FP&A Unlocked

In this special solo episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst celebrates reaching 100 episodes of the podcast while also reflecting on his broader journey of hosting over 200 FP&A episodes across multiple shows. He shares lessons from his experience in FP&A, career growth, and learning AI, along with what actually matters in the field today. He also shares his thoughts on AI and how it’s changing finance workflows, explaining why building repeatable processes matters more than just prompting. He also previews upcoming conversations with professionals already using AI in their day-to-day work.Expect to Learn:What helps FP&A professionals grow beyond technical skillsWhy career paths are rarely linearHow to approach networking in a more effective wayWhy AI is more about processes than promptsHow AI can help save time in finance rolesHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“AI is a magnifier. If you don't know what you're doing, it will magnify that.” - Paul Barnhurst“Technical skills get you your first job, the soft skills get you promoted.” - Paul BarnhurstPaul explains that FP&A is not just about reports and models. It’s about understanding the business and working with people. AI can help speed up tasks, but it doesn’t replace core skills like financial modeling, data understanding, and communication. If anything, those skills matter more now.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_fpaguyEarn 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[01:41] – 100 Episodes Milestone[02:36] – What Makes FP&A Professionals Stand Out[03:38] – Career Growth Is Not a Ladder[04:25] – Early Career Struggles After Graduation[05:47] – How to Approach Networking the Right Way[06:37] – Turning Down Offers & Career Decisions[07:28] – Moving into FP&A & Career Shift[09:08] – Learning AI & Current Challenges[10:06] – AI Skills, Courses & Future Focus

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Josh LaSov to explore how FP&A is evolving with data, BI, and AI. They discuss how finance professionals can move beyond traditional reporting by combining financial and operational data, and why understanding data at a deeper level is now essential. Josh shares how AI is changing analysis, forecasting, and workflows, and how FP&A teams can use it to increase productivity and deliver faster insights.Josh LaSov is an FP&A and data professional with experience in consulting, ERP implementations, and analytics. He has implemented NetSuite and FP&A tools across many companies and previously co-founded Satori Reporting, a BI platform for NetSuite users that was later acquired by private equity. He is now the founder of Causi AI, where he focuses on building AI agents to help finance teams automate analysis, processes, and forecasting.Expect to Learn:What makes FP&A professionals stand out todayWhy combining financial and operational data is criticalHow BI tools expand the role of FP&AHow AI is improving analysis, forecasting, and workflowsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“AI helps you save a lot of time, but the judgment and analysis still need to be done by you.” - Josh LaSov“You can’t explain why numbers changed if you don’t understand the data behind them.” - Josh LaSovJosh highlights that FP&A is no longer just about building reports or models. The role is shifting toward deeper analysis and faster decision-making. While AI can handle large amounts of data and speed up workflows, the real value still comes from understanding the business and communicating insights clearly.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_fpaguyFollow Josh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-lasov-7897334/Homepage: https://www.cauzzy.ai/AI Agent Marketplace: https://marketplace.cauzzy.ai/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cauzzyAIFollow Glenn:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyderEarn 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[02:25] – Introducing Josh LaSov[04:59] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[09:52] – Building Satori Reporting[13:19] – BI Tools and Reporting Challenges[16:25] – Introduction to Causi AI[25:05] – AI Agents and Accuracy Challenges[29:22] – How FP&A Should Use AI[36:10] – AI Tech Stack & Future Direction[43:05] – Key Skills for FP&A[46:53] – Get To Know Function

