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. 1 hr ago

    The Future of AI Won't Be Defined by Better Models, but by Better Systems

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss AI fatigue, better ways for finance teams to use AI, and the growing challenge of forecasting AI costs. They explore why finance leaders should focus less on chasing new models and more on building the data, context, and workflows needed to get real value from AI. In this episode, you will discover: Why finance teams should stop chasing every new AI model.Why context is becoming more important than prompting alone.How better KPIs and data foundations improve AI results.How organizations can forecast and manage AI token costs.Why AI success should be measured by business outcomes. Paul and Glenn explain why effective AI adoption isn't about using the most tokens or knowing every new tool. It's about using AI to help finance make better, faster decisions. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. 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 [03:17] – AI Fatigue & Model Overload [09:38] – Beyond Prompt Engineering [16:03] – Building Better AI Context [24:29] – Organizing Finance Knowledge [27:29] – Token Maxing & AI Costs [32:06] – Forecasting Token Spend [38:23] – Focusing on Business Value [41:43] – Closing Thoughts

    The Future of AI Won't Be Defined by Better Models, but by Better Systems

  2. 1 day ago

    What Separates an Excellent Financial Modeler From a Technically Good One with Diarmuid Early

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Diarmuid Early about what separates great financial modelers from technically capable ones, the rise of AI in financial modeling, and why judgment remains essential. Diarmuid shares lessons from his career, his experience as a three-time World Financial Modeling Champion, and why understanding what a model actually means matters more than simply building it correctly. Diarmuid Early is the founder of Early Days Consulting, a data analytics and financial modeling consultancy. He previously worked at Boston Consulting Group and spent nearly a decade in Deutsche Bank’s Origination and Advisory division. He holds a PhD in computer science and is a three-time World Financial Modeling Champion, Excel MVP, and Master Financial Modeler Expect to Learn: Why great modelers think beyond simply building the modelHow assumptions and business understanding drive valuable financial modelsWhere AI currently fits into financial modelingWhy AI-generated models still require careful human reviewWhy continuous learning remains essential for financial modelers Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “The hard part is getting everybody aligned. What are the assumptions?” - Diarmuid Early“There is a smart way to do it. And so if you're banging your head against it, go find the smart way.” - Diarmuid Early AI will continue to take on more of the technical work involved in financial modeling, but speed alone does not make a model useful or reliable. Strong modelers will continue to stand out through their ability to develop credible assumptions, interpret results, exercise judgment, and understand the decisions a model is meant to support. Follow Diarmuid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diarmuidearly/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dimearly Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. 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: [00:00] - Trailer [03:31] - Diarmuid’s Journey Into Financial Modeling [06:00] - Financial Modeler Stereotypes [08:20] - Career Advice for Aspiring Modelers [12:46] - Financial Modeling Competitions [14:59] - Consulting, Coaching, and Career Evolution [18:25] - Meeting Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella [21:08] - AI and the Future of Financial Modeling [25:41] - Why AI-Generated Models Still Need Review [31:09] - Financial Modeling Standards and Best Practices [35:19] - Diarmuid’s Most Challenging Modeling Case [39:28] - Excel Shortcuts and Modeling Tools [41:38] - Rapid-Fire Modeling Questions [46:01] - Continuous Learning and Final Advice

    What Separates an Excellent Financial Modeler From a Technically Good One with Diarmuid Early

  3. 6 days ago

    Should Finance Pros Be Using Vibe Coding to Build Their Own Tools? with Brock & Natalia

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Brock Beyer and Natalia Kudinova to discuss how vibe coding is changing the way finance professionals automate work and build practical tools. They explore real-world use cases, AI token costs, security and maintenance concerns, and why finance teams should start with simple, repetitive processes rather than business-critical systems. Brock Beyer is the CPA Controller at Jump, where he has used vibe coding to build internal productivity tools. Natalia Kudinova is a Senior Director at ABBYY with experience across finance leadership, treasury, tax, reporting, transformation, and process improvement. Expect to Learn: What vibe coding means for finance professionalsPractical finance processes you can automate with AIHow to manage AI token usage and costsWhy security and human oversight remain essentialHow to start small and learn through experimentation Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “You don't have to feel this pressure to vibe code every single tool.” - Brock Beyer“Start with the tasks that you are most tired of doing manually.” - Natalia Kudinova Vibe coding is giving finance professionals new ways to automate repetitive work and build practical tools without traditional coding expertise. The key is to start small, focus on well-defined processes, and keep humans involved in reviewing results. As AI adoption grows, security, cost, and maintainability will remain critical considerations. Follow Natalia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-kudinova-aca/ Follow Brock: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brockbeyer/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. 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 [03:12] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [04:59] - What Is Vibe Coding? [09:36] - Getting Started With Vibe Coding [16:02] - Where Vibe Coding Makes Sense [20:21] - AI Token Costs and ROI [34:12] - Best Finance Processes to Automate [41:53] - What You Shouldn't Vibe Code [46:17] - Maintenance and Security [54:17] - Final Advice

