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 Marketing Attribution Strategy for FP&A Teams to Take Control of Marketing ROI with Jeff Greenfield

    1 DAY AGO

    The Marketing Attribution Strategy for FP&A Teams to Take Control of Marketing ROI with Jeff Greenfield

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Jeff Greenfield, an entrepreneur, advisor, and founder of Provalytics, a leading attribution and measurement solution. Jeff discusses marketing attribution, the challenges marketers face in proving the impact of their campaigns, and the evolving role of FP&A in understanding marketing spend. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building an SEO platform to leading Provalytics in providing marketers with a single source of truth for their efforts. Jeff Greenfield is the co-founder and CEO of Provalytics, a "cookie-less" attribution solution that helps marketers demonstrate the value of upper-funnel channels like CTV, podcasting, and more. Before founding Provalytics, Jeff built and led multiple digital marketing companies, pioneering the use of data-driven approaches to improve marketing performance. Expect to Learn: The challenges marketers face in proving campaign ROI and how to overcome themWhy FP&A professionals should understand marketing’s data modelsHow marketers and finance teams can align on data-driven goalsHow to ensure marketing budgets are being spent effectively Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “A great FP&A relationship is when marketing can demonstrate that their efforts are working and walk away with the budget they need.” – Jeff Greenfield“It’s important to understand that marketing is not just about clicks, it’s about capturing attention.” – Jeff Greenfield Jeff Greenfield shared valuable insights on the challenges of marketing attribution and how finance teams can collaborate with marketing to ensure efficient budget allocation. He emphasized the importance of understanding marketing data and aligning on a common measurement framework for better decision-making. Campfire: AI-First ERP: Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform. Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy Follow Jeff: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/ Company: https://provalytics.com/ Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode [02:40] – Jeff’s Background [03:33] – What Does Great FP&A Look Like? [08:21] – Measuring Revenue from Podcasts [11:25] – From Chiropractic to Marketing [15:10] – Founding Provalytics: Marketing Attribution [18:48] – The Google Tax in Attribution [29:46] – Why Google Isn't Enough Anymore [37:49] – AI and Podcast ROI [41:07] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A [48:00] – Last Questions & Final thought

    49 min
  2. How Finance Leaders Can Stop AI Failure and Adopt Augmented Intelligence with John Thomas

    2 DAYS AGO

    How Finance Leaders Can Stop AI Failure and Adopt Augmented Intelligence with John Thomas

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how leaders can cut through the hype around artificial intelligence and focus on real-world impact. The conversation dives into why so many AI initiatives fail, how cognitive biases affect AI adoption, and why finance professionals must learn to ask better questions before deploying models. John Thomas is the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS), a consulting and professional development organization focused on helping organizations successfully implement AI and data science initiatives. He serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer for Fortune 500 companies and teaches AI and machine learning courses at Caltech CTME and UC San Diego Extended Studies. In this episode, you will discover: Why 85% of AI projects fail and how to avoid The difference between AI hype and real implementationHow augmented intelligence improves human decision-makingWhy asking the right questions about AI models matters mostHow AI can help with risk analysis and financial decision-making This episode highlights that successful AI adoption is not about chasing the latest technology trends but about asking better questions, understanding assumptions, and focusing on real business problems. As AI continues to evolve, finance leaders who combine human judgment with intelligent systems will be best positioned to turn AI from hype into measurable results. Follow John: GIDS: https://gidsco.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thomas-foxworthy-m-s-data-science-1718073/ Future Alpha Event: https://www.alphaevents.com/events-futurealphaglobal/agenda-page/filter?_gl=1*1j0347f*[…]ovIhoCWOYQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAomEzrlLzh-epjUJjbfXNnASlChga 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: [03:05] – Meet John Thomas [04:11] – Augmented intelligence explained [11:21] – Global Institute of Data Science [15:18] – Why AI projects fail [21:29] – Understanding AI models [24:45] – AI in portfolio risk analysis [30:16] – Best advice for finance leaders [32:15] – Rapid-fire questions & wrap-up

    39 min
  3. Tips For Aligning the Forecasting  Process between Finance and Operations with Amber Johnson

