The FP&A Guy Network

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

    3 DAYS AGO

    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. Follow Andrew: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhull4/ 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 [01:59] - Meet Andrew Hull [02:50] - Redefining Great FP&A [06:46] - Career Highlights in CPG [10:35] - Leading Finance at UNFI Canada [18:55] - Managing Inflation with Analytics [22:24] - The Art of Storytelling in...

    1 hr
  2. The Future of Finance for CFOs to Automate Accounting with AI-First General Ledgers - Sasha Orloff

    4 DAYS AGO

    The Future of Finance for CFOs to Automate Accounting with AI-First General Ledgers - Sasha Orloff

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Sasha Orloff, CEO of Puzzle, to discuss the future of accounting and how AI is poised to transform the finance industry. Sasha Orloff shares his journey from founding LendUp and Mission Lane to building Puzzle, an innovative accounting software platform designed to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges. Sasha Orloff is the CEO of Puzzle, a modern accounting software platform focused on building the future of finance. Before Puzzle, Sasha Orloff founded LendUp and Mission Lane, which both scaled to hundreds of millions in revenue. He has a deep background in finance, technology, and AI, and his insights are helping to shape the next wave of innovation in the industry. In this episode, you will discover: The challenges of traditional accounting systems and outdated softwareHow AI and predictive analytics can streamline financial tasks and improve decisionsThe need for an evolving general ledger and the role of blockchain in enhancing transparencyHow AI reduces errors and provides more accurate insights for finance professionalsThe future of accounting and how AI will enable faster, smarter decision-making Sasha Orloff explains how Puzzle is addressing the foundational issues with traditional accounting software by focusing on trust, transparency, and flexibility. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of building the right data infrastructure to enable AI-driven insights in finance. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance. Follow Sasha: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashaorloff/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/puzzlefin/ 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: [01:00] - Meet Sasha Orloff [03:30] - The Problem with Traditional Accounting Software [06:00] - The Future of the General Ledger and Data Transparency [10:30] - How AI Enhances Finance and Accounting Tasks [12:45] - Blockchain’s Role in Financial Trust [17:30] - The Role of AI in Business Decision-Making [20:00] - How Puzzle is Revolutionizing...

    35 min
  3. How Curiosity and Listening Help Financial Modelers Build Trusted Models with Ian Bennett

    5 DAYS AGO

    How Curiosity and Listening Help Financial Modelers Build Trusted Models with Ian Bennett

    In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Ian Bennett, Partner and Deals Modelling Leader at PwC Australia, to discuss the art and science of financial modeling. Together, they explore what makes a good financial modeler, how Excel has evolved dramatically in recent years, and how emerging tools and AI are shaping the future of modeling. Ian reflects on his decades-long career, from his early days discovering Excel during audits to leading a large team of modelers across Australia and India. Ian Bennett is the Deals Modelling Partner at PwC Australia and a Master Financial Modeler (MFM) certified by the Financial Modeling Institute. With 24 years of hands-on experience in building and leading modeling teams, Ian’s approach combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on communication, design, and problem-solving. He leads a 50-person modeling team at PwC and is known for his passionate advocacy for best practices, new tools, and innovation in modeling, including integrating AI and the latest features in Excel. Expect to Learn Why defining a model’s purpose upfront is essential to successThe most important listening and scoping skills great modelers must developHow Excel’s evolution over the past 18 months is changing the gameWhat it means to be model-first vs. outcome-focusedWhy curiosity and human insight are irreplaceable, even in the age of AI Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Every model tells a story, and that story should be known at the start of the project. It’s about understanding what questions the model needs to answer.” – Ian Bennett“Be curious. That curiosity is what drives innovation in modelling, learning new tools, asking better questions, and solving real problems.” – Ian Bennett Follow Ian: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianrbennett/ Website - https://www.pwc.com.au/deals/modelling.html In today’s episode: [00:00] - Trailer [01:09] - Introduction to Ian Bennett [02:13] - Worst Model Ian Has Seen [06:17] - Ian’s Background & Early Interest in Excel [08:19] - Becoming a Master Financial Modeller (MFM) [09:43] - Global Excel Summit Highlights [11:53] - What Makes a Great Financial Modeller [16:38] - Importance of Listening & Understanding Client Needs [23:03] - Time Allocation: Design vs. Building in Excel [28:14] - Modelling Tools Beyond Excel [31:34] - Excel’s Evolution & Exciting New Features [39:08] - Rapid Fire Questions [41:50] - Will AI Build Financial Models? [47:12] - Final Advice for Aspiring Modellers

