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FP&A Unlocked

Paul Barnhurst

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

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  • 33 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 55 min
  • English

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  • S1 · E140
    Today · 50 min

    Systems Thinking for FP&A: Three Ways to Improve Planning with Daniel Bryan

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst and Daniel Bryan explore how systems thinking can improve financial planning, decision-making, and business performance. The conversation highlights why traditional planning processes often fail, how organizational behaviors influence outcomes, and why asking better questions helps finance teams become more effective strategic partners. Daniel Bryan, Finance, Strategy & Analytics Leader at UBS, is a qualified accountant with approximately 20 years of experience in financial services, including FP&A, business partnering, and organizational transformation. Based in Switzerland, he specializes in systems thinking, data analytics, AI, and finance transformation. He shares insights on challenging assumptions, understanding different business perspectives, and developing planning processes that deliver meaningful business value. Expect to Learn: Why traditional financial planning processes often fail to deliver value. How systems thinking helps finance teams solve complex business challenges. Why asking better questions leads to better decisions. How organizational behaviors and incentives influence planning outcomes. Why AI requires clearly defined objectives and human judgment. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “You can't be great at FP&A if you're not involved in the conversation.” - Daniel Bryan “It's enabling you to take a step back and find better answers by asking better questions.” - Daniel Bryan Daniel emphasizes that effective FP&A goes beyond financial models and reports. By embracing systems thinking, asking better questions, and understanding different perspectives, finance professionals can improve decision-making, strengthen business partnerships, and deliver greater strategic value. Follow Daniel: Website: https://gradientdissident.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bryan-acca/ 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] Introduction [03:41] What Great FP&A Looks Like [06:20] Discovering Systems Thinking [13:04] Understanding Systems Thinking [18:36] Asking Better Questions [27:02] AI, KPIs & Unintended Consequences [29:41] Building Models That Meet Business Needs [38:30] Systems Thinking & AI Adoption [45:54] Personal Questions & Career Insights [48:01] Daniel's Articles & Resources

  • S1 · E139
    November 5 · 58 min

    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-should LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brisbanejason Follow Tanvi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlal/ Intuit Ventures: https://intuit.com/ventures VC 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

  • S1 · E138
    October 29 · 1 hr 11 min

    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.com LinkedIn: 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

  • S1 · E137
    October 22 · 59 min

    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

  • S1 · E136
    October 15 · 1 hr 2 min

    Trust and Leadership Lessons for FP&A From 100+ Top Leaders with CFO Jon Laudie

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jon Laudie to discuss how FP&A can become a critical business function, why finance and operations need to work together, and how FP&A can prepare professionals for senior leadership. Jon also shares what he has learned from serving as both President and CFO of Zerorez and how that experience has changed his approach to leadership. Jon Laudie is the President and CFO of Zerorez. He began his career in M&A and valuation before moving into corporate and operational FP&A roles at technology and consumer companies. His experience also includes investor relations, M&A integration, and building FP&A capabilities. Jon is also the co-author of Roots, Relationships and Results. Expect to Learn: How to build an FP&A function that the business values and trusts. Why change management is critical to FP&A transformation. How FP&A can prepare professionals for operational leadership. Why trust and relationships are essential to effective leadership. Which technical and soft skills can help FP&A professionals become CFOs. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “If you're not bringing the people along with you, the change management is nearly impossible and FP&A is not going to be successful.” - Jon Laudie “You have to be a strategic partner at the executive table.” - Jon Laudie Jon explains that successful FP&A transformation starts by meeting the business where it is rather than immediately pushing best practices. Building trust through better data, visibility, and useful insights creates a foundation for more advanced planning and forecasting. Follow Jon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlaudie/ Website: rootsrelationshipsresults.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] - Finance Meets Operations [01:32] - Jon’s Career Journey [05:41] - Building FP&A at Zerorez [10:19] - Change Management [16:26] - President & CFO [24:13] - Finance & Operations [31:52] - Writing the Book [34:32] - Leadership Lessons [42:48] - Trust & Relationships [51:18] - The “As Soon As” Trap [56:46] - Skills for Future CFOs [59:33] - Rapid Fire & Closing Thoughts

