The FP&A Guy Network

Paul Barnhurst
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Welcome to the FP&A Guy Podcast Network – your one-stop destination for insightful conversations and expert perspectives at the forefront of finance, hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy. This network brings together three unique shows designed to inform, inspire, and equip finance professionals across the globe: • FP&A Tomorrow: Shaping the future of FP&A by exploring today’s trends and interviewing top global talent in the field. • Financial Modeler’s Corner: Master the art and science of financial modeling with insights from distinguished experts, in partnership with the Financial Modeling Institute. • Future Finance: Discover how technology and AI are transforming corporate finance in this forward-thinking podcast co-hosted with Glenn Hopper. No matter where you are in your finance journey, these podcasts deliver practical advice, thought leadership, and cutting-edge innovation to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance.

  1. AI in Finance for CFOs to Replace Failing Top-Down Projects with Bottom-Up Shadow AI Wins

    HACE 11 H

    AI in Finance for CFOs to Replace Failing Top-Down Projects with Bottom-Up Shadow AI Wins

    In this special episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how AI agents and productivity tools like Excel’s newest features are transforming the finance function. They contrast grassroots, employee-led innovation with large-scale, enterprise-driven AI projects, offering practical guidance and examples from their own experiments. Expect to Learn: The difference between top-down and bottom-up AI deployments in organizationsWhy “shadow AI” and “secret cyborgs” are redefining workplace productivityThe crucial role of change management in enterprise AI adoptionWhat Excel’s new AI agent can (and can’t) do for financial modeling Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst deliver an insightful look into how AI is reshaping the finance profession, from enterprise-wide transformations to individual experimentation. Their discussion on agents, automation, and Excel’s evolving capabilities highlights how innovation and adaptability are redefining what it means to be a modern finance leader in a technology-driven world. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future 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] - Top-Down vs Bottom-Up AI Adoption & Excel Agents [01:26] - Building a Personal AI Agent [04:01] - Top-Down vs Bottom-Up AI Strategy Explained [06:41] - Change Management in AI Projects [08:42] - Bottom-Up AI: Enable Use, Ensure Safety [11:10] - Excel’s 40th Anniversary [17:13] - Evaluating Excel's DCF Output [18:23] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    20 min
  2. Testing Excel AI Software Tracelight on Excel Esports, Financial Modeling and FP&A with Ian And Giles

    HACE 12 H

    Testing Excel AI Software Tracelight on Excel Esports, Financial Modeling and FP&A with Ian And Giles

    Disclaimer: This episode is best experienced in video format. Since we’re testing new tools like Tracelight, the visuals add valuable context and make everything much clearer. We highly recommend watching the video for the full experience. In this episode of the ModSquad series on Financial Modelers’ Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by modeling experts Ian Schnoor and Giles Male to evaluate Tracelight, a new Excel-based modeling tool. Together, they explore how well it performs across real-world use cases in FP&A, Excel eSports, and corporate finance. From auditing balance sheets to solving Excel battle cases and building five-year forecast models, the ModSquad puts Tracelight through a comprehensive test to assess what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and where it still needs improvement. Expect to Learn How Tracelight performs across different financial modeling scenariosThe impact of LLM selection and prompt design on tool outputWhere Tracelight excels, and where it falls short, in building models and running checksHow Excel eSports challenges expose strengths and weaknesses in formula logicWhen these tools can save time, and when they create more work Here are a few quotes from the episode: "If you don't know your stuff, you're going to learn the wrong things; or worse, think it's right when it’s not." - Giles Male"The best Excel modellers aren’t the fastest, they’re the most thoughtful."-  Ian Schnoor Follow Ian Schnoor: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/ Follow Giles Male: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ Tracelight: https://tracelight.ai/ In today’s episode: [02:22] - Tracelight Overview & Positioning [09:46] - Giles vs. Excel eSports Battle Case [18:00] - Reviewing Tracelight’s Logic and Output [28:04] - Advanced Test: Championship-Level Modeling [33:59] - AI Tools and the Learning Curve [41:49] - Deferred Revenue Schedule Test [56:26] - Why Doesn’t the Balance Sheet Balance? [1:02:21] - Fixing Balance Sheet Errors Using Cloud Opus [1:316:00] - Episode Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

