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. Establishing A Mission, A Culture And Trust Is Key To Building A High Performing FP&A Team With Aswin

    8 HR AGO

    Establishing A Mission, A Culture And Trust Is Key To Building A High Performing FP&A Team With Aswin

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Aswin Saravanan, VP of Finance at Qualtrics, to explore what it really takes for FP&A teams to move from insight to action. Aswin shares why trust is the foundation of strategic finance, how culture and vision enable better decision making, and why simplicity in financial modeling often delivers the greatest impact Aswin is a strategic finance leader with over a decade of experience across global technology companies. He specializes in connecting strategy to execution and helping finance drive business outcomes. Currently the VP of Finance at Qualtrics, he brings deep expertise across corporate, product, and go-to-market finance. He has previously held leadership roles at Microsoft and HubSpot. Expect to Learn What great FP&A looks like as a strategic business partnerWhy is trust required to move from insight to actionHow culture and vision shape high-performing FP&A teamsThe importance of simple financial models over complex onesHow FP&A teams create strategic value that influences the future Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “Taking something from insight to action requires trust. Without trust, nothing really moves.” - Aswin Saravanan“Great FP&A is when the team can be a proactive strategic partner and actually change the trajectory of the company.”- Aswin Saravanan Aswin Saravanan shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can move from reporting to truly influencing business outcomes. By building trust, setting a clear vision, and keeping financial models simple, finance leaders can turn insight into action. The conversation reinforces that strategic value comes from helping the business make better decisions about the future. 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 Aswin: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aswinsaravanan/ Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualtrics/ 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...

    47 min
  2. Claude AI Replaces ChatGPT and Copilot in Finance to Automate Workflows without Planning Tools

    1 DAY AGO

    Claude AI Replaces ChatGPT and Copilot in Finance to Automate Workflows without Planning Tools

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how AI tools like Claude, Copilot, and Excel agents are transforming financial workflows in 2026. As the finance industry continues to evolve, AI is playing an increasingly crucial role in automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and boosting efficiency. Paul and Glenn discuss their firsthand experiences with AI-driven tools, from tracking expenses and managing journal entries to building financial models. They also dive into the ways small and medium businesses are utilizing AI-powered Excel agents to streamline their financial processes without the need for expensive, traditional planning tools. In this episode, you will discover: The impact of AI agents in finance and how they simplify workflows.Personal experiences with Claude and Copilot in real-world finance tasks.How to integrate AI into your finance team’s daily tasks.The benefits and challenges of AI-powered automation in finance. Paul and Glenn emphasize the importance of embracing AI in finance, highlighting how tools like Claude, Copilot, and Excel agents are transforming everyday workflows. They encourage finance professionals to experiment with AI, even if it means starting small. 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] – AI’s Role in Finance [03:47] – AI Agents in Excel [06:12] – Claude vs. Copilot [09:27] – Automating Expenses & Journal Entries [15:56] – AI for Financial Models [21:21] – Future of AI in Small Business Finance [26:26] – Workflow Automation in Finance [35:28] – AI & Human Collaboration [39:31] – Experimenting with AI in Finance [41:45] – Data Quality & Governance [43:07] – Key Takeaway

    49 min
  3. Financial Modelers Must Master the Fundamentals Before Trusting AI with Chris Reilly

    2 DAYS AGO

    Financial Modelers Must Master the Fundamentals Before Trusting AI with Chris Reilly

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Chris Reilly for a deep and practical conversation on financial modeling fundamentals in the age of AI. Chris shares why mastering the basics still matters more than ever, how AI is changing modeling workflows in reality (not hype), and where automation genuinely adds value versus where human judgment is still essential. Chris Reilly is a former private equity professional and financial modeling expert with experience spanning restructuring, FP&A, treasury, and middle market private equity. He began his career at FTI Consulting during the financial crisis, working on major bankruptcies, including Lehman Brothers, before moving to Hilton Worldwide and later into private equity. Chris is the founder of Financial Modeling Education, where he has trained more than 90,000 professionals worldwide, teaching real-life models used to acquire and manage private equity-backed businesses. Expect to Learn Why financial modeling fundamentals matter more than ever in an AI-driven worldHow Chris actually uses AI in real client models versus online hypeWhy simple, well-built models outperform overly complex onesHow to balance technical modeling skills with business decision-making Here are a few quotes from the episode: “AI is a great accelerator if you already understand the fundamentals. If you don’t, it just magnifies the problem.” - Chris Reilly“There’s a missing middle right now where people are skipping the fundamentals and jumping straight to the results.” - Chris Reilly Chris emphasizes that while AI and automation can improve efficiency, they do not replace the need for strong accounting knowledge, modeling fundamentals, and business understanding. He explains that the best modelers focus less on tools and functions and more on clarity, reliability, and helping decision makers understand what to do next. Follow Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-reilly-mission-capital/ Homepage: https://www.financialmodelingeducation.com/ Email list: https://financialmodelingeducator.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’....

