehq.com/Sequence Series A Fundraising: AnnouncementFollow 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...

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Rey del Valle to discuss what it really takes to move from reporting the business to steering it. Rey shares lessons from more than 25 years across media, entertainment, ecommerce, and fintech, explaining why curiosity, collaboration, and driver-based modeling are essential to effective finance leadership.Rey del Valle is a strategic CFO with deep roots in FP&A, having built his career at organizations such as FedEx, Norwegian Cruise Line, MTV Networks, and The Walt Disney Company. He has since served as CFO and advisor for companies including Ticketmaster, AXS, Guitar Center, OpenX, and several entertainment-focused fintech platforms.Expect to Learn:What great FP&A looks like beyond spreadsheets and reportingThe biggest mindset shift required when moving from FP&A to CFOWhy curiosity and operational understanding matter in financeHow collaboration plays a key role in successful turnaroundsHow benchmarks and driver-based models uncover opportunitiesHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“FP&A is about taking data and turning it into actionable insight so the business can actually do something with it.” - Rey del Valle“Our role in finance is not to look at numbers for their own sake, it is to help the company make better decisions.” - Rey del ValleRey shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can become stronger strategic partners by understanding business drivers, building models that support decision-making, and working closely with operations. He emphasizes that finance leaders create the most value when they listen first, stay curious, and help teams translate strategy into execution, especially during periods of change.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Rey:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reydelvalle/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/everestadvisorsllc/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's...

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss their latest experiences in the finance world. They explore how tools like Claude and Copilot are transforming workflows, and Glenn shares how he tackled personal finance challenges, from tracking expenses to handling journal entries. Glenn also highlights a real-world example of using these tools for bookkeeping and expense tracking, giving listeners insights into how these technologies can streamline financial tasks.In this episode, you will discover:How tools are changing workflows in finance and accountingReal-world use of tools for bookkeeping and expense trackingThe speed of technology development and its impact on financial tasksHow small businesses can leverage Excel for planning and reportingThe challenges and benefits of using financial assistants for business workflowsPaul and Glenn discuss how tools like Claude and Copilot are transforming finance workflows, saving time, and improving efficiency. The future of finance is evolving rapidly, and businesses of all sizes should embrace these innovations to stay ahead.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:[00:45] – Glenn's Recent AI Breakthroughs[02:24] – Frustration with ChatGPT & Switching to Claude[04:22] – Using Claude for Personal Finance[07:00] – Organizing Expenses & Journal Entries[09:45] – Claude's Role in Financial Workflow Automation[11:15] – Copilot vs. Claude: A Quick Comparison[14:00] – AI's Influence on Financial Planning Tools[16:45] – Rapid AI Advancements and Global Competition[19:15] – Closing Thoughts & Final Remarks

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Aswin Saravanan, VP of Finance at Qualtrics, to explore what it really takes for FP&A teams to move from insight to action. Aswin shares why trust is the foundation of strategic finance, how culture and vision enable better decision making, and why simplicity in financial modeling often delivers the greatest impactAswin is a strategic finance leader with over a decade of experience across global technology companies. He specializes in connecting strategy to execution and helping finance drive business outcomes. Currently the VP of Finance at Qualtrics, he brings deep expertise across corporate, product, and go-to-market finance. He has previously held leadership roles at Microsoft and HubSpot.Expect to LearnWhat great FP&A looks like as a strategic business partnerWhy is trust required to move from insight to actionHow culture and vision shape high-performing FP&A teamsThe importance of simple financial models over complex onesHow FP&A teams create strategic value that influences the futureHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Taking something from insight to action requires trust. Without trust, nothing really moves.” - Aswin Saravanan“Great FP&A is when the team can be a proactive strategic partner and actually change the trajectory of the company.”- Aswin SaravananAswin Saravanan shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can move from reporting to truly influencing business outcomes. By building trust, setting a clear vision, and keeping financial models simple, finance leaders can turn insight into action. The conversation reinforces that strategic value comes from helping the business make better decisions about the future.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Aswin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aswinsaravanan/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualtrics/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In...

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ned Harding - a true pioneer in the data analytics space - to talk about why most data tools still don't meet the needs of today's collaborative teams. From building Alteryx from the ground up to launching a new venture (Enso Analytics), Ned shares his take on what's broken in data workflows and how FP&A teams can fix it.Ned Harding is the Chief Product Officer at Enso Analytics, a platform that helped define the self-service analytics category. He started coding at eight years old, taught himself from PDP-11 manuals, and has spent the last two decades creating tools used by hundreds of thousands of analysts worldwide. He's a product guy through and through, and he's on a mission to help teams work smarter with their data.Expect to Learn:Why most data tools fall short when it comes to real team collaborationThe importance of repeatability and testing in FP&A workflowsHow to avoid common pitfalls with AI and overfitting in forecastingWhy Excel is both a lifesaver - and a landmineHow to build a true “culture of analytics” across your entire orgHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The biggest successes happen when teams collaborate - analytics shouldn't be a solo act.”- Ned Harding“If your team's not getting value from your data work, you're not doing your job.”- Ned HardingNed shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can become strategic partners by embracing collaborative, repeatable analytics. He emphasizes the value of integrating data across teams, avoiding AI pitfalls, and applying the scientific method to drive consistent, data-informed decision-making.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Ned:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-harding-34a57526/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/enso-analytics/Website - https://ensoanalytics.comEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul...