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. 10h ago

    How to Forecast Your AI Token Costs with Jason Brisbane and Tanvi Lal

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jason Brisbane and Tanvi Lal to discuss the economics of generative AI, why traditional SaaS metrics fall short, and how finance teams can forecast AI costs. They explore token pricing, AI budgeting, and the role FP&A can play in managing AI investments. Jason Brisbane is the CEO and Founder of FinHelm, with over 15 years of experience in FP&A technology. He developed the UA-FP&A methodology and Uncertainty Exposure Score to improve forecast reliability. Tanvi Lal is an investor at Intuit Ventures, focused on AI and fintech. Formerly at Deloitte, she is also the co-founder of VC Unleashed and specializes in AI economics and usage-based pricing. Expect to Learn: How AI token pricing affects project costs and profitability.Why traditional SaaS metrics don't fully capture AI economics.How to forecast AI spending using scenarios and cost ranges.Why labor and orchestration costs often exceed token costs.How FP&A teams can guide AI adoption and investment decisions. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “Your most engaged customer is actually your least profitable with AI unit economics.” - Tanvi Lal“We have to train our brains to not look at variance as a bad thing.” - Jason Brisbane Jason and Tanvi explain why AI budgeting requires more than tracking token usage. They discuss project complexity, human involvement, and changing model costs. They also highlight how FP&A professionals can improve forecasting, measure uncertainty, and collaborate with business teams to manage AI spending effectively. Follow Jason: Website: https://finhelm.ai/AFP Article: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/training-resources/resources/articles/Details/your-forecast-does-not-have-a-score-it-shouldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brisbanejason Follow Tanvi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlal/Intuit Ventures: https://intuit.com/venturesVC Unleashed: https://vcunleashed.xyz/AI Budgeting Calculator: https://ai-budget-calc.vercel.app/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Trailer[07:21] - Understanding AI Token Costs[16:46] - Labor and Orchestration Costs[23:56] - Forecasting AI Project Costs[25:21] - Managing Cost Uncertainty[30:58] - Learning From Forecast Variances[38:59] - How FP&A Can Lead AI Strategy[44:05] - Communicating Forecast Uncertainty[49:29] - AI Budgeting Advice[51:15] - Essential FP&A Skills[56:06] - Closing Remarks & Thanks

    How to Forecast Your AI Token Costs with Jason Brisbane and Tanvi Lal
  2. 1d ago

    Anthropic's S1 Explained: Revenue, Compute Costs, and What Finance Teams Should Watch

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst discuss Anthropic's reported IPO plans, financial performance, and the future of AI profitability. They explore the company's reported S-1 filing, rapid revenue growth, infrastructure costs, and the risks of investing in AI companies. Glenn and Paul also explain how different revenue accounting methods affect financial reporting, whether current AI valuations are sustainable, and what finance professionals can learn from the industry's growth. Expect to Learn What Anthropic's reported IPO filing reveals about AI risks.How rising AI revenue and computing costs affect profitability.Why different accounting methods change reported revenue.What drives AI company valuations and investment risks.How AI is changing financial analysis and decision-making. The discussion highlights why finance professionals need to look beyond revenue growth and focus on profitability, cash flow, and long-term financial sustainability when evaluating AI companies. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy 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] - Introduction [04:26] - Anthropic's IPO & AI Industry Growth [08:54] - Major Risks in Anthropic's S-1 Filing [15:24] - Computing Costs & Infrastructure Risks [20:44] - Revenue Growth & Profitability [28:31] - Revenue Accounting: Principal vs. Agent [34:31] - AI Market Growth & Company Valuations [40:10] - Cash Flow & Long-Term Investment Risks [44:54] - The Future of AI Economics [49:52] - Closing Remarks & Thanks

    Anthropic's S1 Explained: Revenue, Compute Costs, and What Finance Teams Should Watch
  3. 2d ago

    From Corporate FP&A to Building The FP&A Guy Business with Paul & Giles

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Giles Male turns the tables on regular host Paul Barnhurst, also known as The FP&A Guy, to discuss Paul’s journey through FP&A, financial modeling, training, entrepreneurship, and the growing impact of AI on finance. They explore how Paul built his personal brand, transitioned from corporate finance into his own business, and developed a career centered around education, community, and connecting people across the FP&A ecosystem. Expect to Learn How Paul built The FP&A Guy brand.Why entrepreneurship comes with different risks.What makes financial modeling training effective.How AI is changing financial modeling.Why human judgment still matters.Lessons from rebuilding a difficult model. Here are a few quotes from the episode:“What's the point of keeping a goal going for the sake of a goal if it doesn't make sense?” - Paul Barnhurst“AI is going to change it, but trust still matters, and there will be areas you want a human.” - Paul Barnhurst Paul explains how his career evolved from corporate FP&A into a business built around training, podcasts, software research, educational content, and professional connections. He also discusses how AI can help financial modelers work more efficiently while emphasizing that judgment, creativity, and an understanding of the business remain essential. Follow Giles: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. In Today's Episode: [00:00] - Introduction [03:03] - A Week in the Life of The FP&A Guy [07:39] - How Paul Built His FP&A Brand [12:12] - Lessons From Posting Consistently on LinkedIn [15:42] - Leaving Corporate Life & Starting a Business [21:42] - What Makes Financial Training Effective [31:06] - Human Judgment & Creativity in Financial Modeling [35:14] - Paul’s Worst Financial Modeling Experience [42:17] - Rapid-Fire Financial Modeling Questions [47:37] - What’s Next for The FP&A Guy