    3 DAYS AGO

    Tips For Aligning the Forecasting Process between Finance and Operations with Amber Johnson

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

    47 min
  4. Practical Charts for Finance Teams to Turn Data Visuals into Strategic Tools with Nick Desbarats

    5 MAR

    Practical Charts for Finance Teams to Turn Data Visuals into Strategic Tools with Nick Desbarats

    In this episode, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Nick Desbarats, a data visualisation expert, bestselling author, and independent educator, to discuss data visualisation. Nick talks about the skills needed to create effective charts, how to avoid common mistakes, and the importance of understanding the "job" of a chart. He shares his journey from software executive to becoming an authority in the field and explains why the true skill of visualising data goes beyond knowing the software. Nick is the author of Practical Charts (Amazon #1 New Release) and the upcoming Practical Dashboards. He has taught thousands of professionals globally, including teams at NASA, Bloomberg, Visa, the United Nations, Shopify, and more. He is also the first educator authorised by Stephen Few to teach his foundational data visualisation workshops. Expect to Learn: Why understanding the "job" of a chart is more important than the data itselfThe key skills needed for creating effective chartsCommon mistakes in data visualisation and how to avoid themWhy empathy for your audience is crucial when designing visualsHow to decide when to use default charts vs. creating custom visuals Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “The real job of a chart is to serve people, not the software.” – Nick Desbarats“Data visualisation is not about the tool, it’s about the message you want to convey.” – Nick Desbarats Nick Desbarats shared valuable insights on creating effective data visualisations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose behind each chart. He highlighted key skills, common mistakes, and the need for empathy with your audience. Campfire: AI-First ERP: Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform. Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy Follow Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdesbarats/ Company: https://www.practicalreporting.com/ Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode [03:33] – Nick’s Background [05:32] – Key Skills for Data Visualisation Experts [09:50] – Executive to Data Viz Educator [12:35] – Book Recommendations [19:35] – Moving Beyond “It Depends” [26:08] – Common Finance Chart Mistakes [34:13] – The Pie Chart Dilemma [37:54] – AI in Data Visualisation [45:56] – Chart Type Selection Skills [58:30] – Final Wrap-up

    59 min
  5. The Human-in-the-Loop AI Is the Future of Finance Automation with Riya Grover

    4 MAR

    The Human-in-the-Loop AI Is the Future of Finance Automation with Riya Grover

    In this highlights episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper chat with Riya Grover about how AI is transforming order-to-cash workflows. Riya shares insights into billing automation, revenue operations, and the evolving role of finance teams. She also discusses her entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of Sequence, the first agentic AR platform, which is revolutionizing B2B pricing and contracts. Riya Grover is the Co-founder and CEO of Sequence, an AI platform automating accounts receivable for B2B companies. Backed by a16z with $40M raised, Sequence streamlines quoting, billing, invoicing, and revenue recognition. Before Sequence, Riya founded Feedr, a venture-backed company acquired by Compass Group in 2020. She holds an MBA from Harvard and a BA from Oxford University. In this episode, you will discover: The role of AI in automating order-to-cash workflowsHow Sequence helps B2B companies with custom pricing and revenue operationsInsights into building and scaling a venture-backed companyWhy talent density is key to scaling businesses Riya explains how complex contracts, usage-based pricing, and custom deal structures create massive billing challenges for growing companies. Sequence solves this by combining deterministic billing foundations with AI-powered workflow agents. Follow Riya: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riya-grover-a22a4822/ Website: https://www.sequencehq.com/ Sequence Series A Fundraising: Announcement 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: [00:26] – Riya’s background [04:05] – Challenges of a Two-Sided Marketplace [05:57] – Building Sequence: AI for AR [10:00] – Human Oversight vs. AI Automation [12:52] – Revolutionizing Billing & Invoicing [14:18] – Defining Workflow Rules for AI [19:23] – Final Thoughts

    20 min
  6. Why Structure and Design are Critical Elements of Trust and Credibility in Financial Modeling with Nick Boberg

    3 MAR

    Why Structure and Design are Critical Elements of Trust and Credibility in Financial Modeling with Nick Boberg

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

    44 min
  7. How HR & FP&A Teams Build Trust to Improve Decision-Making & Business Performance with Deborah & Cynthia

    26 FEB

    How HR & FP&A Teams Build Trust to Improve Decision-Making & Business Performance with Deborah & Cynthia

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder are joined by HR leaders Cynthia Kenny and Deborah Hill to discuss the important partnership between HR and FP&A. They explore how aligning goals across departments can drive organizational success, share personal stories about career development, and highlight the importance of trust and collaboration. Cynthia Kenny is a CHRO and C-suite partner with over 30 years of experience in human resources, focusing on change management and organizational transformation. Deborah Hill is an HR leader with over 10 years of experience leading HR teams in tech-focused and tech-enabled companies. She specializes in building culture and driving talent initiatives, and has managed businesses with revenues ranging from $400M to $5B. Expect to Learn: How HR and FP&A can partner to drive organizational successThe importance of aligning company, team, and individual goalsBest practices for goal-setting and performance managementWhy flexibility is important when managing goals throughout the yearHow to build trust and collaboration between HR and FP&A Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “Great FP&A is about turning financial data into actionable insights for business leaders.” - Deborah Hill“Real success happens when HR and FP&A work together, understanding each other’s worlds and creating synergy.” - Cynthia Kenny Cynthia Kenny and Deborah Hill provided valuable insights on the critical partnership between HR and FP&A, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals across departments to drive organizational success. They discussed how clear, actionable goals can lead to better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and improved business outcomes. Campfire: AI-First ERP: Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform. Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy Follow Deborah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hill-8a24771/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-tire-distributors/ Follow Cynthia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiakennymaccp/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunland-asphalt/ Follow Glenn: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode [05:44] – What Great FP&A Looks Like [10:07] – COVID Finance & HR Decisions [16:55] – Hiring, Headcount & Data Issues [23:49] – HRIS, ERP & Source of Truth [27:29] – Aligning Corporate & Individual Goals [36:07] – Flexible Performance Management [47:56] – Effective Goal-Setting Practices [59:17] – Final Takeaways & Career Growth

    1h 3m
  8. How Modern Finance Teams Are Automating Billing and Revenue Workflows with AI Tools - Riya Grover

    25 FEB

    How Modern Finance Teams Are Automating Billing and Revenue Workflows with AI Tools - Riya Grover

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Riya Grover to explore how AI is transforming order-to-cash workflows. The conversation explores billing automation, revenue operations, and the evolving role of finance teams. Riya shares her entrepreneurial journey and how Sequence is building the first agentic AR platform. This episode is packed with practical insights for modern finance leaders navigating AI adoption. Riya Grover is the Co-founder and CEO at Sequence. Sequence, backed by a16z with $40M raised, is building the first agentic platform for accounts receivable. The company helps B2B businesses automate quoting, billing, invoicing, and revenue recognition, especially for complex pricing and custom contracts. Prior to Sequence, Riya founded Feedr, a venture-backed company that exited to Compass Group in 2020. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics and Management from Oxford University. In this episode, you will discover: Why building a two-sided marketplace is incredibly difficultHow modern B2B pricing models break traditional billing systemsThe difference between deterministic systems and generative AI in financeWhy human-in-the-loop design is critical for financial AI agentsWhat the future finance tech stack will look like in the next five years Riya explains how complex contracts, usage-based pricing, and custom deal structures create massive billing challenges for growing companies. Sequence solves this by combining deterministic billing foundations with AI-powered workflow agents. The discussion highlights where AI should and should not be used in finance operations. Trust, auditability, and human oversight remain central to successful AI implementation. Follow Riya: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riya-grover-a22a4822/ Website: https://www.sequencehq.com/ Sequence Series A Fundraising: Announcement 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: [02:05] – Riya’s Startup Journey [06:55] – Marketplace Challenges [08:28] – Modern Billing Gaps [10:46] – AI in Finance [13:10] – Human-in-the-Loop Design [18:35] – ML vs. Gen AI [24:26] – Series A & Scaling [30:11] – Future Finance Stack [35:15] – Rapid Fire & Wrap-Up

    40 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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