In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Nicholas Moen, CMA and Director of Finance at Section, an AI software company. Nicholas shares insights on leveraging AI in FP&A to streamline financial modeling, automate workflows, improve decision-making, and build high-performing teams. He discusses practical strategies for training finance teams, balancing human oversight with AI automation, and applying FP&A insights to drive operational impact in enterprise organizations.

Nicholas Moen is a CMA and finance leader at Section, where he reinvents finance through AI, helping organizations build AI-powered workflows at scale. Based in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Nicholas specializes in leveraging AI to streamline FP&A processes, automate workflows, and empower finance teams to focus on strategic decision-making.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI frees FP&A teams from manual work
• Automating reports, spreadsheets, and workflows
• Training and empowering teams on AI tools
• Key FP&A skills: business partnering, listening, and data understanding

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Context is everything. Using AI to capture meeting insights and key assumptions helps teams make smarter, faster decisions." - Nicholas Moen
• "A strong FP&A professional understands both data structures and business partnering, skills that AI cannot replace." - Nicholas Moen

Nicholas Moen demonstrates how AI is reshaping the role of FP&A, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making instead of manual tasks. By leveraging tools like Claude and Lovable, finance professionals can automate workflows, build models faster, and make more informed business decisions.

Follow Nicholas:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-moen-320a11106/

Substack: https://substack.com/@runningfinance

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

[02:56] – What great FP&A looks like today

[05:14] – Automating spreadsheets with Claude

[14:31] – Building micro-apps with Lovable

[17:58] – Commission automation

[21:26] – Doing analysis on the go

[30:12] – Low-hanging AI wins for FP&A

[33:58] – Training and knowledge sharing

[38:41] – Top soft and technical skills

[41:35] – Personal side: music and hobbies

[45:53] – How to connect with Nicholas

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.

Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.

Expect to Learn:

• What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumen
• How to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accounting
• Strategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teams
• Navigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders." – Robert Blanding
• "Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations." – Robert Blanding

Robert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.

Follow Robert:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/

Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/

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] – Defining Great FP&A

[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role

[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview

[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership

[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement

[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams

[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs

[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals

[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball

[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Dors to explore how artificial intelligence, particularly Claude, is transforming the future of FP&A. David shares his journey from banking and FP&A into finance transformation, where he now helps finance teams implement AI-powered workflows, automate repetitive processes, and rethink how work gets done in the Office of the CFO.

David Dors is a finance transformation consultant and AI educator specializing in helping finance teams adopt Claude, AI agents, and workflow automation. After beginning his career in banking and FP&A, David shifted his focus to helping finance professionals use AI to improve reporting, analysis, forecasting, and decision-making. Through workshops, training programs, and content creation, he teaches finance teams how to build AI-powered systems that save time and allow analysts to focus on higher-value strategic work.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is changing the future of FP&A
• Practical ways to automate reporting and recurring finance tasks
• The difference between Claude Chat, Claude Code, and AI agents
• Why finance professionals should think of AI as a digital teammate
• Key skills FP&A professionals need in an AI-driven world

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Every forecast, variance analysis, or deck you build should help somebody make a different decision." – David Dors
• "If nothing changed from the analysis you're providing, there's not much value in what you're doing every day." – David Dors

David explains how finance teams can use AI to eliminate repetitive work, improve efficiency, and spend more time supporting business decisions. He also shares his perspective on the future of FP&A, where professionals will increasingly manage AI agents that handle routine tasks and reporting. non-traditional organizations.

Follow Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddors/

Website: https://vantagepointconsulting.com/

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

[04:13] – Discovering Claude

[10:27] – AI Training for Finance Teams

[15:19] – Skills & AI Agents

[18:13] – AI Productivity Gains

[22:23] – Quick AI Wins in FP&A

[25:23] – AI Accuracy & Validation

[28:29] – Automating Reporting

[32:35] – The Future of FP&A

[39:01] – Excel Lessons Learned

[42:57] – Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Dr. Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas, to discuss the unique world of finance in a sports and entertainment organization. Tim shares how he manages FP&A for a fast-growing, multi-team baseball league, balancing operational efficiency with fan engagement, budgeting for multiple teams, and ensuring the internal finance function supports the entire organization’s growth.

