Financial Modeler's Corner

In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Dr. Eric Kelley, Finance Professor | Microsoft MVP (Excel), and one of the leading educators in financial modeling. Eric shares how his passion for teaching, mathematics, and financial markets led him into academia, and why developing scalable financial models starts with understanding the business before opening Excel.

Dr. Eric Kelley is a Professor of Finance at the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business, a Microsoft Excel MVP, and Faculty Fellow with the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC). He coaches the University of Tennessee's Excel eSports team, which won the 2024 MECC World Championship, and is passionate about using financial modeling and Excel eSports to prepare students for finance careers.

Expect to Learn:

• Why communication matters as much as modeling skills.
• Building scalable financial models that last.
• Common financial modeling mistakes to avoid.
• How Excel eSports sharpens problem-solving.
• Why competition improves modeling skills.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Great financial modelers need strong oral communication skills because they must explain the story behind the model, not just build it." - Dr. Eric Kelley
• "You're not trying to solve a single problem, you're trying to build a system that can take flexible inputs and generate useful outputs." - Dr. Eric Kelley

Eric Kelley shares why financial modelers need more than technical skills, highlighting the importance of communication, problem-solving, and building scalable models. He also discusses how Excel eSports and hands-on learning are helping students develop real-world modeling skills for future finance careers.

Follow Eric:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekkell/\
• University of Tennessee: https://haslam.utk.edu/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Ian Schnoor, Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute. They discuss the future of financial modeling in the age of AI, with a focus on how modelers are using AI today, where human judgment still matters, and what governance, ethics, and skill development look like going forward.

Expect to Learn:

• Why communication skills are critical for financial modelers
• How to build models as flexible systems instead of one-time solutions
• How Excel Esports helps students develop real-world modeling skills
• How competitions can improve financial modeling education

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "86% of the council members are using AI for modeling tasks" – Ian Schnoor
• "The shift, there will be a shift, of course, from construction to judgement" – Ian Schnoor

Ian Schnoor shares why AI should enhance, not replace, human expertise in financial modeling, emphasizing judgment, governance, and strong foundational skills. He also offers practical career advice for aspiring modelers and highlights why mastering the fundamentals remains essential in an AI-driven future.

Follow Ian:

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] –Trailer

[03:25] – Ian’s Modeling Journey

[06:20] – Building Modeling Skills

[09:59] – Global Leadership Council Report

[14:40] – AI Use in Financial Modeling

[21:31] – Human Judgment in Modeling

[26:09] – Trust and AI Governance

[30:11] – Ethics and the Future of Modeling

[44:14] – Final Thoughts on Modeling Careers

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Dr. Eric Kelley, finance professor, Microsoft Excel MVP, and financial modeling educator, to discuss how financial modeling education is evolving through Excel Esports and hands-on learning. Eric shares how he uses competitions, real-world cases, and structured modeling techniques to help students build stronger financial modeling skills, think in systems, and create models that support better decision-making.

Dr. Eric Kelley is a finance professor at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business, where he teaches finance at the undergraduate, MBA, and PhD levels. He is a Microsoft Excel MVP and faculty fellow with the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge. Eric focuses on developing integrated financial modeling education, helping students build scalable models through innovative techniques and competitive Excel-based learning.

Expect to Learn:

• Why communication skills are critical for financial modelers
• How to build models as flexible systems instead of one-time solutions
• How Excel Esports helps students develop real-world modeling skills
• How competitions can improve financial modeling education

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "At the end of the day, we've got to be able to communicate. We've got to be able to tell stories." - Eric Kelley
• "You're not trying to find a loan payment. You're trying to build a system that is going to take in a flexible set of inputs and generate a loan payment as an output." - Eric Kelley

Eric Kelley shares how financial modeling education can move beyond traditional instruction by combining technical skills, communication, and competitive problem-solving. Through Excel Esports and structured case-based learning, he helps students understand that strong models are not just about getting the right answer, but about building systems that can adapt, scale, and support decisions.