  • S1 · E135
    October 8 · 49 min

    Will AI Replace Enterprise Performance Management? | David den Boer

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Den Boer to debate the future of enterprise performance management, Excel, and AI. They explore whether traditional EPM platforms are being disrupted, how AI could reshape forecasting and finance workflows, and why governance, transparency, and accountability still matter. David Den Boer is the CEO and Founder of Column5 Consulting and Darwin Analytics. He began his career as an EPM administrator at a Fortune 500 company and later worked with OutlookSoft, which was acquired by SAP and became part of SAP BPC. With more than 20 years of experience in EPM, David works with large enterprises on performance management and develops practical solutions designed to help organizations get more value from their EPM environments. Expect to Learn: Why Excel and EPM platforms may be harder to replace than expected. How AI is changing the build-versus-buy decision for finance technology. Where AI can support forecasting without removing human accountability. Why reproducibility, auditability, and governance still matter. How finance teams should balance AI innovation with existing EPM systems. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “There’s really no benefit to avoiding Excel.” - David Den Boer “Everyone has to have an AI strategy as far out as they can see, which might be six months.” - David Den Boer David explains that AI can significantly reduce the cost of building and extending finance solutions, but large organizations still need deterministic calculations, multi-user workflows, auditability, and clear accountability. Follow David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddenboer/ Website: https://column5.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] - Trailer [03:46] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [04:08] - Is Excel Dead? [06:50] - Is EPM Dead? [14:18] - Build vs. Buy [18:40] - AI-Led Forecasting [26:22] - Reproducibility & Auditability [31:33] - The Cost of Change [39:06] - AI & EPM Together [45:24] - Skills & Closing Thoughts

  • S1 · E134
    October 1 · 52 min

    When AI Does the Analysis, What Makes an FP&A Professional Valuable with Valerie Martin

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder sit down with Valerie Martin to discuss how AI is changing FP&A, leadership, and business partnering. They explore why greater efficiency does not automatically create greater value and how finance teams can use AI without losing judgment, context, or trust with the business. Valerie Martin is a Finance Executive specializing in FP&A and strategic finance, with experience across GTM, SaaS, AI, and value creation. A former Autodesk finance leader and San Francisco FP&A Board Ambassador, Valerie brings extensive experience in business partnering, finance transformation, and helping organizations make better strategic decisions. Expect to Learn: Why AI efficiency does not always create more value. How AI is changing the skills FP&A teams need. Why judgment and business context still matter. How leaders should rethink training and development. Why communication and trust remain critical in FP&A. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI could help us get the answer faster, but you can't outsource accountability.” - Valerie Martin “The measurement is about the value, not the production.” - Glenn Snyder Valerie explains that AI can automate variance analysis, reporting, data cleanup, and other repetitive work, but faster production is only useful if teams turn that saved time into greater business value. As AI takes on more technical work, FP&A professionals need to strengthen their judgment, curiosity, business acumen, and communication skills. Follow Valerie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-martin-342878/ Email: valsoniamartin@gmail.com Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: 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 [04:54] - How AI Is Changing FP&A Skills [06:16] - Where AI Adds the Most Value [13:51] - When AI Efficiency Doesn't Create Value [15:03] - Judgment, Context & Accountability [19:46] - Redesigning FP&A Work for AI [20:51] - Why Communication Still Matters [27:35] - Turning Saved Time Into Greater Value [34:20] - What Differentiates Finance in the AI Era [41:22] - How FP&A Professionals Stay Valuable [46:27] - Closing & CPE Information