Tim is the CFO of the Savannah Bananas, a wildly innovative and entertaining baseball organization. With experience in public accounting, higher education, and consulting, Tim brings a unique perspective on financial management, teaching, and operational strategy. He has also authored a book for creatives and non-finance professionals on strategic financial management, helping others understand how to transform ideas into sustainable business ventures.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A functions in an unconventional sports and entertainment organization
• Budgeting and financial planning across multiple teams and events
• Managing risk, contracts, and operational logistics for traveling events
• Lessons on aligning finance with organizational growth and fan engagement
• How innovative business models and creativity intersect with FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Finance isn’t a stumbling block, it’s a support function that ensures internal teams can succeed.” – Dr. Tim Naddy
• “You don’t need to be from an area to support a team, you just need to feel the vibe.” – Dr. Tim Naddy

Dr. Tim Naddy provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing FP&A for the Savannah Bananas, balancing operational efficiency with creative fan engagement. He highlights how finance supports growth across multiple teams and events, ensuring budgets, logistics, and resources are aligned. Listeners gain insights into innovative financial management, practical FP&A strategies, and the importance of adaptability in dynamic, non-traditional organizations.

Follow Tim:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimnaddy221b/

Website: https://www.houndtalint.com/

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] – Bananas Brand Story

[08:12] – Teaching & Book

[11:14] – CFO Misconceptions

[13:14] – FP&A Process & League

[18:12] – Revenue & Ticketing

[26:00] – Logistics & Operations

[32:28] – Team Management

[46:51] – Banana Ball Rules

[54:42] – FP&A Advice & Closing

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst chats with Derek Baker, the Head of Strategic Finance at Circle, a growth-stage SaaS company. Derek shares insights from his experience in building strategic finance functions, scaling finance teams, and using AI to optimize financial reporting.

Derek Baker is the Head of Strategic Finance at Circle, a growth-stage SaaS company focused on building an all-in-one platform for online communities. He has built the Strategic Finance function from the ground up, covering areas like pricing, sales compensation, investor due diligence, and AI-powered financial reporting. Prior to Circle, Derek co-founded The FP&A Hub with Paul Barnhurst and Liran Edelist to support finance professionals. His career spans FP&A roles across SaaS, marketplace, and biotech startups.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis in FP&A.
• The role of business partnering in aligning FP&A with strategic decisions.
• Derek's transition from spreadsheets to AI-driven financial models.
• How FP&A evolves as companies scale.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Spreadsheets are great for MVP models, but AI and data warehouses are the future for repeatable, scalable analysis.” – Derek Baker
• “AI can manage context better than prompts, and this is what drives its power in finance.” – Derek Baker

Derek shares that the future of FP&A is all about embracing technology and innovation. He emphasizes that it's no longer just about spreadsheets and traditional methods; it’s about leveraging AI and data to drive smarter financial decisions. By focusing on both the strategic and technical sides of finance, professionals can better align with business goals and create more impactful outcomes.

Follow Derek:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-d-baker/

Website: https://community.thefpahub.com/home

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 & Derek’s Background

[06:00] – What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[12:00] – Scaling Finance Functions in Startups

[17:00] – The Role of AI in FP&A

[22:00] – Building an AI-Powered Financial Reporting System

[28:00] – Why Data Architecture is Key to AI Success

[33:00] – The Future of Financial Modeling with AI

[40:00] – Automating Monthly Finance Reports Using AI

[45:00] – Data Integration and Financial Modeling for Future Growth

[50:00] – Insights on Scaling FP&A Teams in Tech Startups

[53:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools

FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.

Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Gabrielle Dolan, a global expert in strategic storytelling, about the power of storytelling in business and how it can transform communication. Gabrielle shares her journey from senior leadership at the National Australia Bank to becoming a bestselling author and storytelling expert. She discusses how storytelling helps finance professionals influence decisions, engage teams, and communicate complex messages effectively.

Gabrielle Dolan is a global expert in strategic storytelling and communication, having worked with leaders from companies like Amazon, EY, Uber, and the Obama Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles and storytelling, Gabrielle is the bestselling author of eight books, including her latest Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. She is also the co-host of the podcast Keeping It Real with Jack and Ral, which ranks in Spotify's top 3% most shared podcasts.

