The FP&A Guy Network

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 Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Brian Jones, Vice-President: Microsoft Excel, Forms, Office Platforms, to discuss how Excel is evolving in the era of AI and large language models. They explore how Copilot, agent mode, and AI-driven features are reshaping how professionals build, analyse, and improve spreadsheets. Brian also shares insights into how AI can assist financial modelers, automate tedious spreadsheet tasks, and help users understand complex workbooks faster.Brian Jones is the Vice-President: Microsoft Excel, Forms. He has worked at Microsoft since 1999 across several productivity platforms, including Word, Office Forms, and developer extensibility tools. In his current role, Brian leads the Excel product team as they integrate AI capabilities like Copilot and agent mode to expand what users can accomplish inside spreadsheets.Expect to LearnHow AI and Copilot are changing the Excel user experienceWhat “agent mode” means for automating spreadsheet tasksHow AI can help analyse and improve financial modelsWhy Excel still requires strong modeling and formula knowledgeHow skill sheets and templates can guide AI inside workbooksHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Excel really is like a developer tool. When you're writing formulas, you're essentially coding.” – Brian Jones“One of the strengths of Excel is that the work is visible. You can see the formulas, the logic, and how the result was produced.” – Brian JonesBrian explains how AI is transforming Excel from a traditional spreadsheet tool into a more collaborative environment where users can interact with their data through conversation. Copilot can analyse spreadsheets, suggest formulas, correct errors, and even rebuild broken references automatically.Follow Brian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijones/Website: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/brian_jones/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.In today’s episode:[02:53] – Brian’s Background at Microsoft[03:09] – Returning to the Excel Team[04:24] – The Rise of AI and LLMs in Excel[07:08] – Customer Questions About Copilot[10:39] – AI Rollouts and Product Updates[12:03] – How modelers Are Using Excel AI[17:52] – What Skill Sheets Are and Why They Matter[23:07] – Power Query and Excel Programming Languages[30:51] – Do We Still Need to Learn Formulas[36:07] – Getting the Most Out of Copilot[38:40] – Favorite Excel Shortcut and Functions[41:31] – Where to Follow Brian

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 of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Amber Johnson to discuss forecasting, financial modeling, and how operational decisions impact financial outcomes. They explore the connection between logistics forecasting and financial forecasting, the importance of tracking forecast accuracy and bias, and how small operational issues can create large financial impacts. Amber also shares lessons from her experience working with data, forecasting demand, and helping businesses improve their systems and decision-making.Amber Johnson is a fractional industrial engineer and the founder of Peachy Profitability, where she helps teams work smarter through process improvement, data storytelling, and automation. She began her career as a “beer psychic,” forecasting demand at Anheuser-Busch, and has since built logistics networks, optimized warehouse flows, and guided businesses through transformational change. Amber is also the creator of Office Hours with Amber, a weekly livestream that encourages continuous improvement with curiosity and confidence.Expect to LearnHow logistics forecasting connects to financial forecastingWhy forecast accuracy and bias matter in decision-makingHow operational drivers influence financial resultsWays finance, sales, and logistics teams can align betterHow Excel and data analysis support forecasting and planningHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Sometimes the smallest operational issue becomes the biggest financial problem later.” – Amber Johnson“Good forecasting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about learning and adjusting.” – Amber JohnsonAmber Johnson shared practical insights on forecasting, operational drivers, and financial modeling. She highlighted how understanding logistics and operational data can improve financial decisions and help businesses plan more effectively.Follow Amber:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambernjohnsonwmu/Website: https://peachyprofitability.com/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.In today’s episode:[02:23] – Amber’s Background[08:21] – Founding Peachy Profitability[10:38] – Learning Excel and Forecasting[15:37] – Logistics vs Financial Forecasting[18:59] – Forecast Accuracy and Bias[23:59] – Finance vs Logistics Perspectives[31:41] – Aligning Teams Around Goals[36:07] – Favourite Excel Shortcuts[37:46] – Rapid Fire: modeling Opinions[44:39] – Where to Find Amber