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder are joined by Vikram Bhandari to explore how organizations should approach AI in finance and FP&A. They discuss why most companies fail with AI adoption, the importance of enterprise-wide strategy over siloed tools, and how finance teams can evolve from reporting to forward-looking decision-making. Vikram shares practical insights on AI readiness, forecasting, and how leaders can leverage AI to drive better business outcomes.Vikram is the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Riveron, where he leads AI, digital transformation, and finance modernization initiatives. With nearly 25 years of experience, Vikram works closely with CFOs to transform finance functions through technology. He previously served as the President and CEO of Yantra, a company he founded and led for over 15 years before its acquisition by Riveron.Expect to Learn:Why most AI implementations fail and how to avoid common mistakesThe importance of enterprise AI strategy vs. siloed tool adoptionHow FP&A is evolving into a forward-looking, decision-making functionWhat it takes to prepare your data, processes, and governance for AIHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:The real question is not which AI tool is best, it’s whether your finance architecture is ready to absorb AI.” - Vikram BhandariIf you treat AI as a feature, you get incremental gains. If you treat it as a strategy, you get competitive advantage.” - Vikram BhandariVikram emphasizes that AI should be treated as a capability multiplier rather than a shortcut. He highlights the importance of strong data foundations, governance, and enterprise strategy to unlock real value. The episode reinforces that the future of FP&A lies in combining machine intelligence with human judgment to drive better, faster decisions.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_fpaguyFollow Vikram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrambhandari/Company: https://riveron.com/Website: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyderEarn 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[02:08] – Introducing Vikram Bhandari[03:16] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[05:21] – AI in Finance Today[05:09] – Why Most AI Implementations Fail[11:05] – Enterprise AI Strategy vs. Siloed Tools[15:16] – AI Readiness: Data, Decisions, Governance[17:54] – AI Forecasting: Calibration & Trust[23:14] – Skills Finance Needs in an AI World[34:24] – AI Agents, Excel, and Productivity vs. Strategy[41:40] – Final Advice on AI Strategy[47:52] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst is joined by Vincent Messina and Ilana Esterrich to discuss how organizations should approach ROI and transformation. They dive into why traditional ROI methods often fail, the concept of Return on Change, and how financial leaders can better manage software implementations and drive business outcomes.Vincent is a seasoned enterprise software sales leader with over 25 years of experience. Vincent is currently the Northeast Director of business development at UHY, a CPA firm, and works on advising CFOs through his partnership with UHY. Ilana is the Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she oversees a comprehensive portfolio, including accounting, treasury, compliance, and financial planning.Expect to Learn:Why ROI calculations often fail and how Return on Change provides a more effective approach.How to align financial decisions with business outcomes.The evolving role of FP&A professionals in driving decisions beyond traditional reporting.Key strategies for managing change during financial transformations.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The real value comes when technology enables people to do different, more impactful work.” - Vincent Messina“As CFOs, our job is to help guide the organization by providing the right insights for informed decision-making.” - Ilana EsterrichVincent Messina and Ilana Esterrich emphasize the importance of shifting from traditional ROI to Return on Change in financial transformations. They highlight the crucial role of FP&A professionals in driving strategic decisions and managing change effectively.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_fpaguyFollow Vincent:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmessina/Company: https://uhy-us.com/Follow Ilana :LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Ilanaesterrich/Website: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/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[02:30] – Introducing Vincent Messina[02:55] – Introducing Ilana Esterrich[05:00] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[08:00] – Why ROI Fails in Transformations[13:00] – Shifting from ROI to Return on Change[19:00] – The Importance of Consensus in Transformation[25:00] – Business Outcomes vs. Software Decisions[30:00] – How to Make Change Work[35:00] – Mindset Shifts in CFOs and FP&A[40:00] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Jeff Greenfield, an entrepreneur, advisor, and founder of Provalytics, a leading attribution and measurement solution. Jeff discusses marketing attribution, the challenges marketers face in proving the impact of their campaigns, and the evolving role of FP&A in understanding marketing spend. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building an SEO platform to leading Provalytics in providing marketers with a single source of truth for their efforts.Jeff Greenfield is the co-founder and CEO of Provalytics, a "cookie-less" attribution solution that helps marketers demonstrate the value of upper-funnel channels like CTV, podcasting, and more. Before founding Provalytics, Jeff built and led multiple digital marketing companies, pioneering the use of data-driven approaches to improve marketing performance.Expect to Learn:The challenges marketers face in proving campaign ROI and how to overcome themWhy FP&A professionals should understand marketing’s data modelsHow marketers and finance teams can align on data-driven goalsHow to ensure marketing budgets are being spent effectivelyHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“A great FP&A relationship is when marketing can demonstrate that their efforts are working and walk away with the budget they need.” – Jeff Greenfield“It’s important to understand that marketing is not just about clicks, it’s about capturing attention.” – Jeff GreenfieldJeff Greenfield shared valuable insights on the challenges of marketing attribution and how finance teams can collaborate with marketing to ensure efficient budget allocation. He emphasized the importance of understanding marketing data and aligning on a common measurement framework for better 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_fpaguyFollow Jeff:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/Company: https://provalytics.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 Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:40] – Jeff’s Background[03:33] – What Does Great FP&A Look Like?[08:21] – Measuring Revenue from Podcasts[11:25] – From Chiropractic to Marketing[15:10] – Founding Provalytics: Marketing Attribution[18:48] – The Google Tax in Attribution[29:46] – Why Google Isn't Enough Anymore[37:49] – AI and Podcast ROI[41:07] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A[48:00] – Last Questions & Final thought

