Future Finance

Glenn Hopper & Paul Barnhurst

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. How Companies Are Losing Millions While Being Data Rich with Ron Nachum

    1d ago

    How Companies Are Losing Millions While Being Data Rich with Ron Nachum

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder and CEO of Sapien, to discuss how AI agents are transforming financial operations and decision-making for companies. Ron shares how Sapien leverages AI to unify siloed financial data, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden value while enabling employees to focus on strategic work. Ron Nachum is the founder and CEO of Sapien, an AI-native platform that deploys agents to understand and act on messy, siloed data across ERPs, data warehouses, CRMs, and spreadsheets. Ron studied at Harvard, where he focused on computer science, statistics, and applied AI research. He has spent years building AI solutions for finance and operational processes, creating systems that help companies make better, faster decisions and optimize their operations. In this episode, you will discover: AI can unlock value from messy, siloed financial dataSapien’s platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisionsHuman oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurabilityTalent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing companyEarly entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovation Ron Nachum demonstrates how AI can revolutionize financial operations by turning siloed, messy data into actionable insights. Sapien’s platform empowers companies to automate reporting, optimize decisions, and free employees to focus on high-value work. Ron emphasizes that combining AI with governance, configurability, and a talented team creates systems that not only deliver immediate value but also scale strategically. 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: [00:00] – Trailer [03:15] – Data-Rich, Analysis-Poor Challenge [06:21] – Harvard & the Leap to Sapien [11:32] – AI Agents in Finance [17:01] – Balancing AI Flexibility & Guardrails [23:19] – Efficient & Secure Data Handling [26:34] – Making Insights Accessible to All Teams [30:45] – Configurability, Forecasting & Learning [38:22] – Real-World Impact & Optimizations [40:25] – Leading Young Teams with Experienced Advisor [46:11] – Early Entrepreneurial Ventures [49:13] – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

    51 min
  2. AI Strategy for CFOs: Manage AI Like an Investment Portfolio and Prove ROI with Dave Trier

    Jun 10

    AI Strategy for CFOs: Manage AI Like an Investment Portfolio and Prove ROI with Dave Trier

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to discuss how enterprises can govern, manage, and operate AI at scale. Dave shares insights on implementing AI responsibly, tracking ROI, managing risks, and creating an enterprise-wide AI portfolio that drives value while ensuring compliance and governance. Dave Trier leads ModelOp with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years in data science, AI, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, he brings technical expertise and a pragmatic leadership style, helping CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders deploy AI effectively across organizations . In this episode, you will discover: How enterprises can scale AI responsibly and reliablyThe CFO’s role in AI oversight and portfolio managementMeasuring AI value through ROI, usage, and internal feedbackDistinctions between AI governance and traditional data governanceImportance of change management and structured AI adoption Dave provides a framework for enterprise AI adoption, emphasizing disciplined management, measurable impact, and alignment with regulatory and operational requirements. This episode is essential for finance and tech leaders looking to integrate AI at scale while ensuring oversight, efficiency, and business value . Follow Dave: Website: https://www.modelop.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/ 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 [02:38] – AI Compliance & Governance Challenges [04:35] – Distinction Between AI & Data Governance [07:28] – Measuring AI Value & ROI [12:41] – Treating AI as a Portfolio of Investments [15:05] – Change Management & Enterprise Adoption [17:39] – Wild West of AI & Need for Rigorous Processes [18:54] – CFO Oversight in AI Implementation [21:00] – Closing Remarks

    21 min
  3. AI Strategy for CFOs Is a Wild West Without Governance Turn AI Into a Portfolio System – Dave Trier

    Jun 3

    AI Strategy for CFOs Is a Wild West Without Governance Turn AI Into a Portfolio System – Dave Trier

