FP&A Unlocked

Paul Barnhurst
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FP&A Unlocked is where Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, discusses how FP&A can unlock your seat at the boardroom, and what it takes.

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

    1D 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. The Analytics Lessons FP&A Leaders Need to Build Better, Repeatable Workflows with Ned Harding

    FEB 5

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

    JAN 29

    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
  4. How FP&A Professionals Can Evolve Beyond Reporting and Become Strategic Partners with Bryan Lapidus

    JAN 22

    How FP&A Professionals Can Evolve Beyond Reporting and Become Strategic Partners with Bryan Lapidus

    In this engaging episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Bryan Lapidus, Director of FP&A Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), to explore how finance professionals can better prepare for the evolving demands of the industry. They discuss how AFP supports the finance community, the role of technology in shaping FP&A, and why soft skills are critical in today’s collaborative environment. Bryan Lapidus is the Director of FP&A Practice at AFP, where he serves as a subject matter expert on financial planning and analysis. With more than 20 years in FP&A and treasury at organizations like American Express and Fannie Mae, Bryan brings deep knowledge of corporate finance. At AFP, he develops thought leadership, leads advisory councils, and curates content that helps professionals thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Expect to Learn: The two core competencies every great FP&A professional must masterWhy “getting out from behind the screen” matters for business insightHow AFP curates learning and networking experiences for finance professionalsWhat to expect from AFP’s FP&A Forum and Annual ConferenceHow to avoid low-value work and focus on driving business impact This episode highlights the evolving role of FP&A, emphasizing the need for both strong technical skills and human-centered business insight. Bryan Lapidus reminds us that tools like AI are valuable, but true impact comes from understanding the business and adding strategic value. Continuous learning and community are key to thriving in today’s finance landscape. 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 Bryan: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bryan-lapidus-fpac Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-for-financial-professionals/ 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] – What Is AFP? [05:38] – What Makes Great FP&A? [13:34] – Inside the AFP Conference [18:13] – How AFP Chooses Conference Tracks [23:12] – AFP FP&A Forum Highlights [27:30] – How Soft Skills Shape Career...

    45 min
  5. How To Make FP&A Software Tools Work For You And The Future Of FP&A With Ben Pierce

    JAN 15

    How To Make FP&A Software Tools Work For You And The Future Of FP&A With Ben Pierce

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Ben Pierce, General Manager of Workday Adaptive Planning, to discuss the evolving landscape of FP&A, the challenges of planning software, and the future of finance in an AI-driven world. Ben shares his career journey, from semiconductor engineering to leadership roles in the FP&A software industry, and dives into his vision for how AI is transforming the way businesses plan and make decisions. Ben Pierce is an experienced executive with over two decades of experience in the enterprise software industry. Currently, he leads Workday Adaptive Planning’s global strategy, growth, and innovation efforts. Prior to joining Workday, Ben held senior roles in several companies, including River Logic, Tidemark, and IBM, where he honed his expertise in analytics, financial software, and business leadership. His career has been shaped by his passion for leveraging technology to improve business operations and drive impactful change. Expect to Learn: Why Ben believes the future of FP&A is in AI and analyticsThe importance of challenging the business with actionable insightsHow to make FP&A tools work for you, not just as a data repositoryWhat to consider when choosing and implementing FP&A softwareThe balance between strategic planning and flexible budgeting processes Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "A great FP&A partner doesn’t just provide data, they come to the table with a point of view and push you to do better." – Ben Pierce"At the end of the day, it’s not about the tool, it’s about the implementation and how you engage with it." – Ben Pierce Ben Pierce offers invaluable insights into FP&A, emphasizing the need for technology to not only streamline processes but also enhance decision-making capabilities. His advice on selecting the right FP&A tools and the importance of having a supportive implementation partner is essential for any finance team looking to modernize their planning processes. 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 Free Trial of Workday Try Workday Adaptive Planning free for 30 days - a href="https://forms.workday.com/en-us/sales/adaptive-planning-free-trial/form.html?locale=enus&aud=ada&stage=ce&size=all&pblr=wd&assettype=oth&productfocus=pl&utm_medium=evnt&utm_source=evlv&step=step1_sales_contact" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    51 min
  6. Scaling FP&A with Growth to Build Trusted Processes and Strategic Influence with Noam Sever

    JAN 8

    Scaling FP&A with Growth to Build Trusted Processes and Strategic Influence with Noam Sever

