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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...

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk with Kevin Thomas and Drew Hyatt, co-founders of Omniga, about solving persistent issues in bookkeeping and the monthly close process for small and mid-sized businesses. They discuss how finance leaders often struggle with unreliable data and how Omniga is creating a more structured, review-ready accounting workflow. Kevin Thomas brings a background in corporate FP&A and a CFA perspective. His hands-on experience with messy books and data integrity problems in SMBs led him to co-found Omniga. Drew Hyatt is a technology leader with a background in FinTech integrations and data pipelines. He previously worked in construction finance and medical supply chains, building systems that manage high-volume, rule-based transactions. In this episode, you will discover: Why clean financial data is essential for any finance function to scale.What makes SMB accounting workflows difficult and how Omniga is addressing it.How Omniga uses automation to classify, normalize, and escalate accounting entries.The structure of a scalable, review-focused operating system for fractional CFOs. Kevin and Drew share how Omniga is tackling the core challenges of bookkeeping and monthly close for SMBs. Their approach brings structure, control, and scalability to finance operations where it’s needed most. Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-thomas/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omniga-ai/ Follow Drew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-a-hyatt/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:15] - Meet Kevin and Drew [01:28] - Why Omniga Started [04:38] - Drew’s Tech Background [07:04] - The Name “Omniga” [10:33] - Controlling AI Output [13:57] - Guardrails and Escalation [16:18] - Final Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Luke Phillips, Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. Luke shares how he transitioned from Division I basketball to financial modeling, and how he helps clients solve complex budgeting and reporting problems using Solver, Excel, and Power BI. Luke Phillips is a chartered financial modeler and the Senior Business Analyst at Access Analytic. He works with clients across mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and professional services to streamline budgeting and reporting through Solver and Excel. Luke holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he also played Division I basketball. Expect to Learn How a bad college project helped kickstart Luke’s modeling careerWhat Solver is and how it supports complex planning and reportingTips for simplifying models without losing valueThe role of communication in building useful modelsLuke’s take on AI and dynamic arrays in Excel Here are a few quotes from the episode: “We're not hiring you for your technical ability, we're hiring you for your potential.” – Luke“I love spreadsheets, the way you can pull complex calculations together and form a view of a company.” – Luke Luke Phillips brings a grounded, real-world perspective to financial modeling, shaped by both professional experience and athletic discipline. His approach blends technical skill with a clear focus on communication and usability. Whether solving client challenges with Solver or exploring new Excel features, Luke keeps modeling practical and purpose-driven. Follow Luke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-phillips-75859013a/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-analytic/ Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [02:09] - Life in Australia & Background [03:16] - First Model Mistake &...

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"...

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Kevin A.Thomas and Drew Hyatt, the co-founders of Omniga, to discuss the often-overlooked but critical challenges facing small business finance teams. While enterprise companies get most of the attention, Kevin and Drew are focused on the backbone of the economy, businesses under $30 million in revenue—and the unique struggles they face when it comes to closing the books, managing data, and generating strategic insight. Kevin A.Thomas, CFA, is the founder of Omniga and a seasoned strategic finance leader focused on scaling digital businesses. Kevin is passionate about rebuilding the back office to help businesses make smarter decisions, faster. Drew Hyatt is the Co-Founder and CTO of Omniga. He plays a key role in architecting Omniga’s infrastructure, translating complex workflows into scalable technology for finance teams. In this episode, you will discover: Why clean books are the foundation for strong financial decisionsThe hidden risks in small business bookkeeping and how to fix themThe difference between replacing tasks and supporting human judgmentHow to expand from bookkeeping to full finance strategy supportHow to structure a finance workflow that scales with your business Kevin and Drew leave us with a clear message: better finance starts with a stronger foundation. By focusing on clean books and scalable workflows, Omniga is reshaping how small businesses manage finance. It’s not about replacing people, it’s about empowering them to do more with less. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance. Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-thomas/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omniga-ai/ Follow Drew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-a-hyatt/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:00] –Trailer [03:39] – Why They Started Omniga [07:11] – Drew’s Tech Journey [09:28] – What...

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Karishma Ramnawaj, a financial modeler based in Mauritius, to talk about her journey in financial modelling, building and reviewing models, and the lessons she’s learned from both success and failure. Karishma shares her experience of learning on the job, why understanding the end user is critical, and how she balances practical standards with flexibility. Karishma is a Certified Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) and FMVA® professional, currently working as a Financial Modeler Associate at Hawkins Eberdal Ltd in Mauritius. With a strong foundation in both project and corporate finance, Karishma specializes in building decision-ready financial models that support capital raising, risk evaluation, and business growth. Expect to Learn Why using someone else’s model as a template can be riskyThe importance of understanding and communicating key assumptionsHow to tailor models for investors and third-party usersWhat it’s like to fail, and then pass, the AFM examThe value of applying both corporate and project finance in modelling Here are a few quotes from the episode: “If you're going to use someone else's model, make sure you understand everything inside it.” – Karishma“It's not just about Excel. It's about who's using the model and what story you're telling with it.” – Karishma Karishma's story is a great example of growth through practice, persistence, and passion for financial modeling. Her focus on clarity, flexibility, and end-user needs brings valuable perspective to the modelling process. From overcoming early challenges to passing the AFM exam, she shows the importance of continuous improvement. Follow Karishma: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karishma-ramnawaj/ Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’. Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [01:56] - Guest Intro [04:51] - Journey into Modelling [06:00] - Why She Loves Modelling [08:37] - Storytelling with Numbers [10:56] - Key...

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...

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the AI landscape and how CFOs and finance leaders should approach AI in 2026. Reflecting on the developments of 2025, they explore how AI adoption is progressing at the individual and company levels and discuss the surprises and challenges they've encountered in the AI space. Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows. In this episode, you will discover: The current state of AI adoption by individuals and companies.Surprising shifts in AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft in 2025.The growing role of specialized AI models and their potential impact on industries like finance.Predictions for the future of AI in 2026, including advancements in LLMs and robotics. Glenn and Paul discussed the evolving AI landscape and its impact on finance, offering insights into key developments and predictions for 2026. They highlighted the challenges, growth, and opportunities AI presents for finance leaders and businesses. Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike. In Today’s Episode: [00:15] - Reflections on AI in 2025 [05:07] - Paul’s Surprises on AI’s Progress [11:05] - OpenAI’s Consumer Focus [13:23] - Predictions for Specialized Models [14:51] - AI and Robotics [17:20] - Small vs Large Models [18:28] - Closing Thoughts on AI in Finance

In this episode of The ModSquad, hosts Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male welcome Tim Jacks, founder of Taglo, for an insightful discussion on the integration of AI in financial modeling. Tim’s expertise bridges the worlds of financial modeling and AI, and in this episode, he shares his journey and discusses how AI is reshaping the financial modeling landscape. Tim Jacks is the founder of Taglo, a company dedicated to improving financial modeling with AI technology. His career journey spans financial consulting and software development, including building financial modeling tools. Over time, Tim's interest in artificial intelligence grew, and he delved into how AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), could be used to enhance financial modeling processes. Expect to Learn How AI is revolutionizing financial modeling and the specific ways it’s being used today.The technical components behind AI agents and how they differ from simple chatbots.The importance of context and system prompts when working with LLMs in financial tasks.Insights into the memory limitations of LLMs and how agents work around this challenge. Here are a few quotes from the episode: "If you're using AI for Excel modeling, you need to remind it to follow good financial modeling principles, like the FAST Standard." – Tim Jacks"The beauty of LLMs is that you can go back and change the conversation, they're stateless, so it's like resetting the clock." – Tim Jacks Tim Jacks provided valuable insights into the integration of AI in financial modeling, particularly how LLMs and agents are transforming workflows. While AI can significantly enhance efficiency, human expertise remains essential for applying financial modeling principles. Understanding the technical workings of these tools helps users leverage them effectively. The future of financial modeling will be human-led, AI-assisted. Follow Tim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timjacks/ Follow Ian: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/ Follow Giles Male: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/ In today’s episode: [00:05] - Intro & Hosts [01:33] - Guest Introduction: Tim Jacks [02:42] - Tim's Background in Modelling & AI [04:16] - What Are LLMs Really? [09:55] - ChatGPT vs. LLMs Explained [12:09] - LLMs Have No Memory [15:02] - How Tools Add Context to AI [19:35] - What Is an AI Agent? [22:35] - How Excel Agents Work [30:08] - Demo: Tools in Action [35:03] - Defining an Agent: LLM + Tools + Prompts [38:49] - Key Takeaway for Modellers

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"...