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp, to explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI at scale in enterprises. Dave shares how organizations can manage AI responsibly, measure ROI, and move from scattered pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach. He also discusses the critical role of CFOs in AI oversight, change management, and creating measurable business value from AI initiatives Dave Trier is CEO of ModelOp, leading the company with a focus on customer value, product innovation, and enterprise execution. With over 20 years of experience across AI, data science, analytics, cloud, and enterprise software, Dave is a patent-holder and trusted partner to CIOs, CTOs, and AI leaders. Prior to becoming CEO, he shaped ModelOp’s product strategy and held senior roles at Think Big Analytics, Powered by Action, and Accenture Technology Labs. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. In this episode, you will discover: How to industrialize AI delivery across an enterpriseManaging risk, governance, and compliance for AI implementationsMeasuring AI ROI using financial, feedback, and usage metricsThe CFO’s role in AI oversight and rationalizing AI investmentsKey lessons for change management and process discipline in AI adoption Dave Trier highlights how enterprises can move from scattered AI pilots to a disciplined, industrialized approach that delivers measurable business value. He emphasizes the importance of governance, change management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure AI initiatives succeed. CFOs play a key role in oversight, setting financial parameters, and rationalizing AI investments. Follow Dave: Website: https://www.modelop.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/ 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 [02:07] – Meet Dave Trier, CEO of ModelOp [04:57] – ModelOp & AI Governance Explained [06:21] – AI vs Data Governance [08:11] – Evaluating AI ROI for CFOs [13:24] – AI as a Managed Investment Portfolio [16:43] – Change Management & Process Discipline [20:48] – CFO’s Role in AI Oversight [27:38] – Tips to Maximize AI ROI [30:16] – Enterprise AI Complexity & Coordination [32:13] – Dave’s Journey: Electrical Engineer to AI CEO [35:12] – Closing Thoughts

    36 min
  4. AI in Finance for CFOs: Scaling Confusion Without a Unified Platform with Scott Leshinski

    May 27

    AI in Finance for CFOs: Scaling Confusion Without a Unified Platform with Scott Leshinski

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss the company’s recent acquisition by Hg Capital. Scott explains how OneStream’s unified platform is transforming finance workflows, the role of AI in enterprise finance, and how finance teams are learning to trust and use these advanced tools. Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, with experience in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and leading finance technology transformations at Huron Consulting Group. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after driving strong growth in AI initiatives. In this episode, you will discover: The impact of OneStream going private under Hg CapitalHow unified platforms improve financial planning and reportingAI and machine learning are enhancing forecast accuracy and efficiencyImportance of transparency, traceability, and trust in AI outputs Scott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile. Follow Scott: Website: https://www.onestream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/ 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: [00:23] – Guest Intro [01:32] – Acquisition & AI-First Strategy [03:57] – Long-Term Growth Opportunities [05:18] – Scott’s Career Journey [08:38] – Need for Unified Platform [10:13] – OneStream Overview [13:29] – Practical Enterprise Impact [17:11] – Unified Platform for AI [21:01] – Agentic AI & High Accuracy

    23 min
  5. The Broken Revenue Systems and AI Agents Rebuilding Contract to Cash with Ali Hussain

    May 20

    The Broken Revenue Systems and AI Agents Rebuilding Contract to Cash with Ali Hussain

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing finance workflows. Ali discusses the limitations of legacy finance systems, the challenges of modern revenue models, and how AI is automating the full contract-to-cash cycle for finance teams. Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology. In this episode, you will discover: How automation is transforming the finance sector, particularly revenue managementThe importance of structured data for effective financial solutionsWhy traditional finance systems struggle with modern revenue modelsHow Tabs is automating billing, collections, and revenue recognition This episode provides insights into how automation is reshaping finance, helping businesses manage revenue models and streamline financial tasks. Ali Hussain shares his perspective on simplifying finance workflows and the direction the industry is heading. Follow Ali: Website: https://www.tabs.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform 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: [02:00] – Ali's Background and Tabs' Growth [03:00] – Automation in Finance [05:00] – Agents in Finance Workflows [08:00] – Data Quality in Finance [10:00] – Limitations of LLMs in Finance [12:00] – Agents vs Automation [15:00] – The Future of Finance [17:00] – Managing Usage-Based Pricing [21:00] – Closing Thoughts

    21 min
  6. Why Unified Systems are More Important Than Ever in the Era of AI with OneStream CEO Scott Leshinski

    May 13

    Why Unified Systems are More Important Than Ever in the Era of AI with OneStream CEO Scott Leshinski