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 Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Nick Boberg, a financial modeler and consultant based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Paul and Nick explore the essentials of building well-structured, effective financial models. They discuss Nick’s approach to simplicity and consistency, the importance of clarity in model design, and the role of competition in refining one’s Excel and modeling skills. Nick is a financial modeler and the co-founder of Boberg Advisory, a consultancy that specializes in providing financial modeling services to SMEs. With extensive experience as Finance Director at Anglesea Hospital and Associate Director at PwC, Nick has built and reviewed hundreds of models, many focused on cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and management reporting. He is also an accomplished competitor in the Financial Modeling World Cup and the Microsoft Excel World Championships, where he has achieved finalist and semifinalist placements.Expect to LearnWhy structure and consistency are key in financial modelingThe role of simplicity in building modelsInsights from Nick’s competitive modeling careerHow to balance technical expertise with user-friendly designHere are a few quotes from the episode:"The beauty of financial modeling lies in its simplicity. If you can make a model both functional and easy to follow, you've mastered it." - Nick Boberg"Consistency in formatting is key. A model that looks clean and well-structured builds trust with the user, especially when it's used for important decision-making." - Nick BobergNick shares that the core of building great financial models lies in structure and simplicity. He emphasizes the importance of creating models that are not only accurate but also easy to follow and understand. Whether in competition or in client work, Nick highlights that clear, well-structured models make a real difference in their effectiveness and usability.Follow Nick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickboberg/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boberg-advisory/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [03:30] – Worst Modeling Experience[08:08] – Running Boberg Advisory[12:11] – Competing in Excel Championships[17:42] – Importance of Structure[20:00] – Risks of Complex Formulas[23:20] – Avoiding Hard Codes[27:13] – Building "Pretty" Models[30:10] – Dynamic Arrays in modeling[36:05] – Rapid fire Section[40:54] – Last Question & Wrap up

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: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunland-asphalt/Follow Glenn:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyderEarn 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[05:44] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[10:07] – COVID Finance & HR Decisions[16:55] – Hiring, Headcount & Data Issues[23:49] – HRIS, ERP & Source of Truth[27:29] – Aligning Corporate & Individual Goals[36:07] – Flexible Performance Management[47:56] – Effective Goal-Setting Practices[59:17] – Final Takeaways & Career Growth

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 and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode: [02:05] – Riya’s Startup Journey[06:55] – Marketplace Challenges[08:28] – Modern Billing Gaps[10:46] – AI in Finance[13:10] – Human-in-the-Loop Design[18:35] – ML vs. Gen AI[24:26] – Series A & Scaling[30:11] – Future Finance Stack[35:15] – Rapid Fire & Wrap-Up

In this episode of The ModSquad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male put Claude 4.6 to the test on real financial modeling accreditation cases. From three-statement forecasts to complex debt sculpting scenarios, the team examines just how far AI tools have come. The results are impressive, but not flawless. The discussion explores what this leap forward means for finance professionals and whether modeling is truly entering a new AI-assisted era.Ian Schnoor is Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the global accreditation body for financial modeling professionals. He brings extensive experience in modeling, training, and industry standards. Giles Male is Co-Founder of Full Stack Modeller and a two-time Microsoft MVP. He specializes in Excel, financial modeling systems, and practical AI implementation.Expect to LearnHow Claude 4.6 performs on real financial modeling accreditation casesWhere AI tools still make subtle but significant modeling errorsThe difference between automation and augmentation in AI usageWhy strong modeling fundamentals remain essentialPractical ways to begin integrating AI into your modeling workflowHere are a few quotes from the episode:“I’m not even doing this from a testing perspective now. I’m just using it because it’s adding so much value.” – Giles Male“Modeling is just as much about the process as it is about the end result.” – Ian SchnoorClaude 4.6 marks a significant step forward in AI-assisted financial modeling, handling complex builds faster than ever before. However, subtle errors still highlight the need for strong technical knowledge and human oversight. The future of modeling isn’t replacement, it’s skilled professionals using AI to work smarter and deliver greater value.Follow Ian:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/Follow Giles Male:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/In today’s episode:[04:06] – Testing Claude[11:14] – Augmentation vs. Automation in Modeling[18:14] – The Value of Documentation in Modeling[28:43] – Debt Modeling with AI[33:20] – Transition from Manual to AI-Enhanced Modeling[38:16] – Testing with New Tools[41:24] – Debt and Equity Modeling with AI[46:45] – Claude's Progress & Areas for Improvement[57:33] – Final Thoughts