In this episode, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Nick Desbarats, a data visualisation expert, bestselling author, and independent educator, to discuss data visualisation. Nick talks about the skills needed to create effective charts, how to avoid common mistakes, and the importance of understanding the "job" of a chart. He shares his journey from software executive to becoming an authority in the field and explains why the true skill of visualising data goes beyond knowing the software.Nick is the author of Practical Charts (Amazon #1 New Release) and the upcoming Practical Dashboards. He has taught thousands of professionals globally, including teams at NASA, Bloomberg, Visa, the United Nations, Shopify, and more. He is also the first educator authorised by Stephen Few to teach his foundational data visualisation workshops.Expect to Learn:Why understanding the "job" of a chart is more important than the data itselfThe key skills needed for creating effective chartsCommon mistakes in data visualisation and how to avoid themWhy empathy for your audience is crucial when designing visualsHow to decide when to use default charts vs. creating custom visualsHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“The real job of a chart is to serve people, not the software.” – Nick Desbarats“Data visualisation is not about the tool, it’s about the message you want to convey.” – Nick DesbaratsNick Desbarats shared valuable insights on creating effective data visualisations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose behind each chart. He highlighted key skills, common mistakes, and the need for empathy with your audience.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_fpaguyFollow Nick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdesbarats/Company: https://www.practicalreporting.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 Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[03:33] – Nick’s Background[05:32] – Key Skills for Data Visualisation Experts[09:50] – Executive to Data Viz Educator[12:35] – Book Recommendations[19:35] – Moving Beyond “It Depends”[26:08] – Common Finance Chart Mistakes[34:13] – The Pie Chart Dilemma[37:54] – AI in Data Visualisation[45:56] – Chart Type Selection Skills[58:30] – Final Wrap-up

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder are joined by HR leaders Cynthia Kenny and Deborah Hill to discuss the important partnership between HR and FP&A. They explore how aligning goals across departments can drive organizational success, share personal stories about career development, and highlight the importance of trust and collaboration.Cynthia Kenny is a CHRO and C-suite partner with over 30 years of experience in human resources, focusing on change management and organizational transformation. Deborah Hill is an HR leader with over 10 years of experience leading HR teams in tech-focused and tech-enabled companies. She specializes in building culture and driving talent initiatives, and has managed businesses with revenues ranging from $400M to $5B.Expect to Learn:How HR and FP&A can partner to drive organizational successThe importance of aligning company, team, and individual goalsBest practices for goal-setting and performance managementWhy flexibility is important when managing goals throughout the yearHow to build trust and collaboration between HR and FP&AHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Great FP&A is about turning financial data into actionable insights for business leaders.” - Deborah Hill“Real success happens when HR and FP&A work together, understanding each other’s worlds and creating synergy.” - Cynthia KennyCynthia Kenny and Deborah Hill provided valuable insights on the critical partnership between HR and FP&A, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals across departments to drive organizational success. They discussed how clear, actionable goals can lead to better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and improved business outcomes.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_fpaguyFollow Deborah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hill-8a24771/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-tire-distributors/Follow Cynthia:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiakennymaccp/Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunland-asphalt/Follow Glenn:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyderEarn 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[05:44] – What Great FP&A Looks Like[10:07] – COVID Finance & HR Decisions[16:55] – Hiring, Headcount & Data Issues[23:49] – HRIS, ERP & Source of Truth[27:29] – Aligning Corporate & Individual Goals[36:07] – Flexible Performance Management[47:56] – Effective Goal-Setting Practices[59:17] – Final Takeaways & Career Growth

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Rey del Valle to discuss what it really takes to move from reporting the business to steering it. Rey shares lessons from more than 25 years across media, entertainment, ecommerce, and fintech, explaining why curiosity, collaboration, and driver-based modeling are essential to effective finance leadership.Rey del Valle is a strategic CFO with deep roots in FP&A, having built his career at organizations such as FedEx, Norwegian Cruise Line, MTV Networks, and The Walt Disney Company. He has since served as CFO and advisor for companies including Ticketmaster, AXS, Guitar Center, OpenX, and several entertainment-focused fintech platforms.Expect to Learn:What great FP&A looks like beyond spreadsheets and reportingThe biggest mindset shift required when moving from FP&A to CFOWhy curiosity and operational understanding matter in financeHow collaboration plays a key role in successful turnaroundsHow benchmarks and driver-based models uncover opportunitiesHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“FP&A is about taking data and turning it into actionable insight so the business can actually do something with it.” - Rey del Valle“Our role in finance is not to look at numbers for their own sake, it is to help the company make better decisions.” - Rey del ValleRey shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can become stronger strategic partners by understanding business drivers, building models that support decision-making, and working closely with operations. He emphasizes that finance leaders create the most value when they listen first, stay curious, and help teams translate strategy into execution, especially during periods of change.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_fpaguyFollow Rey:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reydelvalle/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/everestadvisorsllc/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[03:12] - What Great FP&A Really Means[04:56] - Choosing the CFO Path[07:49] - CFO of the Year Nomination[10:00] - Architect vs Engineer in Finance[13:38] - Execution and Overcommunication[16:41] - Understanding Business Drivers[21:26] - From Reporting to Steering[29:03] - Finance Inside Operations[33:25] - Turning Around a Business

