FP&A Tomorrow

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, aka The FP&A Guy, dives into the evolving role of the CFO and the impact of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) on modern businesses. Steve Rosvold joins the show to explore the critical skills and strategies that drive success in financial leadership today.

Steve Rosvold is a seasoned finance leader and the founder of CFO University, a platform dedicated to developing CFOs and aspiring financial leaders. With a robust career spanning over two decades, including a CFO role at ConAgra Malt, Steve shares his journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights into the CFO's expanding role.

Expect to Learn:

• The evolution of the CFO role: from cost controller to strategic partner.
• Key challenges CFOs face in balancing tactical and strategic priorities.
• How FP&A professionals can better align with business objectives to drive value.
• The importance of technical and soft skills in transitioning from FP&A to the CFO role.
• Practical advice for aspiring CFOs, including mentorship and self-awareness.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Human capital is becoming one of the most critical areas for CFOs to manage and measure." - Steve Rosvold
• "One of the best ways to refine your communication is to get feedback from mentors."  - Steve Rosvold
• "The foundation of FP&A is in accounting, but its value lies in its forward-looking insights."  - Steve Rosvold

This episode of FP&A Tomorrow provided a masterclass in the evolving landscape of financial leadership. From the significance of self-awareness to the need for actionable insights, Steve emphasized the blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills required for success.

Streamline Financial Planning with Kepion:

Scale and automate your financial planning beyond spreadsheets with Kepion—trusted by top industries to automate, customize, and optimize complex planning. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YI5cfp

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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Follow Steve:

Website - https://www.cfo.university/

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

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

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

[02:13] Steve’s Career Journey and Background

[03:57] Transition Challenges as a CFO

[09:53] The Changing CFO Role and Responsibilities 

[14:11] FP&A Transformation as a critical function

[21:37] Skills and mindset shifts for aspiring CFO’s

[29:14] Steve’s Approach to Training Finance Leaders

[34:31] Great FP&A Practices

[45:29] Embracing Generative AI Tools

[55:08] Closing Advice and Wrap Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, also known as The FP&A Guy, dives deep into the world of financial planning and analysis with Kathy Svetina. As a fractional CFO for businesses, Kathy shares her expertise in transforming small to mid-sized companies’ financial health and operational efficiency. She discusses her five-part framework for building a solid financial foundation and shares insights on how smaller businesses can leverage FP&A to drive sustainable growth and avoid common financial pitfalls.

Kathy Svetina is the founder of Newcastle Finance, specializing in fractional CFO services for businesses with $10 million+ in annual revenue. With over 14 years in senior-level FP&A roles in Fortune 500 companies, Kathy brings top-level financial acumen to smaller enterprises, helping them scale while improving financial stability and operational efficiency. Passionate about strategic finance, Kathy provides invaluable advice on how FP&A functions can help build resilient and thriving companies.

• Kathy’s five-part framework that structures financial health 
• Practical approaches to FP&A for smaller businesses
• The critical role of financial systems and processes
• The importance of internal controls and risk management
• Tips for effective financial storytelling and influence

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “I created Newcastle Finance to bring big-league financial savvy to smaller businesses that want to scale sustainably.” - Kathy Svetina
• “For small businesses, strong internal controls are essential to protect against risk and ensure financial security.” - Kathy Svetina
• “Good accounting and FP&A systems help the business see trends and understand what’s generating revenue against expenses.” - Kathy Svetina

Kathy shows how establishing solid foundations—like effective bookkeeping, robust internal controls, and meaningful financial analysis—can drive growth and stability. Emphasizing the value of communication and active listening, Kathy encourages FP&A professionals to think beyond reporting and embrace their role as strategic partners within the organization.

Streamline Financial Planning with Kepion:

Scale and automate your financial planning beyond spreadsheets with Kepion—trusted by top industries to automate, customize, and optimize complex planning. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YI5cfp

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Kathy:

Website - https://www.newcastlefinance.us/

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

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

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

[01:57] – Kathy Svetina's Background

[03:58] – Defining Great FP&A

[07:07] – Why Kathy Left Corporate Finance

[09:57] – A Success Story in Financial Transformation

[19:26] – The Five-Part Financial Framework

[32:10] – FP&A's Role in Bridging Business Silos

[43:06] – Key Skills for FP&A Professionals

[49:34] – Personal Insights and Interests

[54:06] – Parting Advice on FP&A Excellence

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst, the FP&A Guy, dives deep into the art of data storytelling with analytics expert Brent Dykes. With extensive experience in data visualization and analytics, Brent shares insights on how finance professionals can effectively communicate data insights. He emphasizes that data storytelling is more than visuals—it's about crafting a compelling narrative that bridges data and decision-making.