    1 h y 16 min
  3. FP&A at Early-Stage Companies and the Benefits of Using Python to Automate Data and Enhance Analysis with Todd Niemann

    HACE 6 DÍAS

    FP&A at Early-Stage Companies and the Benefits of Using Python to Automate Data and Enhance Analysis with Todd Niemann

    Note: Please note that all opinions and thoughts shared during this episode represent those of our guest, who joined in his own personal capacity and he is not representing any of the companies he works for. In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Todd Niemann, Treasurer at Varo Bank, who shares his unique path through finance, treasury, and FP&A across multiple startup banks. Todd discusses how he helped launch and scale three new banking institutions, how FP&A supports better decision-making in banking, and why he believes Python is transforming financial analysis. Todd Niemann is the Treasurer at Varo Bank, where he oversees treasury and FP&A functions. A CFA charterholder with an MBA from Brigham Young University and a BA from Utah State University, Todd has helped build treasury and FP&A teams for three startup banks. His background spans banking, investing, and corporate finance, making him an authority on financial analytics and modeling in regulated industries. Expect to Learn: How to build and scale FP&A and treasury functions at startup banksWhy speed and accuracy are essential hallmarks of effective FP&AHow to forecast effectively when historical data doesn’t existThe benefits of learning Python for finance automation and analytics Here are a few quotes from the episode: “The best FP&A teams don’t wait for perfect data; they create frameworks that help the business move forward anyway.” - Todd Niemann“In finance, speed matters. The faster you can analyze accurately, the more valuable you are.” - Todd Niemann Todd Niemann brings clarity to how FP&A drives smarter banking decisions through data, speed, and precision. His journey shows the power of combining technical skill with curiosity and innovation. This episode proves that the future of finance belongs to those who build, automate, and never stop learning. Campfire: AI-First ERP: Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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_fpaguy Follow Todd: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddniemann/ 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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode [02:58] - What Makes Great FP&A? [05:27] - Building FP&A at New Banks [10:37] - Banking and Regulation [15:08] - Challenges of FP&A in Early-Stage Banks [23:08] - Learning and Applying Python in Finance [31:51] - Predicting Deposits with Big Data [38:21] - Recommended Reading for Finance Pros [40:19] - Top Technical and Soft Skills for FP&A [42:48] - What Todd Would Change About FP&A [47:00] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

    48 min
  4. AI in the Finance Team for CFOs to Lead Bottom-Up Adoption with Excel Agents and Shadow Tools

    8 OCT

    AI in the Finance Team for CFOs to Lead Bottom-Up Adoption with Excel Agents and Shadow Tools

    In this special episode of Future Finance, your hosts, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst, explore how artificial intelligence is making waves in the finance world. They explore two distinct approaches to AI adoption: top-down initiatives, driven by company leadership, and bottom-up strategies, where employees are introducing AI tools on their own. Glenn and Paul also discuss the latest AI tools in Microsoft Excel, including AI agents, and how they’re transforming financial modeling and decision-making. Tune in for a mix of practical advice, real-world experiences, and a bit of humor along the way. In this episode, you will discover: How top-down and bottom-up AI adoption strategies differ in business.Why employee-driven AI innovation is on the rise and how to manage it.The role of AI-powered tools like Excel Labs in transforming financial work.How AI agents can help upskill finance professionals and streamline tasks. Glenn and Paul explore the evolving role of AI in finance, from top-down strategies to employee-driven innovation. They highlight the potential of AI tools like Excel Labs and AI agents to transform financial processes. Tune in for insights on how embracing AI can help professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing field. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [05:17] - Glenn’s New Book for Wiley [08:21] - The AI Budget Mandate [12:11] - Managing Bottom-Up AI Adoption [15:39] - The Carol Office Question [26:00] - Why Use Hard-Coded XLOOKUP? [29:56] - Building and Customizing an AI Agent [36:36] - Career Transitions and AI in FP&A [39:50] - Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up

    41 min
  5. Introducing the ModSquad: Testing AI Financial Modeling Tools, So you Don't Have To... with Ian and Giles.

    7 OCT

    Introducing the ModSquad: Testing AI Financial Modeling Tools, So you Don't Have To... with Ian and Giles.