    From Corporate FP&A to Building The FP&A Guy Business with Paul & Giles
  4. Oct 29

    What Finance Gets Wrong About Sales Compensation with Josh Miller

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder sit down with Josh Miller to discuss effective sales compensation plans, aligning incentives with business goals, and avoiding common commission mistakes. They also explore balancing base salary and variable pay, setting realistic quotas, and improving collaboration between finance and sales teams. Josh Miller is the Head of Sales Compensation at CVS Health and Managing Principal at OnTarget Incentives, LLC. With over 20 years of experience in sales compensation, he is a Certified Sales Compensation Professional (CSCP) through WorldatWork and a frequent writer and speaker on industry best practices. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Arizona State University. Expect to Learn: How to design sales compensation plans that drive the right behaviors.Why finance, HR, and sales teams must collaborate.How to balance base salary and variable pay.Why commission caps and unrealistic quotas can discourage salespeople.How to avoid common sales compensation mistakes. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “I'm definitely not a fan of overall payout caps.” - Josh Miller“You want it to be as clear and simple as possible, and that does not happen by default.” - Josh Miller Josh explains why successful compensation plans start with clear sales responsibilities and realistic incentives. He also shares how simple plan structures, fair performance targets, and cross-functional collaboration can improve sales performance and prevent costly mistakes. Follow Josh: Website: ontargetincentives.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmilleraz/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo: https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1 Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Trailer [01:17] - Hard Coded Opinion [06:04] - Introduction to Josh Miller [07:27] - What is a great FP&A? [12:43] - Structuring Sales Compensation Teams [17:18] - Sales Compensation Plan Design [26:28] - Commission Sharing & Pay Structures [34:49] - Compensating New Salespeople [46:09] - Commission Payment Timing [59:49] - Sales Compensation Resources [01:07:24] - Closing Remarks & Thanks

    What Finance Gets Wrong About Sales Compensation with Josh Miller
  5. Oct 28

    Stop Chasing AI Models. Build Better Processes With Glenn

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss how AI is reshaping finance technology, whether traditional SaaS platforms are at risk, and how CFOs should approach software decisions. They explore when to buy existing solutions, build custom workflows, or use AI to improve finance processes without replacing core systems. In this episode, you will discover: How AI is changing the finance tech stack and challenging traditional SaaS.When finance teams should buy software or build custom solutions.What the Finance Stack Survey reveals about AI adoption.Why agentic AI differs from traditional automation.How data quality and integration affect AI success. Paul and Glenn explain that AI can help finance teams automate tasks, connect systems, and access financial information faster. However, businesses still need dependable core software, clear data practices, and appropriate safeguards. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy 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: [01:24] - Is SaaS at Risk? [03:38] - Choosing Core Finance Systems [05:52] - Buy vs. Build [07:55] - Finance Stack Survey [10:51] - Understanding Agentic AI [13:57] - AI Adoption & Software Satisfaction [18:36] - Data Plumbing & Integration Challenges [20:52] - Survey Findings & Closing Thoughts

    Stop Chasing AI Models. Build Better Processes With Glenn
  6. Oct 27

    Excel LAMBDA and Dynamic Arrays: Benefits and Limits for Financial Models with Diarmuid Early