  • S1 · E133
    September 24 · 1 hr

    The Three Foundations of Strategic FP&A with Chithra Rajagopalan

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Chithra Rajagopalan, Head of Finance at Obsidian Security, to discuss what great FP&A looks like in high-growth companies, why strong data foundations matter, and how finance teams can become more strategic business partners. Chithra shares lessons from scaling finance teams, supporting hypergrowth companies, and using data to influence better decisions. Chithra Rajagopalan is a finance leader with experience across high-growth SaaS and AI security companies. She currently serves as Head of Finance at Obsidian Security, where she oversees financial strategy and operations. Her previous roles include finance leadership positions at Glue, ClickUp, and People.ai, following earlier experience at Deloitte and Ernst & Young. Expect to Learn: Why great FP&A goes beyond reporting. How strong data foundations support better decisions. What finance teams need during hypergrowth. How AI is changing finance roles and workflows. Why cybersecurity matters when finance adopts AI. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “Accounting is always going to give you exposure to what already happened. You still need a strong FP&A partner to know what to do in the future.” - Chithra Rajagopalan “You can have as much data as you want, but if you don’t utilize it to make decisions, surface risk, or hold people accountable, it’s pointless.” - Chithra Rajagopalan Chithra explains that strong FP&A starts with reliable data, business understanding, communication, and the ability to prioritize what actually moves the business forward. For finance professionals, the growing use of AI also means shifting from task execution toward an orchestration mindset, where teams understand systems, workflows, automation, and business strategy rather than simply producing reports. Follow Chithra: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chithra-rajagopalan-mba Website: https://www.obsidiansecurity.com/ 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 [05:07] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [11:16] - Building Finance During Hypergrowth [15:19] - Creating a Culture of Data [17:52] - Three Foundations of Strong FP&A Teams [29:31] - Inside Obsidian Security [34:38] - AI, Finance & Cybersecurity [39:42] - Moving Beyond AI Hype [44:43] - Why Finance Needs AI Guardrails [47:24] - The Skills FP&A Professionals Need [50:01] - The Future of Finance Teams [57:08] - Why Startup Chaos Builds Better Leaders [59:15] - Closing Thoughts

  • S1 · E132
    September 17 · 50 min

    Are You Solving Business Problems or Just Reporting Numbers? with Eric Alexander

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Eric Alexander about building effective FP&A functions, developing business acumen, and preparing finance professionals for leadership. Eric explains why finance teams need to look beyond the numbers, understand the business, communicate effectively, and develop the leadership skills needed to create greater impact. Eric Alexander is the President of Six Arrows Consulting and an advisor, speaker, and author with nearly 40 years of financial management experience, including 20 years in CFO roles. He served as CFO of Happy State Bank and now provides leadership development, strategic planning, finance function, and advisory services to community banks and mid-market companies. He is also the author of Stewardship Leadership for Stinking Accountants: Serving as the CFO. Expect to Learn: Why business understanding matters beyond technical skills. How to build a stronger FP&A function. Why CFOs need leadership and communication skills. How to make better decisions through constructive disagreement. Why stewardship is essential to effective finance leadership. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "Numbers that are done correctly relative to the business issue and then communicated well... that's good FP&A." - Eric Alexander "If I live in my little silo by myself and ignore the effects upstream and downstream, I'm missing opportunities." - Eric Alexander Eric emphasizes that strong finance professionals need more than technical expertise. They must understand the business behind the numbers, communicate their insights, collaborate across functions, and help leaders make better decisions. As professionals move toward CFO roles, leadership, strategy, communication, and stewardship become increasingly important Follow Eric: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-alexander-sixarrowsconsulting/ Website: https://ericralexander.com/ Company: https://sixarrowsconsulting.com/ 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 [03:55] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [04:47] - Building a Strong FP&A Function [07:43] - Understanding the Business Behind the Numbers [09:23] - Building Business Acumen [13:39] - Moving From Accounting to FP&A [16:19] - The Path to CFO [20:31] - Leadership & Constructive Disagreement [26:06] - Pre-Mortems & Better Decisions [30:03] - Point Estimates vs. Ranges [38:10] - Stewardship Leadership & The CFO Role [43:57] - Technical & Human Skills for FP&A [46:19] - Personal Questions & Closing Thoughts