Brent Dykes is the founder of Analytics Hero, a consultancy dedicated to data storytelling. He's also an author and educator with years of experience in data analytics, consulting, and data visualization. Brent wrote the book Effective Data Storytelling and has taught data visualization at the University of Utah. His work focuses on enhancing how organizations use data to inform strategy and decisions.

Expect to Learn:

• The core components of data storytelling: data, narrative, and visuals.
• Why narrative is often the missing link in data-driven presentations.
• The role of empathy and audience understanding in effective communication.
• Practical steps for creating a data-driven culture within your organization.
• How human intuition complements data in decision-making processes.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "The last mile of analytics is where data storytelling lives. That’s where insights turn into action." - Brent Dykes
• "It’s the combination of data, narrative, and visuals that makes a message stick and drives action." - Brent Dykes
• "If you just present a problem without recommendations, you're leaving too much on the table. A story includes a path forward." - Brent Dykes

By explaining the science behind storytelling and offering practical advice, Brent Dykes underscores that empathy, clarity, and audience engagement are at the heart of effective data storytelling. FP&A professionals are encouraged to embrace this skill, not only to communicate data effectively but to foster a more data-driven culture in their organizations.

Streamline Financial Planning with Kepion: 

Scale and automate your financial planning beyond spreadsheets with Kepion—trusted by top industries to automate, customize, and optimize complex planning. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YI5cfp

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Brent:

Website - https://www.analyticshero.com/

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

Book - https://www.effectivedatastorytelling.com/

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

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

[01:37] - Introduction to the episode

[02:44] - The Importance of Clarity in FP&A

[09:02] - The Last Mile of Analytics

[11:25] - Defining Data Storytelling

[20:03] - Creating a Data-Driven Culture

[25:22] - The Psychology Behind Storytelling

[36:03] - Lessons Learned from Early Data Communication Mistakes

[42:36] - Getting Started with Data Storytelling

[52:13] - Closing Thoughts and Course Announcement

In this episode, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) dives deep into the evolving world of Financial Planning & Analysis with Olivia MacDonald, a highly skilled financial professional with a diverse background in FP&A process optimization and system implementation. The conversation explores what makes FP&A great, focusing on business partnerships and the strategic role FP&A can play beyond just reporting numbers.

Olivia is a qualified CPA and ACA with a proven track record of delivering strategic solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy, and transparency across organizations. With a mastery of data extraction and transformation tools like MQL, SQL, and SOQL, Olivia has helped companies streamline operations, enhance financial transparency, and drive decision-making through data. Her non-traditional path into FP&A—from audit to FP&A consultancy—gives her a unique perspective on how finance can be a business driver, not just a reporting function.

Expect to Learn

• What distinguishes great FP&A teams, with a focus on strategic business partnering.
• How audit and FP&A share common skills, and how auditors can leverage financial modeling experience.
• The importance of building strong relationships as an FP&A professional and working with different business units.
• Olivia’s unique career journey from auditing in Ireland to working in FP&A and the key lessons learned.
• Strategies to streamline the budgeting process and engage business partners in decision-making.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “FP&A shouldn’t just be a reporting function. It needs to be a strategic business partner that helps drive decision-making.” - Olivia MacDonald
• “Having mentors who can tell you, ‘That’s a bad idea,’ is invaluable. It’s how I ended up taking risks in my career that paid off.” - Olivia MacDonald
• “When I got into FP&A, I realized how important it is to be a business partner, not just a numbers person.”  - Olivia MacDonald

This episode with Olivia MacDonald takes us through the evolving role of FP&A where she emphasizes the importance of involving business partners in the budgeting process, learning from mentors, and embracing technology, including generative AI.

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Olivia:

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

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling: https://bit.ly/4debs46 Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 to save $300.

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

[02:13] Introduction to the episode and guest

[04:22] What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[06:21] Olivia’s Journey from Auditing to FP&A

[09:31] Learning from Audit to Excel in FP&A

[12:31] Transition to Canada and FP&A Consulting

[22:09] Data Skills and the Future of FP&A

[29:03] Tips for Selecting FP&A Tools 

[38:54] A Blitz Approach to Budgeting

[46:55] Using Generative AI in FP&A

[55:49] Closing Thoughts & Advice

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) engages in a deep discussion with guest Aaron Goss where they explore the intricacies of effective FP&A from the perspective of a company leader. The conversation provides insights into how budgeting and forecasting evolve when a company transitions from privately owned to being backed by private equity.