Follow Eric:

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@erickelley5900

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[04:33] – The Importance of Communication Skills

[09:12] – Discovering Excel Esports

[11:35] – Competing Under Pressure

[13:01] – Coaching Future Financial Modelers

[16:36] – Bringing Financial Modeling Into the Classroom

[23:51] – Building Excel Esports Cases

[32:00] – Students’ Biggest Modeling Breakthroughs

[36:23] – Advice for Aspiring Modelers

[38:10] – Excel Rapid Fire Questions

[43:33] – Final Advice on Learning Financial Modeling

In this episode of The Mod Squad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male put today's leading AI tools to the test in a live financial modeling "bake-off." Using the same modeling case and prompts, they compare ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot to see how well each tool builds a financial model. The discussion highlights the progress AI has made, where it still falls short, and why financial modeling expertise remains essential.

• How ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot perform on the same financial modeling task
• The strengths and weaknesses of AI-generated financial models
• Why AI-generated models still require careful review and testing
• How custom instructions and skills can improve AI outputs
• Why financial modeling knowledge is still critical in an AI-driven world

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "People are trying to do their jobs and keep up with AI at the same time. It's exhausting." – Ian Schnoor
• "AI is a magnifier, not a replacement for financial modeling skills." – Paul Barnhurst

AI is powerful, but it is not a shortcut to quality work. It still needs guidance, structure, and strong fundamentals. The people who benefit most are those who understand both the tools and the work behind them. For now, the best approach is simple: test it, guide it, and never trust it blindly.

Follow Ian:

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

Follow Giles:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/

In today’s episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:30] – AI Fatigue & Keeping Up

[05:48] – The Modeling Challenge

[08:41] – ChatGPT Results

[17:57] – Claude Results

[27:33] – Copilot Results

[30:36] – Human Review Still Matters

[33:18] – How AI Has Improved

[36:10] – Better Results with Custom Skills

[37:08] – Final Verdict & Key Takeaways

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jorge Rojas, finance professor, consultant, and Advanced Financial Modeler, to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping financial modeling. Jorge shares insights from his latest research on spatial finance and Earth observation data, explaining how satellite imagery, AI, and alternative data sources are transforming forecasting, investment analysis, ESG reporting, and risk management.

Jorge Rojas is a finance professor, consultant, CFA Charterholder, and Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) with a PhD in Finance from Tulane University, where he also serves as an Adjunct Professor. He has taught finance across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and is the author of several books on corporate finance, risk management, and financial modeling

Expect to Learn:

• How satellite data can improve financial forecasting
• Why Monte Carlo simulation is useful for decision-making
• Practical applications of spatial finance
• Tips for building reliable financial models
• Advice for developing your financial modeling skills

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Most useful financial models should be forward-looking and based on current information." - Jorge Rojas
• "Build your model as automated as possible. It takes more time upfront, but it will save you time later." - Jorge Rojas

Jorge Rojas shares practical insights on building stronger financial models by combining sound modeling principles with modern data sources and risk analysis techniques. Whether you're new to financial modeling or an experienced professional, this episode offers valuable lessons to help you make better-informed financial decisions.

Follow Jorge:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgerojasphdcfa/

Company: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4136-7995

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:08] – Financial Modeling Horror Story

[04:35] – Why Jorge Enjoys Teaching

[07:38] – CFA & AFM Certifications

[12:18] – Introduction to Spatial Finance

[17:01] – Satellite Data in Finance

[25:41] – Monte Carlo Simulation

[32:20] – Modeling Agricultural Risk

[37:57] – Rapid Fire Questions

[45:29] – Advice for Financial Modelers

In this episode of The Mod Squad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male share their real experiences using AI in financial modeling. They discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how finance professionals can best use AI today. From testing different AI tools to running a “bake-off” on a real financial model, the conversation highlights the practical challenges, hallucinations, and creative approaches to working with AI in FP&A.