  • S1 · E131
    September 10 · 58 min

    Only 6% of Finance Teams Actually Influence Decisions | Soufyan Hamid

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Soufyan Hamid about financial storytelling, finance business partnering, and how finance professionals can move from reporting numbers to influencing business decisions. Soufyan explains why numbers need context, how finance teams can systematize storytelling, and why communication, business acumen, and empathy are essential skills for creating strategic impact. Soufyan Hamid is a finance professional, corporate trainer, EMBA lecturer, and keynote speaker who specializes in systematizing storytelling for finance teams. He helps finance professionals strengthen their communication and financial storytelling skills. Expect to Learn: What the “precision trap” means for FP&A. Why timely analysis can be more valuable than perfect accuracy. How to choose the right level of accuracy for a decision. What questions to ask before starting an analysis. How finance professionals can become better business partners. How the DERP framework improves variance analysis. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "The first technical skill...that I would love for teams to develop is the driver tree." - Soufyan Hamid "The numbers will never share a story by themselves." - Soufyan Hamid Soufyan explains that effective financial storytelling is about more than presenting numbers. Finance professionals need to understand their audience, prioritize what matters, provide context, and help the business make better decisions. Follow Soufyan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soufyanhamid/ Website: https://www.thefinancecircle.com/ 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 [03:13] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [05:46] - Why Finance Needs Storytelling [12:28] - Making Financial Storytelling Useful [16:02] - Why Numbers Need Context [19:57] - Systematizing Storytelling & the FP&A Maturity Model [29:38] - Storytelling, Business Partnering & Influence [34:21] - Common Finance Presentation Mistakes [40:13] - Complexity Is a Failure of Empathy [46:05] - Technical & Human Skills for FP&A [49:53] - The Mindset Shift: Learning to Prioritize [56:15] - Building Better Finance Teams & Closing Thoughts

  • S1 · E130
    September 3 · 47 min

    Why Your Brilliant Financial Analysis Gets Ignored: The Precision Trap with Asif Masani

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Asif Masani about his new book, The Precision Trap, and why finance teams can focus too much on accuracy and miss the decision window. Asif explains how FP&A professionals can deliver timely analysis, influence business decisions, and become stronger business partners. Asif Masani is a Director at FP&A Professionals Institute and FP&A Jobs, an author, and Udemy instructor focused on helping finance professionals develop their FP&A skills. He is the author of All About FP&A, From Accounting to FP&A, and Data Storytelling Playbook. Expect to Learn: What the “precision trap” means for FP&A. Why timely analysis can be more valuable than perfect accuracy. How to choose the right level of accuracy for a decision. What questions to ask before starting an analysis. How finance professionals can become better business partners. How the DERP framework improves variance analysis. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "Finance people are very good at doing analysis, but they're not very good at influencing decisions." - Asif Masani "The decision that could wait earlier for three weeks, can't wait today for three days." - Asif Masani The key to avoiding the precision trap is understanding what decision the analysis needs to support, who needs it, and when they need it. Asif explains why finance professionals should focus on delivering useful analysis at the right time and earning a place in important business decisions. Follow Asif: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asifmasani/ Website: https://fpnaprofessionals.com/ 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 [04:58] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [10:30] - Building the FP&A Professionals Institute [18:33] - Understanding the Precision Trap [20:35] - Why Timely Analysis Matters [29:44] - Spotting the Precision Trap in Organizations [35:16] - Essential FP&A Skills [38:04] - The DERP Framework [39:54] - Getting to Know Asif [44:56] - Final Advice for Finance Professionals

  • S1 · E129
    August 27 · 1 hr 2 min

    The Budget Isn't the Goal. Building a Better Business Is with Zach & Chris

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Zach Rial and Chris Ortega, alongside co-host Glenn Snyder, to discuss budgeting and forecasting best practices. The conversation explores how finance teams should think about the purpose of budgeting, balancing control with agility, involving the business in the planning process, and using forecasting as a tool for better decision-making. Zach Rial is a finance leader at AskElephant, a startup focused on revenue and conversation intelligence. He brings experience as an operator who uses finance, FP&A, and business insights to help companies grow and improve decision-making. Chris Ortega is the CEO of Fresh FP&A, a global fractional CFO and advisory firm supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Chris has over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and leadership roles, helping organizations build, scale, and prepare for growth. Expect to Learn: The real purpose of budgeting and forecasting How to create a business-focused planning process Why trust and partnership are essential for FP&A teams How to balance budget discipline with flexibility Best practices for managing AI costs and governance Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “A budget is the direction of where you want to go, but things change so much in a business.” - Chris Ortega “The budget process should not be a finance exercise. It’s an organizational exercise.” - Glenn Snyder Effective budgeting is not about predicting the future perfectly, it is about creating alignment, understanding business drivers, and enabling better decisions. The strongest FP&A teams use budgets and forecasts as tools to guide the business, build trust, and help leaders navigate uncertainty. Follow Zach: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyrial/ Follow Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freshcfo/ Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.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. 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 [06:20] - The Purpose of Budgeting [12:26] - Making Budgeting a Business Process [17:24] - Building a Better Planning Approach [26:51] - Practical Budgeting and Forecasting Tips [37:44] - Building Trust With Business Partners [44:35] - Managing AI Costs and Governance [54:18] - Balancing Budget Control and Agility [58:35] - Final Advice