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 Episode[03:12] - What Great FP&A Really Means[04:56] - Choosing the CFO Path[07:49] - CFO of the Year Nomination[10:00] - Architect vs Engineer in Finance[13:38] - Execution and Overcommunication[16:41] - Understanding Business Drivers[21:26] - From Reporting to Steering[29:03] - Finance Inside Operations[33:25] - Turning Around a Business

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 Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Chris Reilly, founder of Financial Modeling Education, for an insightful discussion on the importance of mastering financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares his perspective on how AI is transforming the modeling industry, why understanding the basics is more important than ever, and how dynamic arrays are changing the modeling landscape.Chris Reilly is a financial modeling expert with over 91,000 students trained globally. He has a diverse background, having worked in private equity and FP&A, and has developed a range of training programs through Wall Street Prep, Wharton, LinkedIn Learning, and his own courses. Chris emphasizes that strong foundational knowledge in finance and accounting is crucial to leveraging AI and new technologies effectively.Expect to LearnWhy mastering the fundamentals of financial modeling is essential in an AI-driven worldHow Chris integrates AI tools to enhance his modeling workThe role of dynamic arrays in streamlining financial modelsThe balance between technical skills and business decision-makingInsights on why complex models aren't always betterHere are a few quotes from the episode:“AI is a magnifier. If you know what you're doing, it helps you get more done. If not, it makes problems worse.” - Chris Reilly“The real goal of any model is to help the business understand what to do next, not just to show off technical skills.” - Chris ReillyChris highlights how AI can help with dynamic arrays and improve model efficiency, but stresses that it should never replace the need for a strong understanding of financial fundamentals. His focus is on helping modelers leverage the right technology without bypassing essential knowledge.Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/Homepage: https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/Email list: https://financialmodelingeducator.com/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.In today’s episode:[02:06] - Why Fundamentals Matter in AI Modeling[03:29] - Chris's Focus on Education & Clients[04:44] - How AI Amplifies Strengths & Weaknesses[05:39] - Dynamic Arrays: Excel's Game-Changer[07:09] - Should Dynamic Arrays Be Taught?[09:47] - Combining Functions for Efficient Models[12:01] - Struggles with New Excel Features[13:18] - Technical vs. Business-Focused Models[14:59] - The Joy of Mastering Balanced Models[15:44] - Closing & Chris' Educational Resources

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 Today’s Episode[03:56] - What Great FP&A Looks Like[05:23] - Why Finance in Tech[07:20] - Outcome-Based Pricing Risks[10:49] - Leading Finance at Qualtrics[13:13] - Culture and Vision in FP&A[17:16] - Building Team Culture[22:47] - Trust and Core FP&A Skills[26:18] - Defining Strategic Value[32:39] - Driving Operational Excellence[34:37] - Simple Financial Modeling

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how AI tools like Claude, Copilot, and Excel agents are transforming financial workflows in 2026. As the finance industry continues to evolve, AI is playing an increasingly crucial role in automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and boosting efficiency.Paul and Glenn discuss their firsthand experiences with AI-driven tools, from tracking expenses and managing journal entries to building financial models. They also dive into the ways small and medium businesses are utilizing AI-powered Excel agents to streamline their financial processes without the need for expensive, traditional planning tools.In this episode, you will discover:The impact of AI agents in finance and how they simplify workflows.Personal experiences with Claude and Copilot in real-world finance tasks.How to integrate AI into your finance team’s daily tasks.The benefits and challenges of AI-powered automation in finance.Paul and Glenn emphasize the importance of embracing AI in finance, highlighting how tools like Claude, Copilot, and Excel agents are transforming everyday workflows. They encourage finance professionals to experiment with AI, even if it means starting small.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] – AI’s Role in Finance[03:47] – AI Agents in Excel[06:12] – Claude vs. Copilot[09:27] – Automating Expenses & Journal Entries[15:56] – AI for Financial Models[21:21] – Future of AI in Small Business Finance[26:26] – Workflow Automation in Finance[35:28] – AI & Human Collaboration[39:31] – Experimenting with AI in Finance[41:45] – Data Quality & Governance[43:07] – Key Takeaway