Aaron Goss is a seasoned executive with a unique career path. Starting as a part-time sales employee, Aaron quickly rose to the position of Chief Revenue Officer before becoming president of Brothers Paving and Concrete. With a background in public administration, Aaron brings a fresh perspective to leadership in the construction industry, having steered his company from small-scale operations to large-scale growth under private equity backing.

Expect to Learn

• How Aaron Goss defines good FP&A and what makes an ideal business partner for a CEO.
• The differences between budgeting in a privately owned company versus one backed by private equity.
• Leadership strategies to improve collaboration between finance and operations teams.
• Insights into transitioning from sales to executive leadership, and how skills from different fields translate into success.
• How empathy and understanding the challenges of other departments lead to better leadership and company culture.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "There’s often a natural conflict between the CEO's broad vision and the finance team’s need for detail, but it’s essential to balance those perspectives." - Aaron Goss
• "Being a partner in solutions, rather than just a reporter of data, is what makes FP&A truly effective." - Aaron Goss
• "A great leader is a great coach, communicator, and someone who can build trust across teams, regardless of their technical expertise." - Aaron Goss

This conversation with Aaron Goss offers a wealth of insight into team collaboration, effective FP&A, and executive leadership. He emphasizes the need for empathy, clear communication, and balancing details with the broader company vision.

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Aaron:

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-goss-a06b36b/

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling: https://bit.ly/4debs46 Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 to save $300.

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

[01:25] - Introduction to the episode

[03:06] - What is great FP&A to a CEO?

[10:24] - Budgeting process in different ownership structures

[17:10] - Leadership and finance collaboration

[23:08] - The importance of understanding operations

[28:04] - Sales and finance relationship dynamics

[31:52] - Key skills for FP&A professionals

[43:11] - Final thoughts on business partnering

[47:20] - Wrap up and contact information

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst dives deep into practical frameworks and leadership strategies for finance professionals with guest Brett Hampson. Brett discusses what he believes constitutes great FP&A and how grassroots finance transformations, rather than top-down technology implementations, can foster a proactive, value-creating FP&A culture.

Brett Hampson has spent over a decade in corporate FP&A, working with some of the world’s largest companies. He is the author of The FP&A Operating System, a book that outlines his approach to establishing a high-functioning FP&A department. Brett is also the founder of Forecasting Performance, a platform that promotes best practices in financial analysis and forecasting.

Expect to Learn

• What grassroots finance transformation entails and why it’s preferable to technology-centric approaches.
• How to implement Brett’s FP&A Operating System and FP&A Flywheel framework to drive efficiency and value.
• The importance of setting a clear vision and objectives for FP&A teams to move from reactive to proactive operations.
• How to leverage attribution analysis and storytelling to enhance FP&A’s influence on business decisions.
• Tips on creating a culture of continuous improvement within FP&A by focusing on people, processes, and technology in that order.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Grassroots finance transformation happens when each person on the team has their own vision and works towards solving specific challenges.” - Brett Hampson
• “Technology alone doesn’t solve problems. It might fix one, but often creates new ones if cultural issues aren’t addressed first.” - Brett Hampson
• “Our greatest challenge in FP&A is often ourselves – we need to avoid being too introspective and focus on the business.” - Brett Hampson

With insights into creating effective FP&A systems and teams, Brett Hampson provides a refreshing perspective on FP&A transformation. He highlights the importance of people, process, and then technology, in that order, as the foundation for a high-performing FP&A team.

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Brett:

Website - https://bretthampson.gumroad.com/l/proactive

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-hampson/

Newsletter - https://blog.forecastingperformance.com/subscribe

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling: https://bit.ly/4debs46 Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 to save $300.

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

[02:12] - Brett’s Background and Introduction

[05:17] - The Creation of The FP&A Operating System

[08:04] - Developing a Proactive FP&A Culture

[13:22] - Grassroots FP&A Transformation

[16:32] - People and Process Before Technology

[29:28] - Building the Right Team and Culture

[35:11] - Establishing Efficient Processes with the FP&A Flywheel

[39:52] - Case Study: Turning Around Forecast Accuracy

[52:16] - Final Advice and Wrap-Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst dives into the future of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) with guest Soufyan Hamid. The discussion focuses on the evolving role of FP&A, from its traditional technical functions to a more business-focused and communicative role. Soufyan shares his journey and insights into improving presentation skills, communication, and becoming a valued business partner in the finance world.