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Scott Leshinski, President of OneStream Software, to discuss OneStream's recent acquisition by Hg Capital and the exciting changes it brings to the company’s approach to finance technology. Scott shares how OneStream’s focus on a unified platform is reshaping the finance space, and how integrating smart technology into financial workflows is making a real difference for businesses today. Scott Leshinski is the President of OneStream Software, where he leads OneStream’s growth and innovation. With a background in corporate finance at GE Capital, co-founding Bluestone International, and working at Huron Consulting Group, Scott has a wealth of experience in driving major tech transformations. He joined OneStream in 2021 and was promoted to President in 2023 after helping the company achieve impressive growth. In this episode, you will discover: What OneStream's acquisition by Hg Capital means for its futureThe benefits of using a unified platform in financeHow automation is improving financial processesThe evolving role of automation in financial planning and decision-makingHow OneStream’s tools are helping businesses become more agile and efficient Scott Leshinski highlights the exciting future of finance, where unified platforms and automation are transforming how businesses manage financial workflows. He emphasizes the growing role of technology in making finance processes more efficient and discusses how OneStream is helping companies become more agile. Follow Scott: Website: https://www.onestream.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-leshinski-bb5736b/ 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] – Intro [03:00] – OneStream's Acquisition Impact [05:00] – Transition from Public to Private [06:00] – Scott's Career Path [10:00] – What OneStream Does [14:00] – The Power of Unified Platforms [18:00] – Automation in Financial Planning [19:00] – The Rise of Automation [26:00] – Building Trust in Automation [29:00] – Improving Forecast Accuracy [35:00] – The Future of Finance [50:00] – Fun Questions with Scott [55:00] – Closing Thoughts

    57 min
  7. AI Agents Are Replacing Finance Workflows While Revenue Gets More Complex with Ali Hussain

    May 6

    AI Agents Are Replacing Finance Workflows While Revenue Gets More Complex with Ali Hussain

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing the revenue process for finance teams. Ali discusses how the traditional ERP systems have left revenue management behind, and how Tabs is changing the game by automating the full contract-to-cash cycle. He shares his insights on the complexity of revenue management, AI’s role in financial systems, and why understanding the data context is key to success in AI-powered finance tools. Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology. In this episode, you will discover: How AI is transforming revenue management in financeThe importance of data context in AI-powered toolsWhy traditional finance systems fail to address modern revenue modelsHow Tabs automates billing, collections, and revenue recognition Ali Hussain shared invaluable insights into the future of finance, highlighting how AI is revolutionizing revenue management and financial operations. While AI brings immense potential for automation, human judgment remains crucial in making strategic decisions. Follow Ali: Website: https://www.tabs.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform 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 [03:00] – Legacy Finance Systems [06:15] – Revenue Management Gaps [09:00] – How Tabs Transforms Finance [12:00] – AI in Billing & Rev Rec [15:30] – Clean Data Importance [19:00] – AI vs Human Judgment [22:30] – The Future of AI [25:00] – Complex Revenue Models [29:00] – AI Challenges in Finance [34:00] – Closing Thoughts on AI

    38 min
  8. AI in Excel for Finance Pros to Improve Accuracy Using Incremental Workflows with David

    Apr 29

    AI in Excel for Finance Pros to Improve Accuracy Using Incremental Workflows with David

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk with David Ingraham, founder and CEO of HyperPerfect. David explains why AI works best in finance when it is used step by step, with clear context and human review. He also shares why Excel is still central to finance work and how better AI tools can help teams move faster without losing control. David Ingraham is the CEO and founder of HyperPerfect, a financial reporting and accounting platform that integrates powerful AI directly into Excel. With nearly 20 years of experience in private equity, David has worked on deals totaling over $1.5 billion. He is also passionate about educational initiatives, serving as board president of Aim High, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides free summer education to nearly 2,000 students annually. In this episode, you will discover: Why finance teams are still slow to adopt AIWhy context matters when using AI in ExcelWhy AI should be treated like a teammate, not a shortcutHow breaking work into smaller steps leads to better resultsWhere AI helps most in finance today David Ingraham is the founder and CEO of HyperPerfect, a company that brings AI tools into Excel. He spent nearly 20 years in private equity and has worked on deals worth more than $1 billion. He also serves as board president of Aim High, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides free summer education to students. Follow David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsingraham/ Website: https://www.hyperperfect.com 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: [00:22] - David’s background [02:49] - What HyperPerfect does [06:01] - Why finance struggles with AI [07:36] - Why context matters [12:23] - What AI agents are good at today [13:08] - Using AI as a partner [17:51] - Building models step by step [19:20] - Productivity gains and closing thoughts

    20 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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

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