In this first episode of Future Finance for 2026, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take time to reflect on how AI actually showed up in finance over the past year, and what that means going forward. Without a guest, the conversation focuses on real experiences, observations, and lessons from working directly with finance teams, CFOs, and operators who are navigating AI adoption day to day. Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows. They also share their thoughts on notable developments from 2025, including OpenAI’s shift toward consumer use, Microsoft Copilot’s mixed results, Google Gemini’s rapid improvement, and Nvidia’s continued growth. In this episode, you will discover: How AI adoption differs between individuals and organizationsWhy poor data quality still limits many finance teamsWhat recent changes from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia suggestWhere Microsoft Copilot works well today and where it falls shortWhy automation and basic app-building are becoming more important Paul and Glenn share concrete examples from Excel, Outlook, reporting, and close processes. They also emphasize that banning AI use is no longer realistic and that clear guidelines matter more than strict restrictions. Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance. 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: [02:47] – How Individuals vs. Companies Used AI in 2025 [06:12] – OpenAI, Monetization, and Market Signals [09:27] – Google Gemini’s Turnaround [15:56] – Big Models vs. Specialized Tools [21:21] – Consumer AI and Platform Control [26:26] – Real Copilot Use Cases in Excel [35:28] – What Finance Professionals Should Focus on in 2026 [39:31] – What Finance Leaders Need to Do Now [41:45] – Automation, Vibe Coding, and What’s Next [43:07] – Final Thoughts and Closing

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Carolina Lago, a seasoned FP&A professional, to discuss how financial modelers can transform data into actionable insights while avoiding common modeling pitfalls. Together, they explore best practices in financial modeling, the dangers of hard-coded models, and why structure, flexibility, and clear purpose are essential for effective decision-making. Carolina also shares lessons from her international career, including her experience supporting a major IPO and leading global software implementations. Carolina Lago is an FP&A professional with over 15 years of international experience across multiple industries. She has played key roles in high-impact projects, including IPO preparation and enterprise-wide financial system implementations. Carolina is also the creator of the TACTIC framework, which helps financial professionals build models that are structured, insightful, and decision-focused. Expect to Learn Why hard-coded models are a major risk to accuracy and flexibilityHow to turn raw data into insights that drive real business decisionsThe importance of starting every model with a clear question or goalHow the TACTIC framework improves structure and clarity in modelingWhy strong modeling skills matter at every career stage Here are a few quotes from the episode: “I inherited one, and I had to try to change it. I spent probably a couple of weeks trying to make it better, and I couldn't. It was just too full of hardcoded numbers and no design at all.” – Carolina Lago“Data is only useful if it can be transformed into actionable insights.” – Carolina Lago Follow Carolina: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/ Website – https://www.tacticfinancial.com In today’s episode: [00:00] - Trailer [00:50] - Guest Introduction [01:00] - Horrifying Financial Models [02:00] - Early Career Modeling Mistakes [03:10] - Carolina’s Global Career Journey [05:00] - Turning Data into Actionable Insights [07:30] - Introduction to the TACTIC Framework [09:50] - Learning Resources & Community Engagement [20:00] - Certifications and Continuing Education [22:40] - Rapid-Fire Round [24:50] - Advice for Aspiring Financial Modelers [26:00] - How to Connect and Learn More

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"...

In this special episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst recaps an exciting 2025 and outlines what's ahead for 2026. Paul reflects on the top five most downloaded episodes of the year, shares insights from key guests, and highlights major developments in financial modeling, including Excel's newest features and the growing role of AI. Expect to Learn Key trends in Excel and financial modeling from 2025How AI is changing the way models are built, tested, and auditedThe importance of simplicity, documentation, and user involvement in model designWhy communication and business understanding are becoming essential skills for modelers Here are a few quotes from the episode: “Complexity can backfire by making you indispensable in ways that hurt your career growth.” – Paul Barnhurst“AI is a magnifier, it makes good modelers better and highlights weaknesses in those without a solid foundation.” – Paul Barnhurst In today’s episode: [02:01] – Mod Squad Launch [03:02] – AI and Modeling [03:45] – Excel Feature Highlights [06:28] – Excel Championship Recap [10:12] – AI in Financial Modeling [12:54] – Time-Saving Modeling Tips [16:02] – Three-Statement Modeling [17:38] – Strategic Thinking for Modelers [20:30] – Final Thoughts and Certification Offer

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"...