Expect to Learn:

• Why storytelling is essential for influencing decisions in finance and business.
• The impact of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership communication.
• How AI can enhance storytelling without losing its human touch.
• Practical tips for finance professionals on how to use stories in presentations.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Storytelling is not about manipulation, it’s about authentic communication.” – Gabrielle Dolan
• “AI can be your creative partner, but don’t lose your voice when telling your story.” – Gabrielle Dolan

Gabrielle Dolan shared her invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in business, especially for finance professionals. She highlighted how storytelling is a vital tool for influencing decisions, building connections, and making complex messages more memorable. Gabrielle emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling and explained how AI can enhance the storytelling process without losing the human connection

Follow Gabrielle:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/

Podcast Link - https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal

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

[03:18] – Gabrielle's Leadership to Storytelling Journey

[06:00] – Challenges in Transitioning to Storytelling

[10:00] – Storytelling's Role in Business Decisions

[13:37] – Why Data Alone Won't Drive Action

[17:44] – Finding the Right Story for Your Message

[22:10] – Storytelling and Data in Finance

[30:14] – The Power of Story Intelligence in Leadership

[35:09] – AI's Role in Enhancing Storytelling

[40:15] – Rapid Fire Questions

[43:00] – Conclusion & Key Takeaways

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools

FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.

Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Michael Gould, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Kaleidoscope, about his extensive experience in financial planning and modelling. Michael shares insights from his 40+ years in the industry, including his work with Anaplan, and discusses how modern finance teams can break free from the limitations of spreadsheets and legacy systems.

Michael Gould is a technology entrepreneur and software engineer with over 40 years of experience in financial planning and modeling systems. After studying Mathematics and Computation at the University of Oxford, Michael co-created Adaytum, a leading business planning platform, and later founded Anaplan, a globally successful enterprise planning platform that became a British tech unicorn. Today, he is the founder of Kaleidoscope, focusing on rethinking financial modeling for modern teams and continuing to pioneer innovations that drive better decision-making in business. .

Expect to Learn:

• The challenges and complexities of modern financial modelling
• How Kaleidoscope is helping businesses move beyond spreadsheets
• Michael's journey from IBM to Anaplan and now Kaleidoscope
• The importance of understanding business processes in financial modelling
• How AI is impacting the financial modeling landscape

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “The key to financial modeling is representing the complexity of a business without over-simplifying it.” – Michael Gould
• “AI is a powerful tool, but it’s the data context that drives the real value.” – Michael Gould

Glenn explains that career growth in FP&A is no longer about following a fixed path or relying on credentials. It comes from building relationships, gaining real experience, and understanding how the business works. He also highlights that strong professionals go beyond numbers by connecting financial results to real business drivers and supporting better decisions.

Follow Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/migould/

Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interview

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

[06:00] – Challenges of Multi-Dimensional Modelling

[12:00] – Transitioning to Anaplan

[15:00] – Kaleidoscope’s Mission to Help Small Businesses

[21:00] – The Role of AI in Financial Modelling

[27:00] – The Future of Financial Modelling

[33:00] – Key Learnings from the Entrepreneurial Journey

[39:00] – How AI is Changing Financial Decision-Making

[45:00] – Overcoming the Data Challenges in Finance

[51:00] – Final Thoughts on Innovation and Future Trends in Finance

[57:00] – Conclusion and Key Takeaways

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools

FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.

Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Glenn Snyder about the current state of FP&A, focusing on career growth, hiring challenges, and how the role continues to evolve. Glenn shares his perspective on why networking matters more than ever in today’s job market, how professionals can stand out without relying only on certifications, and what it really takes to move up in FP&A. They also discuss the shift toward strategic partnership, the importance of understanding business drivers, and how leadership and empathy shape long-term success

Expect to Learn:

• Why networking is the most effective way to find opportunities
• How to stand out in a competitive job market
• The shift of FP&A from reporting to strategic partnership
• Why understanding business drivers is critical in FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "If you can't figure out how to get other people to move with you, your career is not going to go anywhere." — Glenn Snyder
• “Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do, it’s about getting them to follow you.” – Glenn Snyder

Glenn explains that career growth in FP&A is no longer about following a fixed path or relying on credentials. It comes from building relationships, gaining real experience, and understanding how the business works. He also highlights that strong professionals go beyond numbers by connecting financial results to real business drivers and supporting better decisions.

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntsnyder/

Website: https://www.riveron.com

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

[02:29] – FP&A Education Gap

[06:34] – Certifications vs Experience

[09:56] – Networking for Jobs

[11:22] – Building Personal Brand

[12:16] – Volunteering & Experience

[17:45] – FP&A as Strategic Partner

[22:19] – Finance & Business Roles

[24:03] – Empathy in Leadership

[29:46] – Career Growth Strategy

[33:14] – Leadership vs Execution

[38:12] – Drivers & Scenario Planning

[44:50] – People Management Lessons

[52:44] – Ethics & Transparency

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools

FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una- AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.

Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase

Onto this weeks episode

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Carolina Lago, founder of Tactic Financial, about the impact of AI on financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Carolina shares her extensive experience in the industry, discusses the power of AI in transforming finance workflows, and explains how AI is amplifying the work of finance professionals rather than replacing them. She delves into her use of AI agents, like Claude, as thinking partners in her work, and gives practical advice for finance teams on leveraging AI for strategic decision-making.