Expect to Learn

• Where AI actually adds value in modeling and finance workflows
• Why AI outputs still need careful checking and guidance
• How different AI tools compare when building real models
• Why instructions, structure, and human oversight improve AI results

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Most companies don’t have AI governance yet, and that’s where real risk comes in.” - Ian Schnoor
• “Automation is great, but you still need to audit and understand every step.” - Giles Male

AI is powerful, but it is not a shortcut to quality work. It still needs guidance, structure, and strong fundamentals. The people who benefit most are those who understand both the tools and the work behind them. For now, the best approach is simple: test it, guide it, and never trust it blindly.

Follow Ian:

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

Follow Giles:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/

In today’s episode:

[00:05] – Trailer

[03:06] – AI Progress Update

[05:00] – Mental Load & AI Pace

[08:03] – Busting AI Hype

[12:30] – Training & Business Demands

[17:57] – AI “Eye of the Storm”

[24:13] – Testing AI Models

[30:52] – Fixing vs Building AI Models

[35:15] – Challenging Misleading AI Claims

[38:41] – Improving AI with Instructions

[42:59] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, Paul Barnhurst talks with John Yeldham, founder of Lodeum, about building trust in Excel models, standardizing modeling language, and creating modular, scalable models. John shares his experience leading financial modelers and using advanced Excel features like Lambda functions and dynamic arrays.

Expect to Learn:

• Standardize language to improve clarity and collaboration
• Use modular blocks to make models understandable and trusted
• Leverage advanced Excel functions carefully for scalable, auditable models
• Online training through Lodeum allows flexible global learning

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "If standards could be introduced for language, it allows financial modeling knowledge to be shared and scaled beyond individual experts." - John Yeldham
• "The role of a modeler is evolving from just churning out numbers to creating reusable, understandable modules." - John Yeldham

John provides actionable strategies for financial modelers to improve clarity, scalability, and trust in their work while leveraging advanced Excel techniques and modular design principles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their modeling skills and build reusable frameworks for complex financial analyses.

Follow John:

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[02:14] – Worst Model Horror Story

[04:09] – Communication & Language Challenges

[11:55] – Standardizing Language & AI Integration

[14:43] – Online Training & Lodeum Platform

[24:25] – Lambda Functions & Dynamic Arrays

[39:42] – Rapid Fire Opinions

[16:32] – Advice for Becoming a Better Modeler

[18:07] – How to Connect

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Yeldham, a leading expert in financial modeling and founder of Lodeum, a global online financial modeling training platform. John shares his experience leading and training teams of financial modelers across corporate and project finance, and discusses the importance of standardizing language, modular model design, and building trust in complex Excel models.

John Yeldham has 20 years of experience leading and training financial modeling teams in project and corporate finance, supporting deals and valuations for global funds, energy, and infrastructure, as well as smaller businesses. He created and refined modeling methodologies at BDO UK, Forvis Mazars, and for Lodeum, a global financial modeling training platform launching in 2026.

Expect to Learn:

• Models build trust, not just numbers
• Connect finance with operations for better decisions
• AI is a helpful junior analyst, but human judgment matters
• Scenario analysis and storytelling are essential in models

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Standardizing language allows AI and people to understand and use models effectively." – John Yeldham
• "A good modeler breaks down a complex model into functional blocks; this is key to building trust and usability." – John Yeldham

John provides actionable strategies for financial modelers to improve clarity, scalability, and trust in their work while leveraging advanced Excel techniques and modular design principles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their modeling skills and build reusable frameworks for complex financial analyses.