  • S1 · E128
    August 20 · 58 min

    Should Finance Pros Be Using Vibe Coding to Build Their Own Tools? with Brock & Natalia

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Brock Beyer and Natalia Kudinova to discuss how vibe coding is changing the way finance professionals automate work and build practical tools. They explore real-world use cases, AI token costs, security and maintenance concerns, and why finance teams should start with simple, repetitive processes rather than business-critical systems. Brock Beyer is the CPA Controller at Jump, where he has used vibe coding to build internal productivity tools. Natalia Kudinova is a Senior Director at ABBYY with experience across finance leadership, treasury, tax, reporting, transformation, and process improvement. Expect to Learn: What vibe coding means for finance professionals Practical finance processes you can automate with AI How to manage AI token usage and costs Why security and human oversight remain essential How to start small and learn through experimentation Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “You don't have to feel this pressure to vibe code every single tool.” - Brock Beyer “Start with the tasks that you are most tired of doing manually.” - Natalia Kudinova Vibe coding is giving finance professionals new ways to automate repetitive work and build practical tools without traditional coding expertise. The key is to start small, focus on well-defined processes, and keep humans involved in reviewing results. As AI adoption grows, security, cost, and maintainability will remain critical considerations. Follow Natalia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-kudinova-aca/ Follow Brock: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brockbeyer/ 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 [03:12] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [04:59] - What Is Vibe Coding? [09:36] - Getting Started With Vibe Coding [16:02] - Where Vibe Coding Makes Sense [20:21] - AI Token Costs and ROI [34:12] - Best Finance Processes to Automate [41:53] - What You Shouldn't Vibe Code [46:17] - Maintenance and Security [54:17] - Final Advice

  • S1 · E127
    August 13 · 58 min

    An Evaluation of the FPI AI Program and How 3 Finance Pros Are Using AI Today

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Nitesh Mukhi, Rohit Menon, and Sweta Jhalani to discuss how AI is transforming the FP&A profession and changing the way finance teams work. The guests share their experiences with the AI FP&A Programme, exploring practical AI applications, automation, financial analysis, and the skills finance professionals need to stay ahead. They also discuss why domain expertise, human judgment, and business understanding remain essential in an AI-driven finance world. Nitesh Mukhi is the Finance Director at Presight AI, an AI analytics and big data analytics company in Abu Dhabi, with over two decades of experience across auditing, financial analysis, treasury, and FP&A roles at companies including Schlumberger, FedEx, and KPMG. Rohit Menon is a Regional Finance professional at Bioltec with more than 19 years of experience across multinational companies, focusing on finance transformation and developing FP&A capabilities. Sweta Jhalani is a Chartered Accountant and FP&A Manager based in India who transitioned from audit into FP&A, building experience in financial planning, analysis, and business partnering Expect to Learn: How AI is transforming FP&A workflows Practical finance use cases for AI tools The importance of financial modelling and business partnering Why human judgment remains critical in AI adoption Building the skills needed for the future of finance Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “AI is an enabler. It's going to enhance your work, and I think it's going to help you in your day-to-day work.” - Nitesh Mukhi “AI is not the solution to each and every problem.” - Sweta Jhalani AI is changing the way finance professionals approach their work, but the fundamentals of finance remain important. The ability to understand business needs, interpret data, communicate insights, and apply human judgment will continue to separate great FP&A professionals from the rest. Follow Nitesh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitesh-mukhi-7504456/ Follow Rohit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-menon1984/ Follow Sweta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caswetajhalani/ Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) uses 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] - Introduction [01:21] - Guest Introductions [04:09] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [07:17] - Why They Joined the AI FP&A Programme [12:06] - Inside the AI FP&A Programme [14:35] - Real-World AI Use Cases [17:15] - Key Lessons From the Programme [22:11] - The Reality of AI in Finance [30:14] - AI Projects and Applications [34:03] - Advice for Finance Professionals [36:50] - The Future of AI in FP&A [40:21] - Essential FP&A Skills [43:34] - Skills Needed for AI Success [46:36] - Quick-Fire Questions [52:20] - Final Thoughts and Advice