    In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner: The ModSquad, Ian Schnoor, Paul Barnhurst, and Giles Male welcome Diarmuid Early to discuss how modern Excel features are changing financial modeling. They explore the benefits of dynamic arrays, LET and LAMBDA functions, and how these tools can make financial models more flexible, consistent, and efficient. Diarmuid Early is the Founder of Early Days Consulting and an expert in Excel and financial modeling. He is an accomplished competitive Excel esports participant and an active contributor to the Excel community. He shares practical approaches to using dynamic arrays, LET, and LAMBDA functions to build more flexible, efficient, and reliable financial models. Expect to Learn How dynamic arrays improve flexibility and consistency in financial models.How LET and LAMBDA functions simplify complex calculations.Why Power Query is useful for connecting Excel workbooks.How custom functions can improve model accuracy and auditability.When modern Excel features create compatibility and modeling challenges. Here are a few quotes from the episode:“Lambdas can do crazy things, but you don't need them to do crazy things to be useful.” - Diarmuid Early“For the guts of 40 years, one Excel formula returned one result, and now one Excel formula can return many results.” - Diarmuid Early Diarmuid explains how dynamic arrays and LAMBDA functions can reduce repetitive work and help financial modelers build more adaptable models. He also highlights their limitations, particularly when dealing with circular dependencies, complex calculations, and older Excel versions. Follow Ian: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/ Follow Giles: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ Follow Diarmuid: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diarmuidearly/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. In Today's Episode: [00:00] - Introduction [10:44] - Modern Excel & Financial Modeling [12:41] - Understanding Dynamic Arrays [19:15] - Understanding LAMBDA Functions [24:35] - Practical LAMBDA Applications [33:16] - Benefits of Reusable Functions [34:49] - LAMBDA Limitations & Compatibility [38:48] - Making LAMBDA Models Easier to Audit [43:10] - When Small Model Changes Become Big Problem [46:21] - Resources for Learning LAMBDA

    Excel LAMBDA and Dynamic Arrays: Benefits and Limits for Financial Models with Diarmuid Early
  7. Oct 22

    Why Understanding Data is a Critical FP&A Skill with Mark Proctor

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Mark Proctor to discuss why finance teams struggle with automation, how better data practices can improve reporting, and why FP&A professionals need to think beyond traditional Excel methods. Mark also shares his approach to using AI, building efficient processes, and creating more time for strategic business partnering. Mark Proctor is the Director of Twenty Seven Solutions Limited, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), and the creator of Excel Off the Grid and Finance Team Accelerator. With 25 years of experience across accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, and business partnering, he helps finance professionals automate repetitive tasks, improve their Excel skills, and build more efficient processes. Expect to Learn: Why data skills are essential for modern FP&A professionals.How better data structures can reduce manual Excel work.Why end-to-end processes matter more than individual Excel features.How to use AI effectively without relying on it for everything.Why curiosity and influence are important for business partnering. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI cannot fix it all for you. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't use AI.” - Mark Proctor“The one piece of advice I would give is the first normal form inside a table in Excel.” - Mark Proctor Mark explains why finance teams need to move beyond manual spreadsheets and adopt a data-first approach. By building better processes and using tools such as Power Query and Power Pivot, FP&A professionals can save time, improve reporting, and focus more on supporting business decisions. Follow Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstephenproctor/Website: https://exceloffthegrid.com/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review. Explore Lineos Reporting Intelligence:Ready to transform financial reporting? See how Lineos Reporting Intelligence helps finance teams connect ERP data directly to Excel, access current data, and spend less time assembling reports.Watch the Reporting Intelligence demo: https://www.insightsoftware.com/lineos/resources/Reporting-intelligence-demo/?utm_source=thefpaguy&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=lineos-influencer-oct&utm_content=newsletter1 Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Introduction [04:50] - Defining Great FP&A [07:17] - Journey Into Accounting [16:21] - AI in Finance [22:32] - Data Challenges in Finance [28:17] - Rethinking Excel [31:30] - Data-Driven Processes [38:24] - File Management & Version Control [42:45] - Structured Data Basics [45:44] - Improving Finance Processes [50:29] - Essential FP&A Skills [55:47] - Closing Remarks & Thanks

    Why Understanding Data is a Critical FP&A Skill with Mark Proctor
  8. Oct 21

    How to Choose Finance Software Without Waiting for AI to Settle with Glenn Hopper

    In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss how AI is changing the finance technology stack and what it means for CFOs deciding whether to buy new software, build custom solutions, or improve their existing systems. They explore whether AI could disrupt traditional SaaS platforms, where agentic AI is delivering value, and why core financial systems remain essential. In this episode, you will discover: Why AI is changing finance technology without replacing core systems.What the Finance Stack Survey reveals about AI adoption.The difference between agentic AI and traditional automation.When finance teams should buy software or build custom solutions.Why data quality, integration, and security matter for AI success. Paul and Glenn emphasize that finance leaders should focus on solving real business problems rather than chasing new technology. The key is choosing reliable tools, improving data connectivity, and using AI where it delivers meaningful value. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy 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 [04:21] - Is SaaS at Risk? [10:27] - Buy vs. Build: Filling the Gaps [11:09] - Finance Stack Survey Findings [14:00] - What Is Agentic AI? [18:20] - AI Adoption and Software Satisfaction [23:36] - Data and Integration Challenges [29:41] - Custom AI Solutions [36:17] - The Future Finance Stack [42:51] - Closing Thoughts

    How to Choose Finance Software Without Waiting for AI to Settle with Glenn Hopper

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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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