Carolina Lago is the founder of Tactic Financial, where she helps FP&A professionals integrate AI into their workflows through hands-on training and practical tools. With over 20 years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and modeling across multiple industries and continents, she brings a unique perspective on how technology can amplify (not replace) the work of finance teams.

Expect to Learn:

• The evolving role of FP&A as a bridge between strategy and operations
• How AI can reduce manual tasks and enhance strategic thinking
• The importance of understanding workflows and processes in FP&A
• Carolina's approach to using AI as a "thinking partner" to amplify human skills

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "AI is not going to replace humans; it’s going to improve how we work and give us more time for strategic decision-making." - Carolina Lago
• "The differentiator for companies will be how they use AI to complement human intelligence, not replace it." - Carolina Lago

Carolina explains that AI is not here to replace humans but to enhance their capabilities and free up time for strategic decision-making. She also emphasizes that understanding workflows and the human factor will be key in effectively integrating AI into finance roles.

Follow Carolina:

This week's Guest Carolina has launched a hands-on program for FP&A professionals who want to move from manual processes to AI-powered workflows. Learn to use Claude for FP&A:

Course:https://hub.tacticfinancial.com/accelerator?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=accelerator

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/

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

[02:50] – FP&A : Strategy & Operations

[06:43] – AI in Reducing Manual Tasks

[10:52] – Transforming Finance with AI

[14:26] – Learning AI & Human Judgment

[19:37] – AI in Finance: Real Applications

[25:57] – The Future of AI in FP&A

[33:12] – Elevating FP&A with AI

[39:45] – Adopting AI in FP&A

[45:30] – AI for Better Decision-Making

[50:15] – Getting Started with AI

[54:05] – Final Thoughts on AI & Collaboration

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst talks with Bryan McGowan, founder of Alpyne, about what great FP&A looks like, how technical skills can improve finance work, and where AI is actually useful for CFOs and finance teams. Bryan shares how his background in engineering shaped his approach to finance, why he built Alpyne to solve real workflow problems, and how AI can reduce manual work so finance professionals can spend more time on analysis and business partnering.

Bryan McGowan is the founder of Alpyne and a CFO with a rare mix of finance and technical skill. After spending a decade leading finance in tech, he launched Alpyne in 2021 to solve a problem he had lived himself: great CFOs were spending too much time on manual work and not enough time on strategic thinking.

Expect to Learn:

• What great FP&A looks like in practice
• Why accounting fundamentals still matter
• How coding and data knowledge help finance professionals
• Why Bryan built Alpyne to solve his own CFO workflow problems
• How AI can help save time in finance roles

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Models are never right, but sometimes they're useful.” - Bryan McGowan
• “If you can create a structure, if you can provide a framework that allows for supports effective decision making across the organization, I feel like you're doing your job.” - Bryan McGowan

Bryan explains that FP&A is not about predicting the future perfectly. It is about giving the business a useful framework to make better decisions. He also shares that AI works best when it is used on process-heavy work like cleanup, mapping, reporting, and system workflow.

Follow Bryan:

Primary Alpyne website: https://getalpyne.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mcgowan-8572644/

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

[02:55] – What Great FP&A Looks Like

[04:03] – How Bryan Uses AI Today

[08:26] – Why Technical Skills Matter in Finance

[10:47] – Why Bryan Built Alpyne

[14:24] – Using AI in Finance Workflows

[17:49] – Building Client Context Into AI Tools

[21:44] – Checks, Controls, and Trust in Finance

[24:26] – A Real Finance Problem Solved With AI

[29:04] – Advice for Finance Professionals Starting With AI

[33:12] – What Holds Finance Teams Back From AI

[35:31] – The Most Important Skills in FP&A

[40:43] – Better Business Partnering and Closing Thoughts

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 skills
• Why career paths are rarely linear
• How to approach networking in a more effective way
• Why AI is more about processes than prompts
• How AI can help save time in finance roles

Here 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 Barnhurst

Paul 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_fpaguy

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

[01:41] – 100 Episodes Milestone

[03:38] – Career Growth Is Not a Ladder

[06:37] – Turning Down Offers & Career Decisions

[10:06] – AI Skills, Courses & Future Focus

[14:52] – AI Is a Skill You Have to Practice

[18:34] – Modern Finance Platforms Built for the AI Era

[21:49] – AI Won’t Replace Technical Skills