  • S1 · E126
    August 6 · 1 hr 11 min

    AI Finance Club: What Three Members Learned from the Experience with Eve, Jurgen & Bukie

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by AI Finance Club members Eve Reiter, Jurgen Lang, and Bukie Faforiji for a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of FP&A. The panel shares how AI has changed the way they approach financial modeling, forecasting, automation, business partnering, and software development. From replacing repetitive Excel work with AI-powered workflows to building production-ready finance applications, they explore the practical skills finance professionals need to stay relevant in an AI-first world. Eve Reiter is a global procurement leader and AI advocate with experience at Amazon, American Express, and State Street. Jurgen Lang is a Hamburg-based fractional CFO specializing in SaaS, sports, hospitality, and technology, with more than 15 years of finance experience. Bukie Faforiji is an FP&A professional and creator of CFO Intel, an AI-powered platform that delivers transparent and auditable financial insights. Expect to Learn: How AI is changing the day-to-day work of FP&A professionals. Why critical thinking and domain expertise matter more than ever in an AI-driven world. How finance leaders are using AI to automate workflows and build custom finance tools. What the AI Finance Club offers finance professionals looking to upskill. The opportunities,and risks, that AI creates for the future of finance careers. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: “If nobody can act on the information, then the work has failed.” - Jurgen Lang “The best way to learn is to share.” - BukieFaforiji “You are not just consuming in a community. You are also contributing.” - BukieFaforiji AI is reshaping FP&A by reducing manual work, accelerating analysis, and helping finance professionals build more powerful workflows and tools. However, domain expertise, critical thinking, governance, and human judgement remain essential for producing reliable, defensible results. Finance professionals who actively develop these skills will be better prepared for an AI-driven future. Follow Eve Reiter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evereiter/ Follow Jurgen Lang: LinkedIn: https:www.linkedin.com/in/jurgenlang/ Follow Bukie Faforiji: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bukie-faforiji/ Learn More About the AI Finance Club: Website: https://www.aifinanceclub.com Join the AI Finance Club The top global finance community with over 3,500 members. Advance your AI and FP&A skills through exclusive training, expert-led sessions, and a global network of finance professionals. Visit the AI Finance Club – Nicolas Boucher | Advance Your Finance Skills Today. The FP&A Guy and use code YNVTUWKG to get $100 OFF your membership. 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 [06:43] - What Great FP&A Looks Like [11:01] - Inside the AI Finance Club Community [13:41] - Why the Guests Joined the AI Finance Club [19:08] - Moving from Excel to AI-Powered Workflows [23:24] - The Most Impactful AI Projects They Have Built [32:19] - How to Get More Value from AI Communities [42:27] - The Opportunities and Risks of AI in Finance [52:18] - The Essential Skills Every FP&A Professional Needs [01:01:33] - Quick-Fire Questions and Final Advice

  • S1 · E125
    July 30 · 1 hr 4 min

    Networking in Finance: The Career Advice Everyone Learns Too Late with Josette Ferrer