    40 min
  4. The Analytics Lessons FP&A Leaders Need to Build Better, Repeatable Workflows with Ned Harding

    5 FEB

    The Analytics Lessons FP&A Leaders Need to Build Better, Repeatable Workflows with Ned Harding

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ned Harding - a true pioneer in the data analytics space - to talk about why most data tools still don’t meet the needs of today’s collaborative teams. From building Alteryx from the ground up to launching a new venture (Enso Analytics), Ned shares his take on what’s broken in data workflows and how FP&A teams can fix it. Ned Harding is the Chief Product Officer at Enso Analytics, a platform that helped define the self-service analytics category. He started coding at eight years old, taught himself from PDP-11 manuals, and has spent the last two decades creating tools used by hundreds of thousands of analysts worldwide. He’s a product guy through and through, and he’s on a mission to help teams work smarter with their data. Expect to Learn: Why most data tools fall short when it comes to real team collaborationThe importance of repeatability and testing in FP&A workflowsHow to avoid common pitfalls with AI and overfitting in forecastingWhy Excel is both a lifesaver - and a landmineHow to build a true “culture of analytics” across your entire org Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “The biggest successes happen when teams collaborate - analytics shouldn’t be a solo act.”- Ned Harding“If your team’s not getting value from your data work, you’re not doing your job.”- Ned Harding Ned shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can become strategic partners by embracing collaborative, repeatable analytics. He emphasizes the value of integrating data across teams, avoiding AI pitfalls, and applying the scientific method to drive consistent, data-informed 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 Ned: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-harding-34a57526/ Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/enso-analytics/ Website - https://ensoanalytics.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...

    55 min
  5. The Future of SMB Finance Is AI Bookkeeping to Replace Broken ERP Systems with Kevin & Drew

    4 FEB

    The Future of SMB Finance Is AI Bookkeeping to Replace Broken ERP Systems with Kevin & Drew

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk with Kevin Thomas and Drew Hyatt, co-founders of Omniga, about solving persistent issues in bookkeeping and the monthly close process for small and mid-sized businesses. They discuss how finance leaders often struggle with unreliable data and how Omniga is creating a more structured, review-ready accounting workflow. Kevin Thomas brings a background in corporate FP&A and a CFA perspective. His hands-on experience with messy books and data integrity problems in SMBs led him to co-found Omniga. Drew Hyatt is a technology leader with a background in FinTech integrations and data pipelines. He previously worked in construction finance and medical supply chains, building systems that manage high-volume, rule-based transactions. In this episode, you will discover: Why clean financial data is essential for any finance function to scale.What makes SMB accounting workflows difficult and how Omniga is addressing it.How Omniga uses automation to classify, normalize, and escalate accounting entries.The structure of a scalable, review-focused operating system for fractional CFOs. Kevin and Drew share how Omniga is tackling the core challenges of bookkeeping and monthly close for SMBs. Their approach brings structure, control, and scalability to finance operations where it’s needed most. Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-thomas/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omniga-ai/ Follow Drew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-a-hyatt/ 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: [00:15] - Meet Kevin and Drew [01:28] - Why Omniga Started [04:38] - Drew’s Tech Background [07:04] - The Name “Omniga” [10:33] - Controlling AI Output [13:57] - Guardrails and Escalation [16:18] - Final Thoughts

    17 min
  6. The Excel Techniques for Modelers to Build Real World-Business Forecasts - Luke Phillips

    3 FEB

    The Excel Techniques for Modelers to Build Real World-Business Forecasts - Luke Phillips

