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. Interim FP&A, What it is, and Why it is A Growing Career Path With Tim Stalkamp

    2 days ago

    Interim FP&A, What it is, and Why it is A Growing Career Path With Tim Stalkamp

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

    55 min
  2. AI in Finance for CFOs to Stop Reporting Work and Drive Profit Decisions with Ron Nachum

    3 days ago

    AI in Finance for CFOs to Stop Reporting Work and Drive Profit Decisions with Ron Nachum

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

    19 min
  3. AI in Financial Modeling: Better Than Ever, Still Not There, and the Fatigue Factor

    4 days ago

    AI in Financial Modeling: Better Than Ever, Still Not There, and the Fatigue Factor

    In this episode of The Mod Squad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male share their real experiences using AI in financial modeling. They discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how finance professionals can best use AI today. From testing different AI tools to running a “bake-off” on a real financial model, the conversation highlights the practical challenges, hallucinations, and creative approaches to working with AI in FP&A. Expect to Learn Where AI actually adds value in modeling and finance workflowsWhy AI outputs still need careful checking and guidanceHow different AI tools compare when building real modelsWhy instructions, structure, and human oversight improve AI results Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Most companies don’t have AI governance yet, and that’s where real risk comes in.” - Ian Schnoor“Automation is great, but you still need to audit and understand every step.” - Giles Male AI is powerful, but it is not a shortcut to quality work. It still needs guidance, structure, and strong fundamentals. The people who benefit most are those who understand both the tools and the work behind them. For now, the best approach is simple: test it, guide it, and never trust it blindly. Follow Ian: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/ Follow Giles: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ In today’s episode: [00:05] – Trailer [03:06] – AI Progress Update [05:00] – Mental Load & AI Pace [08:03] – Busting AI Hype [12:30] – Training & Business Demands [17:57] – AI “Eye of the Storm” [24:13] – Testing AI Models [30:52] – Fixing vs Building AI Models [35:15] – Challenging Misleading AI Claims [38:41] – Improving AI with Instructions [42:59] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

    1hr 7min
  4. How AI is Being Used to Make Better Decisions and Build Faster Models with Nicholas Moen

    18 Jun

    How AI is Being Used to Make Better Decisions and Build Faster Models with Nicholas Moen

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

    47 min
  5. How Companies Are Losing Millions While Being Data Rich with Ron Nachum

    17 Jun

    How Companies Are Losing Millions While Being Data Rich with Ron Nachum

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder and CEO of Sapien, to discuss how AI agents are transforming financial operations and decision-making for companies. Ron shares how Sapien leverages AI to unify siloed financial data, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden value while enabling employees to focus on strategic work. Ron Nachum is the founder and CEO of Sapien, an AI-native platform that deploys agents to understand and act on messy, siloed data across ERPs, data warehouses, CRMs, and spreadsheets. Ron studied at Harvard, where he focused on computer science, statistics, and applied AI research. He has spent years building AI solutions for finance and operational processes, creating systems that help companies make better, faster decisions and optimize their operations. In this episode, you will discover: AI can unlock value from messy, siloed financial dataSapien’s platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisionsHuman oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurabilityTalent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing companyEarly entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovation Ron Nachum demonstrates how AI can revolutionize financial operations by turning siloed, messy data into actionable insights. Sapien’s platform empowers companies to automate reporting, optimize decisions, and free employees to focus on high-value work. Ron emphasizes that combining AI with governance, configurability, and a talented team creates systems that not only deliver immediate value but also scale strategically. Follow Ron: Website: https://sapien.ai/news LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/ 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: [00:00] – Trailer [03:15] – Data-Rich, Analysis-Poor Challenge [06:21] – Harvard & the Leap to Sapien [11:32] – AI Agents in Finance [17:01] – Balancing AI Flexibility & Guardrails [23:19] – Efficient & Secure Data Handling [26:34] – Making Insights Accessible to All Teams [30:45] – Configurability, Forecasting & Learning [38:22] – Real-World Impact & Optimizations [40:25] – Leading Young Teams with Experienced Advisor [46:11] – Early Entrepreneurial Ventures [49:13] – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

    51 min
  6. The Language and Excel Problem Stopping AI from Fixing Financial Modeling with John Yeldham

    16 Jun

    The Language and Excel Problem Stopping AI from Fixing Financial Modeling with John Yeldham

    In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, Paul Barnhurst talks with John Yeldham, founder of Lodeum, about building trust in Excel models, standardizing modeling language, and creating modular, scalable models. John shares his experience leading financial modelers and using advanced Excel features like Lambda functions and dynamic arrays. Expect to Learn: Standardize language to improve clarity and collaborationUse modular blocks to make models understandable and trustedLeverage advanced Excel functions carefully for scalable, auditable modelsOnline training through Lodeum allows flexible global learning Here are a few quotes from the episode: "If standards could be introduced for language, it allows financial modeling knowledge to be shared and scaled beyond individual experts." - John Yeldham"The role of a modeler is evolving from just churning out numbers to creating reusable, understandable modules." - John Yeldham John provides actionable strategies for financial modelers to improve clarity, scalability, and trust in their work while leveraging advanced Excel techniques and modular design principles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their modeling skills and build reusable frameworks for complex financial analyses. Follow John: Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnyeldham/ Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: 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 get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW In Today’s Episode: [02:14] – Worst Model Horror Story [04:09] – Communication & Language Challenges [11:55] – Standardizing Language & AI Integration [14:43] – Online Training & Lodeum Platform [24:25] – Lambda Functions & Dynamic Arrays [39:42] – Rapid Fire Opinions [16:32] – Advice for Becoming a Better Modeler [18:07] – How to Connect

    19 min
  7. Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding

    11 Jun

    Developing Business Acumen necessary to become a strategic business partner with Robert Blanding

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

    56 min
  8. AI Strategy for CFOs: Manage AI Like an Investment Portfolio and Prove ROI with Dave Trier

    10 Jun

    AI Strategy for CFOs: Manage AI Like an Investment Portfolio and Prove ROI with Dave Trier

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

    21 min

About

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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