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

    25/12/2025

    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
  5. How Finance Teams Can Solve the Monday Morning Problem with Real-Time AI - Ian Wong

    24/12/2025

    How Finance Teams Can Solve the Monday Morning Problem with Real-Time AI - Ian Wong

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst are joined by Ian Wong, co-founder and CEO of Summation, a cutting-edge AI platform designed to help enterprise leaders navigate complex data and make smarter business decisions. Ian shares his journey from CTO at Opendoor to founding Summation, inspired by his frustration with the inefficiencies of traditional reporting and analysis systems. Ian Wong is the co-founder and CEO of Summation, an AI-powered decision platform built to help enterprise leaders better understand how their businesses are performing. Before Summation, Ian co-founded Opendoor and served as CTO through its journey to going public. He was also Square’s first data scientist, where he built early fraud and risk systems. Ian holds degrees in electrical engineering and statistics from Stanford University and brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and business leadership experience. Expect to Learn: The Monday Morning Problem and its impact on business operationsHow AI can eliminate tedious data analysis processesThe difference between traditional BI tools and the AI-powered platform SummationThe importance of real-time, decision-grade data for enterprise leaders Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance: Follow Ian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-wong/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summation-hq/ 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: [01:01] - The Monday Morning Problem and Decision-Making [03:46] - The time and effort spent on manual data analysis [08:48] - Ian’s Motivation Behind Summation [10:40] - What Makes Summation Different [12:48] - The Importance of Accurate Data in Finance [13:53] - Wrapping Up and Farewell

    14 min
  6. We Tested 7 AI Tools in Excel for Financial Modeling, and None Could Build a Reliable Model

    23/12/2025

    We Tested 7 AI Tools in Excel for Financial Modeling, and None Could Build a Reliable Model

    In this episode of The ModSquad, hosts Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male are joined by Tea Kuseva, Community Manager at the Financial Modeling Institute, for a detailed discussion on the state of AI tools in financial modeling. The group continues its hands-on testing of seven tools, including TabAI, Excel Agent, Shortcut, and TrufflePig, evaluating how these platforms perform on real-world financial modeling tasks Tea Kuseva is the Community Manager at the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the only global accreditation body dedicated to financial modeling. With her deep involvement in the modeling community and her role supporting professionals worldwide, Tea Kuseva brings thoughtful questions and provides structure to the discussion, helping translate technical insights into practical takeaways for finance professionals. Expect to Learn How leading AI tools perform on real financial modeling tasksCommon issues like unbalanced sheets and flawed formulasKey differences between Excel-based and standalone toolsPractical ways AI can assist with analysis and reportingWhy Excel and modeling expertise still matter in an AI-driven workflow Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Even five years from now, you’ll still need to understand every cell if you're handing in a model.” – Ian Schnoor“Fast, consistent outputs are still better achieved by experienced humans than by today’s AI tools.” – Giles Male AI tools show promise in assisting with financial modeling, but they are not yet reliable enough to replace human expertise. Strong Excel skills and sound judgment remain essential. Used wisely, AI can enhance productivity, but it should complement, not replace, technical understanding. The future of modeling is human-led, AI-assisted. Follow Ian: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/?originalSubdomain=ca Follow Giles Male: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ Follow Tea: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkuseva/ In today’s episode: [01:16] - Guest Intro [06:07] - Tools Under the Microscope [07:59] - The Testing Framework [13:43] - Lessons from the Esports Challenges [19:33] - Real Examples from the Tools [25:54] - Practical Use Cases for AI Today [33:56] - Variability in AI Outputs [39:40] - Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years [44:58] - Final Comments [46:13] - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    51 min
  7. A Developer Toolkit for FP&A Professionals and Various Musings with Microsoft MVP Jordan Goldmeier

