The FP&A Guy Network

Paul Barnhurst

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. The Rise of Evergreen Funds for Retail Investors to Enter Private Markets with Rafael

    FA 4 H

    The Rise of Evergreen Funds for Retail Investors to Enter Private Markets with Rafael

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Rafael Le Saux to explore the real-world challenges of financial modeling, valuation, and how the role is evolving with new tools like AI. They discuss why strong modeling fundamentals still matter, the risks of poorly structured models, and how professionals can improve their skills in a rapidly changing environment. Rafael Le Saux is a valuation and modeling expert with over 16 years of experience in financial advisory and alternative investments. He leads Valuation and Modeling Services at PwC Deals and Strategy Luxembourg, advising clients on complex valuation matters across multiple asset classes. He has held senior roles at Partners Group and worked across multiple global markets and is actively involved in industry education and research. Expect to Learn Why is the model structure importantCommon mistakes in financial modelingHow to improve Excel and modeling skillsHow AI is used in modeling todayWhy analysis and judgment still matter Here are a few quotes from the episode: |“Those Frankenstein models built from different sources are always the hardest to fix.” - Rafael Le Saux“When you work on a bad model, you quickly understand why structure matters.” - Rafael Le Saux Rafael explains that AI can help speed up work, but it cannot replace thinking. The real value comes from understanding the data and building models that others can trust and use. Follow Rafael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-le-saux/ Website: https://www.pwc.lu/ 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=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 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [00:34] – Rafael Le Saux Background [03:04] – Modeling Horror Story [05:09] – Teaching Financial Modeling [07:15] – AI in Learning & Education [09:50] – Using AI in Daily Work [12:03] – Limits of AI in Analysis [11:53] – Automation vs Analysis [15:13] – Luxembourg as a Financial Hub [17:56] – Regulation & Valuation [20:31] – Advice for Financial Modelers

    22 min
  2. How CFOs Can Reduce Manual Reporting and Increase Strategic Impact Using AI with Brian McGowan

    FA 5 DIES

    How CFOs Can Reduce Manual Reporting and Increase Strategic Impact Using AI with Brian McGowan

    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 roles Here 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 McGowan Bryan 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

    45 min
  3. AI is a Teammate for Finance Leaders to Replace Fear and Drive Strategic Value with Josh Schauer

    FA 6 DIES

    AI is a Teammate for Finance Leaders to Replace Fear and Drive Strategic Value with Josh Schauer

    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 proactive Josh 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/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: [00:27] – 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

    15 min
  4. Evergreen Fund Growth and the NAV Valuation Challenges Financial Modelers Face with Rafael

    14 D’ABR.

    Evergreen Fund Growth and the NAV Valuation Challenges Financial Modelers Face with Rafael

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Rafael Le Saux to talk about valuation, modeling, and how the field is changing. They dig into real challenges from working on complex models and what happens when things go wrong. The conversation also covers how private markets are evolving and why valuation is getting harder. It’s a practical look at how modeling connects to real decisions in today’s finance world. Rafael Le Saux is a valuation and modeling expert with over 16 years of experience in financial advisory and alternative investments. He leads Valuation and Modeling Services at PwC Luxembourg, working across multiple asset classes. He has also worked at Partners Group and across global markets, including France, Australia, and Chile. Alongside his professional work, he teaches, speaks at industry events, and supports the valuation community. Expect to Learn Why a strong model structure is critical in real-world projectsThe impact of evergreen and semi-liquid funds on valuation riskWhy regulators are increasing scrutiny on valuation practicesHow AI is helping improve workflows but not replacing human judgmentHow to bridge the gap between auditors and investment teams Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Some students are actually afraid of Excel, and you can see that change in just a couple of days.” - Rafael Le Saux“Financial modeling is not just about numbers. It’s about understanding where you are today and where you’re going tomorrow.” - Rafael Le Saux Valuation and modeling are becoming more demanding as markets continue to change. Better tools make the work faster, but they don’t replace the need for clear thinking and solid structure. The people who focus on understanding the “why” behind the numbers, not just the output, will be the ones who stand out. Follow Rafael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-le-saux/ Website: https://www.pwc.lu/ 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=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 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [04:25] – Modeling Horror Story [06:36] – Teaching Modeling [09:11] – AI in Education [11:21] – AI in Daily Work [16:45] – Luxembourg as a Financial Hub [19:48] – Regulation & Valuation [22:55] – Retail Investors & Private Markets [26:59] – Valuation Frequency [30:10] – Auditors vs Investment Teams [33:30] – Excel Tips [35:20] – World Cup Model [37:30] – Rapid Fire [44:00] – Final Advice

    46 min
  5. What 100 FP&A Episodes Taught Me About Career Growth, Failure, and the Future of Finance

    9 D’ABR.

    What 100 FP&A Episodes Taught Me About Career Growth, Failure, and the Future of Finance

    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 roles Here 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 Barnhurst Paul 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_fpaguy 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 [01:41] – 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

    24 min
  6. How Finance Teams Can Overcome AI Fear and Build Real Use Cases That Work with Josh Schauer

    8 D’ABR.

    How Finance Teams Can Overcome AI Fear and Build Real Use Cases That Work with Josh Schauer

    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 AI Josh 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/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: [01:35] – 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

    29 min
  7. What Every Finance Student Should Learn Before Graduating with Riley Edwards

    7 D’ABR.

    What Every Finance Student Should Learn Before Graduating with Riley Edwards

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Riley Edwards to discuss what it’s like starting out in financial modeling and how those skills carry into real-world financial planning. The conversation covers early mistakes, learning experiences, and the importance of presenting financial information clearly. Riley shares his journey from studying finance to working in wealth management, along with how financial modeling helped him build confidence, improve communication, and handle client conversations more effectively. Riley Edwards is a Financial Planning professional at IG Private Wealth Management, working with Fox-Revett Heslegrave & Associates. He is an Adrian College alumnus and is currently building his career in the financial planning industry. Based in Schomberg, Ontario, Canada, he focuses on helping clients understand their finances and make better decisions through clear analysis. Expect to Learn What early mistakes in financial modeling look like and how to fix themWhy understanding the basics is more important than just building modelsHow financial modeling improves confidence in professional settingsWhy presentation skills matter just as much as technical skillsHow modeling helps handle difficult client conversations Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Learning modeling is easier when you have people around you to share ideas and solve problems together.” - Riley Edwards“Financial modeling is not just about numbers. It’s about understanding where you are today and where you’re going tomorrow.” - Riley Edwards Financial modeling is not just about spreadsheets. It’s about turning numbers into something people can understand and use. As Riley explains, the real value comes from how you present and communicate that information, especially when the conversation is not easy. Follow Riley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileyedwards0405/ Company’s Website: https://www.foxrevettassociates.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=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 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [02:57] – First Modeling Mistake [05:07] – Getting Started in Financial Modeling [07:29] – Learning Experience & Education [10:04] – Most Rewarding Part of Modeling [12:23] – Importance of Presentation Skills [13:37] – Challenges in Learning Modeling [15:29] – Current Role in Wealth Management [17:38] – Personal Motivation & Background [19:00] – Using Modeling in Client Work [21:18] – AI in Learning & Modeling [25:18] – Excel Tips & Shortcuts [27:28] – Rapid Fire Round

    31 min
  8. How AI Agents are Reshaping the Finance Tech Stack with Josh LaSov

    2 D’ABR.

    How AI Agents are Reshaping the Finance Tech Stack with Josh LaSov

    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 workflows Here 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 LaSov Josh 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_fpaguy Follow 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/@cauzzyAI Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: 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 [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

    51 min

Informació

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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