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Josette Ferrer to discuss one of the most overlooked skills in finance: networking. While many finance professionals focus on technical expertise, Josette explains why building genuine relationships is essential for career growth, leadership development, mentorship, and long-term success. Josette Ferrer is the Founder and Managing Director of Clairent Advisors, a valuation and business advisory firm specializing in business and intellectual property valuations. She also serves as President of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is actively involved with organizations including How Women Lead, ProVisors, the American Society of Appraisers, and several executive leadership communities. Expect to Learn: Why networking should start long before you need your next opportunity How to choose the right networking organizations for your career goals Simple strategies introverts can use to build meaningful professional relationships Why mentoring and networking naturally go hand in hand Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "Networking isn’t transactional, it’s about giving, helping, and building relationships." - Josette Ferrer "You don’t need a title to add value; small gestures can create lasting connections." - Josette Ferrer Networking is a crucial skill for FP&A professionals, enabling stronger relationships, mentorship, and career growth. Starting early and engaging genuinely helps build trust and opportunities over time. Remember, networking is about giving and adding value, not just seeking benefits for yourself. Follow Josette Ferrer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josetteferrer/ Follow Glenn Snyder: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsnyder/ 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 [04:22] – What Great FP&A Looks Like [12:36] – Choosing the Right Networking Group [21:23] – Why You Should Start Networking Early [27:39] – Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network [33:18] – Networking Strategies for Introverts [41:21] – The Power of Mentorship [52:05] – Final Networking Advice for Finance Professionals

  • S1 · E124
    July 23 · 41 min

    Automating Financial Workflows and the Role of Human Judgment with Albert Lee

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Albert Lee, FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance profession. Albert shares practical insights from implementing AI in corporate finance, coaching CFOs, and training finance teams on responsible AI adoption. Albert Lee is an FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer with over 13 years of experience helping finance teams embrace AI and automation. He has led FP&A functions across multinational organizations, including Merlin Entertainments and The Cookware Company, driving forecasting, profitability modeling, and process improvements across APAC. Today, Albert coaches CFOs and finance leaders through the AI Finance Club while delivering AI training for global organizations and professional finance communities. Expect to Learn: Why AI should be your finance copilot How to build trusted AI workflows When to use AI vs. Power Query Best practices for secure AI adoption Key skills for the future of FP&A Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "A strong analyst using AI becomes much stronger. A weak analyst using AI simply makes mistakes faster." - Albert Lee "The best FP&A professionals don't just explain the numbers, they explain what they mean and what should happen next." – Albert Lee Albert Lee shares practical insights on using AI to enhance FP&A without sacrificing governance, accuracy, or human judgment. He reminds finance professionals that while AI can dramatically improve productivity, true business value comes from combining the right technology with strong data practices, critical thinking, and trusted business partnerships. Follow Albert: Website - https://axiomfpa.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-lee-fcpa-869478118/ 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 [02:14] – Meet Albert Lee [03:34] – Why Copilot? [05:27] – AI Automation Journey [09:47] – AI Training & Coaching [19:51] – AI Challenges [23:50] – AI Workflows [28:18] – AI Governance [31:23] – AI's Strengths & Limits [39:40] – Career Advice & Wrap-up

  • S1 · E123
    July 16 · 46 min

    The Dennis Rodman Paradox And How CFOs Can Protect Irreplaceable Specialists With Jack McCullough

    In this Episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst features returning guest Jack McCullough, founder of the CFO Leadership Council, for a conversation about The Rodman Paradox and what it means for FP&A teams. The discussion explores how specialists can create outsized value, how leaders should recognise them, and how to manage them without turning them into the wrong kind of generalist. Jack McCullough is the founder and president of the CFO Leadership Council, a professional community he built to empower senior financial executives through peer learning and collaboration. Over the course of his career, Jack has served as chief financial officer for twenty-six companies, leading not only finance but also business development, HR, and IT functions. Expect to Learn: Build FP&A teams with the three Cs: communication, curiosity, courage. Rare specialists can outperform broad generalists. Spot true critical specialists vs. those who just seem important. Find hidden influence by who people turn to in crises. Avoid promoting specialists away from their best work. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: You want to encourage a culture of what I call the three Cs, which are communications, curiosity, and courage." – Jack McCullough "The Rodman paradox is there might be people that on the surface seem like they have a limited skillset, but because there are so few people who can do it well, they may actually be more important to your organisational success than executives." – Jack McCullough Jack brings the perspective of a seasoned CFO, author, and adviser who has spent years thinking about financial leadership, specialist talent, and the skills that matter most in modern finance. Follow Jack: Website - https://cfoleadershipcouncil.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackmcculloughcfo/ 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 [01:42] – Jack shares the coming book The Rodman Paradox [05:56] – The three Cs for strong FP&A teams [07:27] – Why the book is about specialists, not basketball [13:15] – How to spot a Rodman through influence and crisis [20:19] – Managing specialists through motivation and bureaucracy [30:05] – AI may increase the value of specialists [33:42] – Career advice for future CFOs and FP&A leaders [40:57] – Reflecting on the ultimate interview opportunities [45:57] – Wrap-up