    18/12/2025

    A Developer Toolkit for FP&A Professionals and Various Musings with Microsoft MVP Jordan Goldmeier

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Jordan Goldmeier, Excel expert, author, and longtime friend of the show, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about careers, technology, and growth. Jordan reflects on his unconventional career path, from auditing and operations research to becoming a Microsoft MVP, author, and entrepreneur. The discussion covers Excel’s evolution, why many finance professionals underuse powerful tools, and Jordan’s latest projects aimed at modernizing how power users work with spreadsheets. Jordan is an entrepreneur, event producer, author, and Microsoft Excel MVP based in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. He is widely known for his work helping professionals master Excel, data analysis, and modern spreadsheet practices. Jordan has authored several well-known books, including Advanced Excel Essentials, Dashboards for Excel, and Becoming a Data Head. In addition to his work in Excel education, he produces global events that bring together leaders across finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Expect to Learn: How Jordan’s career twists shaped his approach to Excel, data, and problem-solvingWhy most professionals only scratch the surface of Excel’s capabilitiesJordan’s perspective on why VBA is outdated and what could replace itWhy vertical learning beats beginner–intermediate–advanced training paths Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Excel isn’t dead, but the way we develop in it needs to change.” – Jordan Goldmeier“You don’t become great by learning everything. You become great by going deep where it matters.” – Jordan Goldmeier Jordan also shares the story behind his latest project: a developer-style environment designed to help Excel power users work faster, cleaner, and more confidently, without relying on outdated tools like VBA. He explains why Excel should be treated as part of a broader finance tech stack and how modern coding concepts could dramatically improve spreadsheet workflows. 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 Jordan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordangoldmeier/ 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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. In Today’s Episode: [02:15] – Jordan’s Career Journey [08:30] – Setbacks, Resets, and Growth [15:00] – Writing Books on Excel [25:59] – How Excel Is Really Used [29:12] – Why VBA Is Outdated [33:54] – Building Better Tools for Excel [42:25] – Advice for FP&A Professionals [47:16] – Creating Your Own Network [52:12] – Rapid-Fire & Final Thoughts

    1h 2m
  8. How Finance Pros Can Fix Broken Reporting and End the Monday Morning Problem with Ian Wong

    17/12/2025

    How Finance Pros Can Fix Broken Reporting and End the Monday Morning Problem with Ian Wong

    In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ian Wong, co-founder and CEO of Summation, to talk about one of the most frustrating challenges in finance and analytics: getting timely, trustworthy answers to basic business questions. Ian shares the story behind what he calls the “Monday Morning Problem” and explains why finance teams often spend weeks chasing insights that arrive too late to matter. The conversation explores the limits of dashboards, the risks of AI hallucinations in finance, and what decision-grade analytics really means. Ian Wong is the co-founder and CEO of Summation, an AI-powered decision platform built to help enterprise leaders better understand how their businesses are performing. Before Summation, Ian co-founded Opendoor and served as CTO through its journey to going public. He was also Square’s first data scientist, where he built early fraud and risk systems. Ian holds degrees in electrical engineering and statistics from Stanford University and brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and business leadership experience. In this episode, you will discover: What the “Monday Morning Problem” is and why it slows down decision-makingWhy dashboards and ad hoc reports often fail finance leadersThe risks of relying on generic AI tools for financial analysisHow decision-grade analytics differ from conversational AIWhat the coming “query flood” could mean for data infrastructure and costs Ian explains how Summation helps finance and operations teams move from manual data stitching to faster, more reliable insights. The discussion also covers AI hype versus reality, why trust matters so much in finance analytics, and how leaders can think more clearly about where AI fits into real business workflows. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance. Follow Ian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-wong/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summation-hq/ 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: [01:58] – Meet Ian Wong [05:25] – The “Monday Morning Problem” [09:23] – What Empathetic Leadership Really Means [13:15] – How Enterprise Research Really Works [16:34] – The Monday Morning Numbers Meeting [21:25] – A Balance Sheet That Still Doesn’t Balance [25:53] – Where AI actually helps finance teams [28:27] – The AI Hype Question of 2025 [33:07] – Moving into Personal Questions

    37 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Barnhurst
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Paul Barnhurst
  • Show Website
    The FP&A Guy Network

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