    In this special launch episode of The Mod Squad, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by co-hosts Giles Male and Ian Schnoor to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and financial modeling. Together, they introduce a new podcast series, The ModSquad, designed to test AI tools built for financial modelers, FP&A professionals, and analysts. The trio shares their excitement, cautious optimism, and the pressing questions they hope to answer through hands-on experimentation with cutting-edge tools that promise to transform the modeling landscape.   Paul, Giles, and Ian bring decades of combined experience across FP&A, corporate finance, Excel training, and financial modeling accreditation. This introductory episode sets the tone for a candid, unscripted, and deeply analytical journey into the practical realities of AI in finance. Expect to Learn Why AI won't replace financial modelers, but will transform the way they workHow AI tools are being developed to serve finance professionals specificallyThe importance of judgment, communication, and scoping in effective modelingWhat The Mod Squad plans to test: from three-statement models to Excel esportsHow to prepare your career for the AI revolution in modeling Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Just because it looks cool doesn’t mean it gives you a finished product.” - Giles Male“Modeling is just as much the journey as it is the destination.” - Ian Schnoor Follow Ian Schnoor: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/ Follow Giles Male: LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ In today’s episode: [01:21] - Introduction of the Episode [04:57] - Why This Series? Helping Modelers Cut Through the AI Noise   [09:14] - Fear & Job Security: Will AI Replace Financial Modelers?   [14:14]- The Human Element in Modeling: Judgment, Communication, Scoping   [21:03] - Series Format: Tools We’ll Test & Why   [26:03] - Testing Assignments: Who’s Doing What?   [29:03] - FP&A Use Cases Paul Will Explore   [35:21] - What to Expect: Raw Prompts, Real Results   [36:52] - Closing: Why This Series Matters & How You Can Engage

    37 min
  6. From FP&A Analyst to Private Equity Operator with Alex Fabry: The Day-2 Lunch That Changed Everything

    3 OCT

    From FP&A Analyst to Private Equity Operator with Alex Fabry: The Day-2 Lunch That Changed Everything

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Alex Fabry, the founder of KFA, an advisory firm focused on scaling businesses.. Alex takes us through his journey from FP&A to private equity, sharing his valuable experiences working at firms like Saber, BCG, and Charles Bank Capital Partners. Their conversation explores how FP&A can serve as a stepping stone to leadership and investment roles, and the key skills that helped Alex succeed in both corporate finance and private equity. Alex Fabry is the founder and managing partner of KFA, a private investment and advisory firm focused on growing and scaling businesses in Saint Louis. Before founding KFA, Alex started his career in FP&A roles at Saber, where he supported multi-billion dollar business units, managed complex budgets, and played a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion sale of Active Network to Global Payments. Alex also has experience as a Vice President at Charles Bank Capital Partners. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Expect to Learn: How FP&A provides a solid foundation for leadership and private equity operator roles.The significance of automation in improving FP&A efficiency and enabling more strategic analysis.Why private equity and FP&A require different skill sets but can work in tandem to drive business growth.Key skills FP&A professionals need to transition into private equity.The value of relationships and trust in both FP&A and private equity environments. Here are a few quotes from the episode: “The real value of FP&A is in helping businesses make decisions, not just report numbers.” - Alex Fabry“Being a business partner looks different depending on the business—it's about them, not you." - Alex Fabry Alex shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving role of FP&A in driving business success and the transition to private equity. He highlighted the importance of automation and strategic analysis in improving financial operations, the value of building strong business relationships, and how FP&A professionals can leverage their skills to thrive in the private equity space. Alex’s journey serves as a valuable playbook for those looking to navigate the complexities of both FP&A and private equity, emphasizing the need for adaptability, operational efficiency, and a keen understanding of the bigger business picture. Campfire: AI-First ERP: Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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_fpaguy Follow Alex: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-fabry/ 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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode [02:27] - Alex’s Background [03:50] - What Makes Great FP&A? [14:03] -  The Three Key Questions in Finance [18:38] - Private Equity...