  • S1 · E122
    July 9 · 59 min

    The Pricing Psychology for Leaders to Stop Underpricing and Understand Value with Etinosa

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Etinosa Agbonlahor, behavioral economist and Founder & CEO of Decision Alpha, to discuss why pricing is one of the biggest drivers of business success. They explore how customer psychology influences pricing, why many companies underprice their products, and how FP&A can play a more strategic role in pricing decisions. Etinosa Agbonlahor is a behavioral economist and pricing strategist who helps businesses improve pricing through behavioral science and customer insights. As Founder & CEO of Decision Alpha, she has advised organizations across the US, Australia, Africa, and the UK on pricing, customer behavior, and growth. She is also the author of How to Talk to Your Parents About Money. Expect to Learn: Why most businesses underprice their products How customer psychology influences pricing The role of FP&A in pricing strategy When outcome-based pricing works best Why storytelling makes data more impactful Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "The problem with underpricing is that no one is going to tell you you're underpriced." – Etinosa Agbonlahor "People don't walk around knowing what your product should cost, they infer your value from your price." – Etinosa Agbonlahor Etinosa shares practical strategies for improving pricing through customer research, behavioral economics, and data-driven decision-making. This episode is ideal for FP&A professionals, finance leaders, and business owners looking to build stronger pricing strategies. Follow Etinosa: Website - https://playbook.decisionalpha.co/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/etinosasere/ 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 [05:18] – What Great FP&A Looks Like [06:12] – Why Pricing Drives Business Success [10:03] – Why Businesses Underprice [17:23] – Customer Segmentation [24:02] – FP&A and Pricing [29:28] – Behavioral Pricing Framework [34:12] – AI & Outcome-Based Pricing [46:05] – Data Storytelling [57:02] – Final Advice

  • S1 · E121
    July 2 · 52 min

    I Would Never Let AI Touch a Number and what to do about that with Alok Ajmera

    In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Alok Ajmera, CEO of Prophix, to explore how AI is reshaping FP&A, financial planning, and enterprise decision-making. Alok explains how modern finance teams are evolving from spreadsheet-heavy workflows to AI-enabled systems, while still relying on structured data, deterministic processes, and human oversight to maintain accuracy and trust in financial outputs. Alok Ajmera is the CEO of Prophix, a leading financial performance management platform helping CFO organizations modernize planning, budgeting, and forecasting. With over 22 years at Prophix, he has supported more than 3,000 finance teams globally in transforming how they close, consolidate, and plan. Alok has led the evolution of FP&A systems from spreadsheet-first to system-first, and now toward AI-enabled finance operations. Expect to Learn: What makes FP&A a true force multiplier inside organizations How data stewardship, collaboration, and forecasting define great finance teams Why AI must stay deterministic when handling financial calculations The difference between probabilistic AI and structured finance systems How AI agents support FP&A without replacing financial control Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: "The biggest opportunity is to take inefficient manual workflows and simplify them with AI agents, delivering value quickly while building confidence in the team." – Alok Ajmera "AI democratizes capabilities, but there must be governance and discipline. It’s easy to build things, but maintaining them is hard." – Alok Ajmera Alok explains that while AI is transforming FP&A through speed and automation, the core of finance still depends on structured systems, clean data, and human judgment. He emphasizes that the future of finance is a hybrid model where AI enhances productivity while finance leaders maintain control, context, and strategic oversight. Follow Alok: Website - www.prophix.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-ajmera-93896617/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@prophix 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 [04:10] – What great FP&A looks like [09:13] – Revenue and qualitative goals [18:38] – Why AI in FP&A needs structure [29:36] – AI in forecasting and planning [33:45] – Risks, governance, and AI sprawl [45:40] – Soft skills in FP&A [49:11] – Travel and personal reflections [51:25] – Closing thoughts

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