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Aswin Saravanan, VP of Finance at Qualtrics, to explore what it really takes for FP&A teams to move from insight to action. Aswin shares why trust is the foundation of strategic finance, how culture and vision enable better decision making, and why simplicity in financial modeling often delivers the greatest impactAswin is a strategic finance leader with over a decade of experience across global technology companies. He specializes in connecting strategy to execution and helping finance drive business outcomes. Currently the VP of Finance at Qualtrics, he brings deep expertise across corporate, product, and go-to-market finance. He has previously held leadership roles at Microsoft and HubSpot.Expect to LearnWhat great FP&A looks like as a strategic business partnerWhy is trust required to move from insight to actionHow culture and vision shape high-performing FP&A teamsThe importance of simple financial models over complex onesHow FP&A teams create strategic value that influences the futureHere are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Taking something from insight to action requires trust. Without trust, nothing really moves.” - Aswin Saravanan“Great FP&A is when the team can be a proactive strategic partner and actually change the trajectory of the company.”- Aswin SaravananAswin Saravanan shares practical insights on how FP&A teams can move from reporting to truly influencing business outcomes. By building trust, setting a clear vision, and keeping financial models simple, finance leaders can turn insight into action. The conversation reinforces that strategic value comes from helping the business make better decisions about the future.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_fpaguyFollow Aswin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aswinsaravanan/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualtrics/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[03:56] - What Great FP&A Looks Like[05:23] - Why Finance in Tech[07:20] - Outcome-Based Pricing Risks[10:49] - Leading Finance at Qualtrics[13:13] - Culture and Vision in FP&A[17:16] - Building Team Culture[22:47] - Trust and Core FP&A Skills[26:18] - Defining Strategic Value[32:39] - Driving Operational Excellence[34:37] - Simple Financial Modeling

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 orgHere 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 HardingNed 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_fpaguyFollow Ned:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-harding-34a57526/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/enso-analytics/Website - https://ensoanalytics.comEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:43] – Meet Ned Harding & His Journey to Enso[06:04] – Accidental Start in Analytics[10:59] – Turning Tools into a Business[14:49] – Why Enso Analytics?[25:43] – Analytics Across the Org[29:16] – Context is Everything[35:51] – The Risk of Overusing AI[43:56] – Are We in an AI Bubble?[47:07] – Top Skills for FP&A Pros[49:54] – The Excel Debate[53:12] – Fun Final Questions

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 processHere 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 BernsteinJeff 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_fpaguyFollow 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 earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:42] – Meet Jeff Bernstein[04:58] – Transitioning to Public Company[08:36] – The Role of FP&A in IPO[12:44] – Investor Trust and Forecasting[17:10] – Financial Integrity[21:58] – Preparing for the IPO Process[26:35] – Stress-Testing Forecasts[30:42] – Earning Investor Trust[34:18] – Organizational Behaviour Shift[37:33] – Key to Success in IPOs and SPACs

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 impactThis 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_fpaguyFollow Bryan:LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/bryan-lapidus-fpacCompany - 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 Growth[33:27] – Top Technical Skills[37:27] – Eliminating Low-Value Work in FP&A[43:23] – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

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 processesHere 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 PierceBen 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_fpaguyFree Trial of WorkdayTry Workday Adaptive Planning free for 30 days - 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_contactFollow Ben:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpierce23/Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/workday/Website - https://www.workday.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 Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[02:50] – From Engineering to Software Leadership[04:56] – What Makes Great FP&A[09:23] – The Importance of Customer Success[12:05] – How to Choose the Right FP&A Tool[13:33] – Advice for Moving to the Vendor Side[16:03] – The Future of AI and FP&A[18:12] – Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Analytics[21:04] – The Role of Zero-Based Budgeting[25:46] – Best Practices for Annual Budgeting[28:06] – Handling Headcount Planning Challenges[32:28] – Getting the Most Out of FP&A Software[36:52] – Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

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 processesHere 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 SeverNoam 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_fpaguyFollow 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 earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode:[04:11] – Defining Great FP&A[07:12] – The Power of Tiny Gains[10:54] – Favourite Company Stage[13:18] – FP&A at Scale[15:59] – Evolving Budget & Forecast[21:41] – Advice for First-Time Forecast Leads[25:24] – Scaling Teams & Tools[33:20] – Traits for Early-Stage FP&A[36:40] – Rapid-Fire & Final Thoughts

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 HullAndrew 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_fpaguyFollow Andrew:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhull4/Follow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today’s Episode[01:59] - Meet Andrew Hull[02:50] - Redefining Great FP&A[06:46] - Career Highlights in CPG[10:35] - Leading Finance at UNFI Canada[18:55] - Managing Inflation with Analytics[22:24] - The Art of Storytelling in FP&A[35:47] - Revolutionizing the Budget Process[51:20] - Beyond Work: Hobbies and Passions[58:07] - Closing Thoughts