    55 min
  7. AI Hype in Finance for Executives to Avoid Failure from Poor Data, Hype and Top-Down Rollouts

    1 OCT

    AI Hype in Finance for Executives to Avoid Failure from Poor Data, Hype and Top-Down Rollouts

    In this episode, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the realities behind the AI hype cycle and how it's playing out in finance, from inflated ROI expectations to unscalable AI tools and organizational chaos, Paul and Glenn unpack what’s working, what’s failing, and why so many companies are stuck. With no guest this week, the duo shares their honest takes on the state of AI, its practical limits in financial workflows, and how companies are fumbling both bottom-up adoption and top-down implementation. This one’s a mix of hot takes, technical insight, and just enough despair to keep things real. In this episode, you will discover: How bottom-up AI adoption is outpacing executive-led rollouts in finance.The problem with inflated expectations and what’s really causing AI project failures.Why Excel tools powered by AI are promising, but limited by context windows.How governance and data issues are crippling enterprise AI strategies.What OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Microsoft’s latest moves mean for the AI landscape. AI isn’t a magic solution; it’s a powerful tool that still depends on good data, realistic goals, and a bit of patience. Paul and Glenn make it clear that while the hype is loud, real progress takes thoughtful implementation and education. The future of AI in finance looks promising, but only for teams willing to do the work. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future 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: [01:56] - AI Hype Cycle Meltdown [04:50] - AI Tools in Excel [07:33] - Bottom-Up vs Top-Down Adoption [11:33] - Why AI Projects Fail [14:38] - Change Management Gaps [17:23] - Context Window Limitations [20:30] - Learn the Basics of AI [23:11] - Oracle, Nvidia & OpenAI Deals [30:07] - Microsoft Adds Anthropic to Copilot [34:24] - Copilot Improvement & Wrap-Up

    36 min
  8. Financial Modeling for Finance Pros to Fix Real-World Mistakes Using Balance Sheets - Scott Strachan

    30 SEP

    Financial Modeling for Finance Pros to Fix Real-World Mistakes Using Balance Sheets - Scott Strachan

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst speaks with financial modeling expert Scott Strachan about the role of financial models in business planning and decision-making. Scott shares lessons from over 30 years of experience in accounting, consulting, private equity, and corporate finance. The discussion covers the importance of modeling for startups, the problems with annual models, the risks of overrelying on EBITDA, and how the FMI certification has helped him stay sharp in a changing industry.   Scott Strachan is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Modeler who has worked across the UK, the Arabian Gulf, and now serves clients in Qatar and London. He has built and reviewed complex financial models for deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and now contributes to the Financial Modeling Institute as a content developer and exam writer. Scott is known for applying practical thinking to modeling and helping bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution. Expect to Learn Why annual models are often inappropriate for startups and small businessesThe difference between one-time-use models and those built for regular updatesHow poor modeling leads to funding gaps and business failureWhy EBITDA can be misleading in deal evaluationHow preparing for the CFM exam can improve your modeling skills Here are a few quotes from the episode: “A model is just an appendix to a business plan. If you don’t understand your market or product, no model will save you.” - Scott Strachan“EBITDA is a fantasy land metric. It ignores reality and tells you what you want to hear, not what you need to know.” - Scott Strachan“Every business fails because of bad management, and that often starts with not modeling your cash needs properly.” - Scott Strachan Follow Scott: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-strachan-ca-a795851a4/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:   LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true   Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign 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

    49 min
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Welcome to the FP&A Guy Podcast Network – your one-stop destination for insightful conversations and expert perspectives at the forefront of finance, hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy. This network brings together three unique shows designed to inform, inspire, and equip finance professionals across the globe: • FP&A Tomorrow: Shaping the future of FP&A by exploring today’s trends and interviewing top global talent in the field. • Financial Modeler’s Corner: Master the art and science of financial modeling with insights from distinguished experts, in partnership with the Financial Modeling Institute. • Future Finance: Discover how technology and AI are transforming corporate finance in this forward-thinking podcast co-hosted with Glenn Hopper. No matter where you are in your finance journey, these podcasts deliver practical advice, thought leadership, and cutting-edge innovation to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance.

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  • Creador
    Paul Barnhurst
  • Años de actividad
    2 k
  • Episodios
    247
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Paul Barnhurst
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    The FP&A Guy Network

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