    Should Finance Pros Be Using Vibe Coding to Build Their Own Tools? with Brock & Natalia

  4. 19 Aug

    Better Data vs Better AI: What Really Matters for Finance with Alex Curran

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, to discuss AI-native ERP, the changing role of CFOs, and how finance teams can prepare for AI adoption. Alex explains why strong data foundations, flexible architecture, and real-time finance systems are becoming essential. Alex Curran is the CEO of Aptitude Software, a company with decades of experience building finance solutions for complex organizations. After more than 12 years at Aptitude, Alex became CEO in late 2023 and now leads the company’s focus on AI-native finance technology, including the Fynapse platform. In this episode, you will discover: Why CFOs are becoming strategic partners in business decisions.Why clean, detailed data is essential for effective AI adoption.What makes an ERP system truly AI-native.How CFOs can evaluate legacy and newer AI-native ERP platforms.Why flexible AI models and real-time finance are becoming more important. Alex explains that successful AI adoption requires more than adding AI features to existing finance systems. Organizations need the right data and architecture to support changing AI technologies while meeting complex finance requirements. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Alex: Website: http://fynapse.app/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-curran-9aa593b/ 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: [00:56] – Meet Alex Curran [02:32] – Aptitude Software and Fynapse [05:16] – The Changing CFO Role [07:03] – Finance’s Data Problem [10:53] – AI-Native Finance Systems [14:33] – Evaluating ERP Options [17:32] – The Future of AI-Native ERP [18:59] – Closing Thoughts

    Better Data vs Better AI: What Really Matters for Finance with Alex Curran

  5. 18 Aug

    Can Financial Modelers Trust AI to Build Reliable Models? with Ryan Humphrey

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ryan Humphrey about financial model auditing, the skills strong modelers need, and how AI is changing the profession. Ryan explains why communication, judgment, and independence matter alongside technical ability. He also shares how model audits work, why poorly structured models create risks, and how AI could shift financial modelers from building models toward reviewing and refining them. Ryan Humphrey is a Partner at Forvis Mazars in London, specializing in financial model audits, including accounting and tax reviews. A qualified chartered accountant, he contributed to How to Review a Spreadsheet and co-authored Credible Model Audit for the AI Era. He is also conducting research with Cambridge University in sustainability leadership and is an advocate for the energy transition. Expect to Learn: Why communication is essential in financial modelingHow independent financial model audits support major investment decisionsWhy human judgment remains critical as AI improvesHow AI could shift financial modelers from building to reviewingWhy continuous learning is increasingly important in the AI era Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “The model really is... a communication vector more than anything. It's about telling a story.” - Ryan Humphrey“What cannot be replaced is judgement.” - Ryan Humphrey AI is becoming increasingly capable of understanding and building spreadsheets, but credible-looking outputs can still contain errors. As AI takes on more of the technical building process, financial modelers will need to focus even more on judgment, review, communication, and understanding what a model is designed to accomplish. Follow Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchumphrey/ Website: https://www.forvismazars.com/uk/en/users/our-team/ryan-humphrey 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: [02:31] - Why Communication Matters in Financial Modeling [05:14] - Ryan’s Financial Model Audit Nightmare [08:29] - How Financial Model Audits Work [10:18] - What Model Auditors Actually Validate [12:50] - Essential Skills for Model Auditors [16:45] - How AI Is Changing Financial Model Audits [19:26] - The Risks of Credible-Looking AI Models [20:45] - Moving From Model Building to Model Reviewing [21:25] - Continuous Learning and Final Advice

    Can Financial Modelers Trust AI to Build Reliable Models? with Ryan Humphrey

  6. 13 Aug

    An Evaluation of the FPI AI Program and How 3 Finance Pros Are Using AI Today

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Nitesh Mukhi, Rohit Menon, and Sweta Jhalani to discuss how AI is transforming the FP&A profession and changing the way finance teams work. The guests share their experiences with the AI FP&A Programme, exploring practical AI applications, automation, financial analysis, and the skills finance professionals need to stay ahead. They also discuss why domain expertise, human judgment, and business understanding remain essential in an AI-driven finance world. Nitesh Mukhi is the Finance Director at Presight AI, an AI analytics and big data analytics company in Abu Dhabi, with over two decades of experience across auditing, financial analysis, treasury, and FP&A roles at companies including Schlumberger, FedEx, and KPMG. Rohit Menon is a Regional Finance professional at Bioltec with more than 19 years of experience across multinational companies, focusing on finance transformation and developing FP&A capabilities. Sweta Jhalani is a Chartered Accountant and FP&A Manager based in India who transitioned from audit into FP&A, building experience in financial planning, analysis, and business partnering Expect to Learn: How AI is transforming FP&A workflowsPractical finance use cases for AI toolsThe importance of financial modelling and business partneringWhy human judgment remains critical in AI adoptionBuilding the skills needed for the future of finance Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI is an enabler. It's going to enhance your work, and I think it's going to help you in your day-to-day work.” - Nitesh Mukhi“AI is not the solution to each and every problem.” - Sweta Jhalani AI is changing the way finance professionals approach their work, but the fundamentals of finance remain important. The ability to understand business needs, interpret data, communicate insights, and apply human judgment will continue to separate great FP&A professionals from the rest. Follow Nitesh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitesh-mukhi-7504456/ Follow Rohit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-menon1984/ Follow Sweta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caswetajhalani/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) uses AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode: [00:00] - Introduction [01:21] - Guest Introductions [04:09] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [07:17] - Why They Joined the AI FP&A Programme [12:06] - Inside the AI FP&A Programme [14:35] - Real-World AI Use Cases [17:15] - Key Lessons From the Programme [22:11] - The Reality of AI in Finance [30:14] - AI Projects and Applications [34:03] - Advice for Finance Professionals [36:50] - The Future of AI in FP&A [40:21] - Essential FP&A Skills [43:34] - Skills Needed for AI Success [46:36] - Quick-Fire Questions [52:20] - Final Thoughts and Advice