Soufyan Hamid has over 17 years of corporate experience in finance, starting in auditing and consulting with PwC before becoming a finance business partner. Today, he leads The Finance Circle, where he trains finance professionals on improving their storytelling and presentation skills, a key aspect often missing in FP&A. Soufyan is known for his Financial Storytelling Program and his popular LinkedIn presence, where he shares tips with over 75,000 followers.

Expect to Learn

• Why it's not just about numbers but adding strategic value to the business.
• How effective storytelling can turn data into impactful business insights.
• Soufyan’s transition from corporate finance to entrepreneurship.
• How to prepare messages that resonate and drive action.
• Overcoming the habit of over-detailing and shifting focus to clear communication.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Great FP&A today is about balancing technical skills with business partnering to add real value beyond the numbers.” - Soufyan Hamid
• “In finance, it’s not just about the analysis, it’s about what you do with it and how you communicate it to others.” - Soufyan Hamid
• “Storytelling in finance is essential because it helps non-financial people understand the business impact behind the numbers.” - Soufyan Hamid
• “You need to focus on what’s important to your audience, not just what you think is important in the data.” - Soufyan Hamid

This episode underscores the power of clear, concise communication in transforming financial analysis into business value. Soufyan provides practical tips and frameworks, such as the "what, so what, now what" method, and shares actionable insights for FP&A professionals looking to make a greater impact.

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Soufyan:

Website - www.thefinancecircle.com

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling: https://bit.ly/4debs46 Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 to save $300.

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

[01:38] – Introduction to the episode

[04:04] – What makes great FP&A today

[05:30] – Key lessons from auditing

[08:10] – A passion for finance business partnering

[12:08] – Soufyan’s transition to entrepreneurship

[18:59] – Discovering the power of storytelling

[27:24] – The four-step framework for presentations

[40:56] – Standard FP&A questions and insights

[46:36] – Personal insights: hobbies and favorite book

[52:18] – Closing and how to connect

In this special episode, Paul Barnhurst, aka the FP&A Guy, recaps key insights from the past six months of interviews on the "FP&A Tomorrow" podcast. He reflects on the soft and technical skills needed for financial planning and analysis (FP&A) professionals, shares standout advice from his expert guests, and dives into what makes great FP&A.

Paul Barnhurst, known as the FP&A Guy, is a finance professional with years of experience in the field of FP&A. Through his podcast, Paul brings in thought leaders to share their expertise, providing actionable advice for finance professionals looking to level up their skills. The episode is packed with tips from top CFOs, finance leaders, and FP&A professionals who have shaped the field.

Expect to Learn:

• Learn the human skills that will help you collaborate better and drive impact in your organization.
• Discover why financial modeling, Excel mastery, and understanding data are critical for FP&A success.
• Hear expert perspectives on what makes FP&A teams truly world-class, with an emphasis on technology, data, and strategy.
• How to translate complex financial data into actionable insights that your business partners can easily understand.
• Why anticipating business needs and solving complex problems are vital traits for anyone in finance.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "In FP&A, communication skills are crucial because you're translating complex finance into actionable insights." - Paul Barnhurst
• "Learning to simplify is an art. Great FP&A professionals can take complex models and make them understandable." - Paul Barnhurst
• "Understanding data architecture has been huge in my career—knowing how systems work together can set you apart." - Paul Barnhurst
• "Great FP&A comes down to having the right people with the right skills, all working toward the same goal." - Paul Barnhurst

From mastering technical skills like financial modeling to honing soft skills like empathy and storytelling, Paul highlights how FP&A professionals can drive real business impact. By empowering teams with data, communicating clearly, and anticipating future needs, FP&A becomes more than just a financial function—it becomes a strategic partner to the business.

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling: https://bit.ly/4debs46 Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 to save $300.

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

[01:29] – Introduction and overview

[03:27] – Key soft skills in FP&A

[09:44] – Essential technical skills

[15:50] – Personal dinner choices

[20:10] – Defining great FP&A

[26:25] – Courses and training for FP&A

[31:41] – Business partnering in FP&A

[36:37] – Final reflections and wrap up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst interviews Brian Lanier, a seasoned CFO with extensive experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) across multiple industries, including SaaS, technology, and healthcare. The discussion revolves around how FP&A can evolve from just reporting numbers to becoming a key partner in driving business decisions and transformations. Brian shares insights from his journey in private equity-backed companies, turnarounds, and M&A activities.