Follow John:

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[02:28] – Worst Model Horror Story

[05:20] – Transition to Own Business & Lodeum

[08:51] – Communication & Language Challenges in Modeling

[16:03] – Standardizing Language & AI Integration

[24:25] – Lambda Functions & Dynamic Arrays in Excel

[30:19] – Online Modeling Training Advantages

[36:43] – Favorite Excel Shortcuts

[38:22] – Most Challenging or Fun Spreadsheet Created

[39:42] – Rapid Fire: Modeling Opinions

[47:16] – Advice for Becoming a Better Modeler

[49:31] – How to Connect & Learn More

Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ilyas Anis, CFO and Chartered Financial Modeler, about using financial models to build stakeholder confidence, drive operational decisions, and tell a clear business story. Ilyas shares insights on integrating AI, avoiding common modeling pitfalls, and the importance of scenario analysis and three-statement models.

Ilyas Anis is Finance Lead at Turning Point Brands Canada and Founder of IMnS Associates. He has 15+ years of experience in financial modeling, valuation, and governance across multiple industries. An FCA, CPA, AFM, and FMVA®, he is also a board advisor and AI enthusiast.

Expect to Learn

• Models build trust, not just numbers
• Connect finance with operations for better decisions
• AI is a helpful junior analyst, but human judgment matters
• Scenario analysis and storytelling are essential in models

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Stakeholders don’t pay you for getting the right thing. They pay for the confidence.” – Ilyas Anis
• “Financial models should open every Monday morning, they shouldn’t die after fundraising.” – Ilyas Anis

Ilyas Anis highlights how financial models go beyond numbers to build trust, enable strategic decisions, and communicate a clear business story. He emphasizes the role of AI as a supportive tool, the importance of connecting finance with operations, and practical strategies for building models that deliver actionable insights for stakeholders.

Follow Ilyas:

Website: https://imnsassociates.com/

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast”

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[02:35] – Early Career Horror Stories

[04:28] – Storytelling in Models

[09:52] – Fundraising vs Operational Models

[12:39] – Connecting Finance & Operations

[18:36] – Revenue Models as Foundation

[25:29] – AI in Modeling

[27:38] – Automating Dashboards

[34:30] – Rapid-Fire Modeling Best Practices

[42:03] – Final Advice

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) is joined by guest Mark Proctor. Together, they discuss the intricacies of financial modeling and data analysis, with a focus on building efficient models and leveraging automation in Excel. Mark shares his deep expertise on why structure is key, how to automate tedious tasks, and how Excel continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern financial professionals.

Mark Proctor is a seasoned financial professional with a background in accounting and finance, an Excel MVP, and the founder of Excel Off The Grid, a platform dedicated to improving efficiency and effectiveness in Excel. With decades of experience, Mark's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to optimize their use of Excel for financial modeling and beyond. He has helped countless professionals streamline their work through better data structure and automation techniques.

Expect to Learn

• Financial modeling vs. data analysis
• Automation in Excel with Power Query & Pivot
• Why VLOOKUP is outdated and modern alternatives
• Building flexible, stakeholder-friendly models
• Reducing manual and repetitive Excel tasks

Here are a few quotes from Mark Proctor:

• "Hard-coding is the enemy of a flexible financial model. Once you start hard-coding, you lose the ability to see what's really driving the model." - Mark Proctor
• "One of the key takeaways from bad models is that manual adjustments should always be documented and trackable." - Mark Proctor

As Excel continues to evolve with powerful features like dynamic arrays and advanced automation, the tools discussed in this episode are essential for anyone looking to keep pace with the future of financial modeling. Mark’s emphasis on mastering the basics and thinking structurally will help you work faster and more effectively.

Follow Mark:

• Website - https://exceloffthegrid.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstephenproctor/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and receive 15% off by using the special show code “Podcast”

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register.

In today’s episode:

[00:00] - Trailer

[01:54] - Financial Modeling Horror Stories

[04:55] - Lessons from Bad Models

[06:28] - Mark's Career Journey and Background

[12:59] - Data Analysis vs. Financial Modeling

[19:17] - Excel as a Data Analysis Tool: Key Innovations

[22:55] - Automation in Excel and Practical Tips

[33:59] - The Importance of Mastering Excel Basics

[44:19] - Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks