Future Finance

Glenn Hopper & Paul Barnhurst
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Future Finance is a podcast that delves into the transformative world of finance hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, and Glenn Hopper, emphasizing the impact of technology and artificial intelligence within the finance profession. Each episode brings listeners the latest news on AI and financial technology, insightful discussions, expert analyses, and forward-thinking ideas, exploring how AI and technological innovations are reshaping corporate finance as we know it. The podcast will become a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving intersection of technology and finance

  1. 3 days ago

    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 Alex shares how finance teams can move beyond outdated systems, improve data foundations, and use AI to enable faster, more informed decision-making.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

  2. 5 Aug

    AI, Power BI, and the Future of Finance Work with Rob Collie

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie to discuss artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power Pivot and Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive. He explains how AI is changing the role of finance and data professionals, why strong data foundations still matter, and why continuous learning is essential in an AI-driven world. Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, he helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of Power Pivot and Power BI and the upcoming book Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business Is Easier Than You Think. In this episode, you will discover: How Power Pivot and Power BI transformed data analytics.Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance professionals.Why adapting skills is critical in the AI era.How businesses can make AI practical and accessible. Robert shares practical insights on combining data expertise, AI, and human judgment to create value in the future of work. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Robert: Website: https://p3adaptive.com/ Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/ In Today’s Episode: [03:58] - Building Power Pivot and Power BI at Microsoft [08:56] - Leaving Microsoft and Founding P3 Adaptive [13:36] - AI and the Future of Work [17:13] - Introducing Fair Game [19:41] - Making AI Practical and Accessible [21:31] - Helping Everyone Understand AI

    AI, Power BI, and the Future of Finance Work with Rob Collie

  3. 29 Jul

    AI Is Already Changing Data Jobs: Why You Must Create More Value Now with Rob Collie

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie, founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and how finance professionals can prepare for the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive and explains why AI is creating both disruption and new opportunities for finance and data professionals. Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, Robert helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of the bestselling Power Pivot and Power BI book and hosts the Raw Data with Rob Collie podcast. His upcoming book, Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business is Easier Than You Think, explores how organizations can make AI practical and accessible. In this episode, you will discover: How Power BI and Power Pivot changed the way organizations use data.Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance and data professionals.Why sitting still with current skills can create career risks.How companies can build AI systems using strong data foundations.Why semantic models are becoming essential for AI adoption. Robert brings decades of experience in business intelligence, analytics, and AI, sharing practical lessons on how finance leaders and data professionals can adapt, learn, and create value in a rapidly changing environment. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow Robert: Website: https://p3adaptive.com/ Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robcollie/ 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 [00:00] – How AI is changing jobs [02:43] – Robert’s Microsoft journey [06:06] – Power BI and Power Pivot impact [11:25] – Leaving Microsoft for P3 Adaptive [15:43] – AI and the future of data work [19:33] – Making AI accessible [25:13] – AI tools and better workflows [31:11] – AI in career planning [33:38] – AI changing finance and consulting [35:16] – Why semantic models matter [38:35] – Building a strong company culture [40:34] – Robert’s AI book and future plans

    AI Is Already Changing Data Jobs: Why You Must Create More Value Now with Rob Collie

  4. 22 Jul

    Why Forecasting Is Not Broken, but Your Data Systems & AI Misuse Are the Problem with Alex Brower

    In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by guest Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to explore why forecasting problems often begin with the data layer. They discuss data plumbing, semantic alignment, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), vibe coding, and how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared definitions to improve forecast quality and analysis. Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity by up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA). In this episode, you will discover: How data hygiene and shared definitions improve forecastingWhy unified data alone does not solve business alignment issuesMCP vs semantic layers for reliable analysisThe risks of untested AI-generated analysisWhy AI cost and governance matter Alex explains how QFlow helps companies prepare data, run planning workflows, and turn analysis into board-ready stories. Follow Alex: Website: https://qflow.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/ 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] – Introduction [02:15] – Data & Forecasting Challenges [06:43] – MCP vs Semantic Layers [09:55] – AI Coding Risks [15:52] – QFlow Data Preparation [18:10] – Planning & Business Insights [20:51] – Closing Thoughts

    Why Forecasting Is Not Broken, but Your Data Systems & AI Misuse Are the Problem with Alex Brower