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Noam Sever, Head of Global FP&A at Cellebrite, for a deep and thoughtful conversation on building impactful finance teams, scaling FP&A processes, and the human side of finance leadership. Noam shares his experience driving financial planning in high-growth environments and highlights the value of simplicity, consistency, and communication in finance transformation. This episode is a masterclass in aligning FP&A with business needs and building trust through data, systems, and people. Noam Sever is a seasoned finance executive with over 15 years of leadership across global tech and manufacturing firms. At Cellebrite, he leads a multinational FP&A team overseeing full P&L ownership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. His expertise includes business modeling, systems implementation, and data-driven decision-making. Known for his structured approach and people-first mindset, Noam is passionate about building agile finance organizations that deliver real business impact. Expect to Learn: Why “tiny gains” and small process improvements compound to drive big FP&A impactHow to scale FP&A processes from startup chaos to structured efficiencyThe importance of aligning finance with go-to-market and sales operationsWhy trust, communication, and curiosity are the top soft skills in FP&AThe framework Noam uses to evaluate when and how to scale teams, tools, and processes Here are a few quotes from the episode: As a company scales, FP&A must shift from being reactive to becoming a proactive business partner.” – Noam SeverStart simple, make it repeatable, and always leave room to improve. That’s the foundation of great FP&A.” – Noam Sever Noam Sever offers a blueprint for building impactful FP&A teams through simplicity, structure, and strategic business partnership. His insights emphasize that real value comes from understanding the business, earning trust, and continuously improving processes to drive meaningful results. 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 Noam: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noamsever/ Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cellebrite/ Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to a href="http://earmarkcpe.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    46 min
  7. The 80/20 Strategy for FP&A Leaders to Replace Long Budgeting with Business Impact - Andrew Hull

    JAN 1

    The 80/20 Strategy for FP&A Leaders to Replace Long Budgeting with Business Impact - Andrew Hull

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Andrew Hull, a seasoned finance leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. They explore the role of FP&A professionals in driving business results, navigating inflation, and transitioning from traditional budgeting to impactful analytics. Andrew Hull is a financial executive with over two decades of experience in CPG. Currently the Vice President of Finance at UNFI Canada, Andrew has a proven track record of partnering with business leaders to deliver results through strategic insights and principled financial analysis. With a competitive spirit and passion for team leadership, Andrew shares his unique approach to FP&A, analytics, and the importance of actionable storytelling. Expect to Learn: The three pillars of great FP&A are technical skills, storytelling, and actionable decisions.Why Andrew advocates for changing FP&A to “FA&P” and focusing more on analytics.Lessons learned from leading finance during the pandemic.Key metrics for success in the distribution industry include variable margin and truck utilization.Practical advice for accelerating budget processes and focusing on analytics that drive results. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "The most value FP&A can add is when we take complex data and distill it into actionable insights." - Andrew Hull"Variable margin is the backbone of understanding financial performance in a distribution business."- Andrew Hull"A one-page visual with clear recommendations is the best way to communicate with executives."- Andrew Hull Andrew Hull shared a wealth of knowledge for FP&A professionals, including rethinking the role of analytics to the importance of actionable storytelling. His practical advice on managing inflation, leading during a crisis, and accelerating the budgeting process offers valuable lessons. 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 Andrew: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhull4/ Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1 hr
  8. How Finance Leaders Can Transform FP&A Through Vision and Team Culture with Brett Hampson

    12/25/2025

    How Finance Leaders Can Transform FP&A Through Vision and Team Culture with Brett Hampson

    In this episode, Paul Barnhurst looks into practical frameworks and leadership strategies for finance professionals with guest Brett Hampson. Brett discusses what he believes constitutes great FP&A and how grassroots finance transformations, rather than top-down technology implementations, can foster a proactive, value-creating FP&A culture. Brett Hampson has spent over a decade in corporate FP&A, working with some of the world’s largest companies. He is the author of The FP&A Operating System, a book that outlines his approach to establishing a high-functioning FP&A department. Brett is also the founder of Forecasting Performance, a platform that promotes best practices in financial analysis and forecasting. Expect to Learn What grassroots finance transformation entails and why it’s preferable to technology-centric approaches.How to implement Brett’s FP&A Operating System and FP&A Flywheel framework to drive efficiency and value.The importance of setting a clear vision and objectives for FP&A teams to move from reactive to proactive operations.How to leverage attribution analysis and storytelling to enhance FP&A’s influence on business decisions. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “Grassroots finance transformation happens when each person on the team has their own vision and works towards solving specific challenges.” - Brett Hampson“Technology alone doesn’t solve problems. It might fix one, but often creates new ones if cultural issues aren’t addressed first.” - Brett Hampson With insights into creating effective FP&A systems and teams, Brett Hampson provides a refreshing perspective on FP&A transformation. He highlights the importance of people, process, and then technology, in that order, as the foundation for a high-performing FP&A team. Follow Brett: Website - https://bretthampson.gumroad.com/l/proactive LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-hampson/ Newsletter - https://blog.forecastingperformance.com/subscribe Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy 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 [02:12] - Brett’s Background and Introduction [05:17] - The Creation of The FP&A Operating System [08:04] - Developing a Proactive FP&A...

    55 min
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5
out of 5
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About

FP&A Unlocked is where Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, discusses how FP&A can unlock your seat at the boardroom, and what it takes.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Barnhurst
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Paul Barnhurst
  • Show Website
    FP&A Unlocked

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