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Chris Reilly for a deep and practical conversation on financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares why mastering the basics still matters more than ever, how AI is changing modeling workflows in reality (not hype), and where automation genuinely adds value versus where human judgment is still essential.Chris Reilly is a former private equity professional and financial modeling expert with experience spanning restructuring, FP&A, treasury, and middle market private equity. He began his career at FTI Consulting during the financial crisis, working on major bankruptcies, including Lehman Brothers, before moving to Hilton Worldwide and later into private equity. Chris is the founder of Financial Modeling Education, where he has trained more than 90,000 professionals worldwide, teaching real-life models used to acquire and manage private equity-backed businesses.Expect to LearnWhy financial modeling fundamentals matter more than ever in an AI-driven worldHow Chris actually uses AI in real client models versus online hypeWhy simple, well-built models outperform overly complex onesHow to balance technical modeling skills with business decision-makingHere are a few quotes from the episode:“AI is a great accelerator if you already understand the fundamentals. If you don’t, it just magnifies the problem.” - Chris Reilly“There’s a missing middle right now where people are skipping the fundamentals and jumping straight to the results.” - Chris ReillyChris emphasizes that while AI and automation can improve efficiency, they do not replace the need for strong accounting knowledge, modeling fundamentals, and business understanding. He explains that the best modelers focus less on tools and functions and more on clarity, reliability, and helping decision makers understand what to do next.Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/Homepage: https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/Email list: https://financialmodelingeducator.com/Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [02:35] - Fundamentals Before AI[05:55] - From PE to Teaching[09:17] - Dynamic Arrays in Practice[13:25] - Limits of Dynamic Models[18:09] - Modeling vs Technical Debate[21:04] - AI Hype vs Reality[26:45] - Avoiding Bad Models[33:00] - Advice for Modelers[35:38] - Future of AI in Excel[38:02] - Closing Thoughts

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 Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:43] – Meet Ned Harding & His Journey to Enso[06:04] – Accidental Start in Analytics[10:59] – Turning Tools into a Business[14:49] – Why Enso Analytics?[25:43] – Analytics Across the Org[29:16] – Context is Everything[35:51] – The Risk of Overusing AI[43:56] – Are We in an AI Bubble?[47:07] – Top Skills for FP&A Pros[49:54] – The Excel Debate[53:12] – Fun Final Questions

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk with Kevin Thomas and Drew Hyatt, co-founders of Omniga, about solving persistent issues in bookkeeping and the monthly close process for small and mid-sized businesses. They discuss how finance leaders often struggle with unreliable data and how Omniga is creating a more structured, review-ready accounting workflow.Kevin Thomas brings a background in corporate FP&A and a CFA perspective. His hands-on experience with messy books and data integrity problems in SMBs led him to co-found Omniga. Drew Hyatt is a technology leader with a background in FinTech integrations and data pipelines. He previously worked in construction finance and medical supply chains, building systems that manage high-volume, rule-based transactions.In this episode, you will discover:Why clean financial data is essential for any finance function to scale.What makes SMB accounting workflows difficult and how Omniga is addressing it.How Omniga uses automation to classify, normalize, and escalate accounting entries.The structure of a scalable, review-focused operating system for fractional CFOs.Kevin and Drew share how Omniga is tackling the core challenges of bookkeeping and monthly close for SMBs. Their approach brings structure, control, and scalability to finance operations where it’s needed most.Follow Kevin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-thomas/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omniga-ai/Follow Drew:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-a-hyatt/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today’s Episode:[00:15] - Meet Kevin and Drew[01:28] - Why Omniga Started[04:38] - Drew’s Tech Background[07:04] - The Name “Omniga”[10:33] - Controlling AI Output[13:57] - Guardrails and Escalation[16:18] - Final Thoughts