  5. 15 Jul

    How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower

    Future Finance host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to unpack why forecasting often breaks down even when teams have plenty of data. The discussion focuses on how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared inputs, improve planning accuracy, and use AI without losing the structure needed for reliable decisions. Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA). In this episode, you will discover: Fix data plumbing before system consolidation.Use data dictionaries for consistent definitions.AI helps, but semantic logic is still needed.Vibe coding can create hidden costs if untested.Start with key unanswered questions, then plan solutions. Alex shares lessons from leading finance, operations, and marketing teams at high-growth companies, including what he learned from living the forecast tension on both sides of the table. Follow Alex: Website: https://qflow.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrower/ 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 [03:44] – Finance-to-marketing journey & QFlow’s solution [07:10] – Data plumbing vs. alignment [11:37] – MCPs, AI, and logic layers [14:50] – Risks of vibe coding & maintainability [21:56] – How QFlow handles data, planning, and storytelling [30:57] – Alignment before strategy & reducing fact-hunting [35:39] – Where CFOs/FP&A should start modernizing [44:03] – Closing & sponsor sign-off

    How to Align Marketing and Finance and Fix the Plumbing Problem with Alex Brower

  6. 8 Jul

    AI Is Making Mistakes in Finance for CFOs to Fix Data Problems and Improve Analysis with Nick & Jain

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO. They discuss how AI is changing FP&A, why finance teams still need human expertise, and how their platform helps CFOs automate financial analysis while improving decision-making. Nick Jain is a Harvard MBA and former CEO, CFO, and investor with experience at McKinsey, Bain Capital, and multiple high-growth companies. Daniel Settel is a Stanford engineer, Harvard MBA, former investment professional at Primecap Management, and co-founder of a venture secondary marketplace. Together, they founded Eagle Rock CFO to combine technology with fractional CFO services for growing businesses. In this episode, you will discover: How AI can automate FP&A without replacing finance professionalsWhy clean financial data is essential for better analysisThe role of humans in AI-powered finance workflowsHow fractional CFOs can use technology to serve more clientsWhere businesses can uncover hidden value in their financial data AI-powered finance tools are changing how businesses analyze data, but success still depends on combining automation with sound financial judgment. Nick and Daniel share practical insights into how finance leaders can use technology to save time, uncover opportunities, and make better decisions. Follow Nick: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/ Follow Dan: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/ 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: [02:24] – Why Eagle Rock CFO Was Founded [04:35] – Building AI for FP&A [09:12] – The Human Role in AI-Powered Finance [10:38] – Why Fractional CFOs Need Better Tools [14:18] – Cleaning Financial Data & Chart of Accounts [16:21] – White-Labeling the Platform [17:17] – Time Savings and Business Impact [19:18] – Final Thoughts

    AI Is Making Mistakes in Finance for CFOs to Fix Data Problems and Improve Analysis with Nick & Jain

  7. 1 Jul

    How to Save Time in FP&A Using Structured AI Analysis with Nick and Dan

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, to discuss how AI is reshaping FP&A and fractional CFO services. Nick and Dan explain how their AI-powered system combines structured data processing, automation, and financial expertise to help companies analyze complex financial data faster, reduce manual workload, and uncover hidden value in their operations. Dan and Nick are co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, a financial advisory firm helping mid-size businesses grow faster and improve profitability. They combine AI and technology to deliver operational finance insights at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. Both are Harvard Business School graduates, with undergraduate degrees from Stanford and Dartmouth. Dan previously co-founded FinTech company Zanbato and worked as a professional investor at PrimeCap, while Nick has experience in private equity investing and scaling companies across SaaS, footwear, and trucking. In this episode, you will discover: AI works best when paired with structured financial data, not raw inputsWhy deterministic systems still matter alongside AI in finance workflowsHow Eagle Rock’s 5-step system improves financial analysis accuracyWhy human oversight is still needed in AI-powered FP&A systemsHow fractional CFOs can save 20–50 hours per month using AI tools Nick and Daniel demonstrate how AI is transforming finance by automating analysis while still relying on structured systems and human judgment. Their approach shows that the future of FP&A is not fully autonomous AI, but a hybrid model where AI enhances decision-making, improves efficiency, and strengthens financial visibility. Follow Nick: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/ Follow Dan: Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsettel/ 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 [04:10] – Founding Eagle Rock CFO [06:21] – Deterministic vs probabilistic systems [07:22] – Why agents are not enough [09:13] – Data compression and structuring [10:13] – Human oversight in AI workflows [14:51] – Data mess in SMB finance [18:38] – White-label and consulting model [22:18] – How to start using AI safely [29:36] – CFO vs CEO vs CIO experience [33:45] – Closing thoughts

    How to Save Time in FP&A Using Structured AI Analysis with Nick and Dan

  8. 24 Jun

    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

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

Future Finance is a podcast that delves into the transformative world of finance hosted by Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, and Glenn Hopper, emphasizing the impact of technology and artificial intelligence within the finance profession. Each episode brings listeners the latest news on AI and financial technology, insightful discussions, expert analyses, and forward-thinking ideas, exploring how AI and technological innovations are reshaping corporate finance as we know it. The podcast will become a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving intersection of technology and finance

Information

  • Creator
    Glenn Hopper & Paul Barnhurst
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Glenn Hopper & Paul Barnhurst
  • Show Website
    Future Finance

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