    An Evaluation of the FPI AI Program and How 3 Finance Pros Are Using AI Today

  7. 12 Aug

    The AI Data Pioneer: Building the Future of Finance with Alex Curran

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, to discuss the future of finance systems, AI-native ERP, and how organizations can prepare their finance functions for a rapidly changing technology landscape. Alex shares how finance teams can move beyond outdated systems, improve data foundations, and use AI to enable faster, more informed decision-making. Alex Curran is the CEO of Aptitude Software, a company that has spent over 40 years building finance solutions for complex organizations. After joining Aptitude over 12 years ago, Alex progressed through multiple leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2023. She now leads the company’s focus on AI-native finance technology and modern ERP solutions. In this episode, you will discover: Why CFOs are expected to become strategic partners in business decisions.Why clean data and strong architecture are essential for successful AI adoption.How AI-native ERP systems differ from traditional finance platforms.Why real-time finance and continuous close are becoming possible.How AI will change finance roles and create new opportunities. Alex explains why the future of finance is not just about adding AI tools, but about building the right systems, data foundations, and processes to make AI valuable and trustworthy. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Alex: Website: http://fynapse.app/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-curran-9aa593b/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. 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 [05:22] – The Modern CFO Role [11:36] – Building Flexible AI Systems [15:16] – Evaluating ERP Solutions [19:08] – Legacy ERP vs AI-Native ERP [23:39] – Real-Time Finance & Continuous Close [27:02] – AI’s Impact on Finance Teams [30:24] – The Future of Accountants [35:44] – AI Questions & Leadership Lessons [36:53] – Finance System Implementation Challenges [38:40] – Alex’s CEO Journey [40:04] – Closing Thoughts on Finance’s Future

    The AI Data Pioneer: Building the Future of Finance with Alex Curran

  8. 11 Aug

    AI Can Build the Model, But Can You Trust It? with Ryan Humphrey

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ryan Humphrey about financial model auditing, the skills strong modelers need, and how AI is changing the profession. Ryan explains why communication, judgment, and trust matter as much as technical ability. He also shares how model audits work, why poorly structured models create serious risks, and why finance professionals must continue developing their skills as AI takes on more of the building process. Ryan Humphrey is a Partner at Forvis Mazars in London, specializing in accounting, tax reviews, and financial model audits. A qualified chartered accountant, he co-authored Credible Model Audit for the AI Era and is currently researching sustainability leadership with Cambridge University. Expect to Learn: Why communication is essential in financial modelingHow independent model audits support better decisionsWhy human judgement remains critical in the AI eraHow AI may shift modelers from building to reviewingWhy trust and continuous learning are becoming more valuable Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "The model really is a communication vector more than anything. It is about telling a story." - Ryan Humphrey"Trust becomes so important because things can look right very quickly, even when they are not." - Ryan Humphrey AI may make financial models faster to build, but it also makes careful review more important. The future belongs to professionals who can combine technical knowledge with judgement, communication, and trusted decision-making. Follow Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchumphrey/ Website: https://www.forvismazars.com/uk/en/users/our-team/ryan-humphrey Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. 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: [00:00] -Trailer [05:16] - Why Communication Matters [06:45] - AI and the Future of Modeling Careers [08:50] - Ryan’s Model Audit Nightmare [12:26] - How Financial Model Audits Work [17:36] - Essential Skills for Model Auditors [21:35] - How AI Is Changing Model Audits [27:54] - The Growing Importance of Trust [32:34] - Why Continuous Learning Matters [37:30] - Excel Preferences and Shortcuts [41:30] - Rapid-Fire Modeling Questions [47:35] - Final Advice for Financial Modelers

    AI Can Build the Model, But Can You Trust It? with Ryan Humphrey
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Trailer

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Barnhurst
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    383
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Paul Barnhurst
  • Show Website
    The FP&A Guy Network

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