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Luke Phillips, Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. Luke shares how he transitioned from Division I basketball to financial modeling, and how he helps clients solve complex budgeting and reporting problems using Solver, Excel, and Power BI. Luke Phillips is a chartered financial modeler and the Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. He works with clients across mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and professional services to streamline budgeting and reporting through Solver and Excel. Luke holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he also played Division I basketball. Expect to Learn How a bad college project helped kickstart Luke’s modeling careerWhat Solver is and how it supports complex planning and reportingTips for simplifying models without losing valueThe role of communication in building useful modelsLuke’s take on AI and dynamic arrays in Excel Here are a few quotes from the episode: “We're not hiring you for your technical ability, we're hiring you for your potential.” – Luke“I love spreadsheets, the way you can pull complex calculations together and form a view of a company.” – Luke Luke Phillips brings a grounded, real-world perspective to financial modeling, shaped by both professional experience and athletic discipline. His approach blends technical skill with a clear focus on communication and usability. Whether solving client challenges with Solver or exploring new Excel features, Luke keeps modeling practical and purpose-driven. Follow Luke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-phillips-75859013a/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-analytic/ 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: [02:09] - Life in Australia & Background [03:16] - First Model Mistake &...

    44 min
  7. The Role Of FP&A In Being IPO Ready With Jeffrey Bernstein

    29 JAN

    The Role Of FP&A In Being IPO Ready With Jeffrey Bernstein

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Jeffrey Bernstein to explore how finance leaders can better communicate financial insights and influence decision-making across an organization. The conversation focuses on the gap between technical financial knowledge and the ability to clearly explain what the numbers actually mean to non-finance stakeholders. Jeffrey is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets Advisory at Riveron, a leading advisor to the Office of the CFO and Private Equity. Early in his career, Jeff was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, where he helped execute IPOs in the technology sector for over a decade. Afterward, he spent more than 15 years as a portfolio manager investing in disruptive public and private companies. For the last eight years, Jeff has served as a trusted strategic advisor to pre-IPO companies, guiding them toward successful public exits. Expect to Learn: Why finance professionals play a crucial role in the IPO processHow to prepare a company financially for a successful public listingThe importance of building financial trust with public investorsHow to evaluate the readiness of your financial systems and team for the IPO process Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “The biggest change from private to public is transitioning from over-promising to under-promising and over-delivering.”- Jeff Bernstein“Financial integrity isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about being transparent, avoiding gimmicks, and sticking to metrics that have real meaning.”- Jeff Bernstein Jeff shares valuable insights on the complexities of going public, managing quarterly earnings, and maintaining investor trust. He also discusses how FP&A teams can help steer the company through financial reporting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making post-IPO. 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 Jeffrey: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-bernstein-498a23158/ Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/riveron/ Website - https://riveron.com/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/ Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to a href="http://earmarkcpe.com"...

    56 min
  8. How SMBs Can Fix Bookkeeping to Build Trustworthy Data and Scale Finance with Kevin & Drew

    28 JAN

    How SMBs Can Fix Bookkeeping to Build Trustworthy Data and Scale Finance with Kevin & Drew

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Kevin A.Thomas and Drew Hyatt, the co-founders of Omniga, to discuss the often-overlooked but critical challenges facing small business finance teams. While enterprise companies get most of the attention, Kevin and Drew are focused on the backbone of the economy, businesses under $30 million in revenue—and the unique struggles they face when it comes to closing the books, managing data, and generating strategic insight. Kevin A.Thomas, CFA, is the founder of Omniga and a seasoned strategic finance leader focused on scaling digital businesses. Kevin is passionate about rebuilding the back office to help businesses make smarter decisions, faster. Drew Hyatt is the Co-Founder and CTO of Omniga. He plays a key role in architecting Omniga’s infrastructure, translating complex workflows into scalable technology for finance teams. In this episode, you will discover: Why clean books are the foundation for strong financial decisionsThe hidden risks in small business bookkeeping and how to fix themThe difference between replacing tasks and supporting human judgmentHow to expand from bookkeeping to full finance strategy supportHow to structure a finance workflow that scales with your business Kevin and Drew leave us with a clear message: better finance starts with a stronger foundation. By focusing on clean books and scalable workflows, Omniga is reshaping how small businesses manage finance. It’s not about replacing people, it’s about empowering them to do more with less. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance. Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-thomas/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omniga-ai/ Follow Drew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-a-hyatt/ 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 [03:39] – Why They Started Omniga [07:11] – Drew’s Tech Journey [09:28] – What...

    42 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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