Brian Lanier is a CFO who has held financial leadership roles in multiple growth-stage companies. With a career that started at EY as an auditor, he has since moved into CFO roles across public, private, and private equity-owned companies. His expertise includes introducing companies to their first budgeting processes, upgrading accounting systems, and overseeing over $7 billion in M&A transactions. His deep understanding of business levers and their impact has led to successful turnarounds and significant cost savings.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A has evolved from reporting to business partnering and transformation.
• The key components of a successful FP&A function, including operational alignment.
• The role of data and its quality in making sound financial decisions.
• Strategies for managing financials during mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
• The importance of flexibility and simplicity when creating financial models and budgets.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Great FP&A starts off with partnership with the company itself. It’s about more than reporting numbers.” - Brian Lanier
• “I build my models with flexibility in mind, so if things change, you can quickly adjust without having to start from scratch.” - Brian Lanier
• “Data is critical, but a lot of companies don’t have clean data. The first step is cleaning it up so you can make informed decisions.” - Brian Lanier
• “Predictability is essential in FP&A. The more predictable you can make your revenue and expenses, the better decisions you can make.” - Brian Lanier

From his hands-on experience in growth-stage companies and M&A activities, Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding key business levers, fostering collaboration, and building flexible financial models that can evolve with the company. His deep dive into topics such as budgeting, pricing strategies, and operational alignment offers listeners practical advice on how FP&A can be a strategic partner in business transformation.

Follow Brian:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlanier1/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle: 

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

Enroll for Financial Planning & Analysis Certificate Program:

Sign up for the 8 week online financial planning & analysis certificate program by Wharton Online and learn the art of forecasting, analysis, business partnering and financial storytelling: https://bit.ly/4debs46 Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 to save $300.

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

[01:34] - Introduction of the episode and guest

[03:31] - What makes great FP&A?

[06:15] - First 90 days as a CFO

[10:49] - Real-life examples of pricing and margins

[16:43] - Balancing optimism in sales forecasting

[21:39] - Tying operations to financials

[27:03] - Brian’s approach of understanding the business

[31:56] - Advice for building a robust budget model

[37:44] – M&A and Turnarounds

[41:18] - Key skills for FP&A professionals

[49:26] - Final thoughts and contact information

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, Paul Barnhurst interviews Jack McCullough to discuss the evolving landscape of FP&A and the changing role of CFOs. They explore the journey from FP&A to CFO roles, the strategic importance of finance today, and how CFOs are transitioning into broader leadership roles such as CEO. With insights into board management, leadership, and career growth, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the finance function's future.

Jack McCullough is a recognized authority in the world of finance leadership. As President of the CFO Leadership Council, Jack has guided countless CFOs through leadership development and strategic decision-making. He holds an MBA from MIT, is the host of the podcast Secrets of Rockstar CFOs, and is the author of two books, including The Psychopathic CEO. With a background in accounting and finance, Jack brings deep expertise in helping finance professionals thrive in leadership roles.

Expect to Learn:

• The key skills FP&A professionals need to develop to become future CFOs.
• How the role of CFO has shifted from financial control to strategic leadership.
• The importance of building strong relationships with board members and using them as resources.
• Insights into creating effective board presentations that align with audience expectations.
• Leadership qualities that define successful CFOs and finance leaders.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "FP&A is all about the future—how to consider it, prepare for it, and react when things go off course." - Jack McCullough
• "Empathy is one of the most underrated leadership skills for CFOs."  - Jack McCullough
• "When you see a problem no one else sees, and you solve it, that’s real value-add."  - Jack McCullough

In this episode, Jack McCullough provides a clear vision of the evolving role of CFOs and offers a wealth of knowledge on navigating the complexities of modern finance. His practical advice on building relationships with the board, crafting effective presentations, and honing leadership qualities such as empathy and transparency are invaluable for finance professionals at every level.

Follow Jack:

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Visit Abacum - The Ultimate FP&A Solution

The title sponsor for this week’s episode of FP&A Tomorrow is Abacum, the leading mid-market FP&A solution trusted by hundreds of companies to eliminate the spreadsheet struggle. https://www.abacum.io

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle:

Signup for over ten hours of video content with 4 different courses and 8 modules on FP&A topics including: Business Partnering, Data Analysis, Financial Modeling Design Principles, and Modern Excel. Use code Podcast to save 25%. What are you waiting for signup now: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

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

[01:32] Introduction to the episode and guest

[02:54] The role of FP&A in today’s finance world

[04:03] The Shift in the CFO role

[08:33] Stories from Jack’s Podcast World

[11:17] Mastering the key principles behind board deck

[13:46] Building relationships with board members

[18:09] Optimism vs. Realism in leadership

[22:53] Jack’s book “The Psychopathic CEO”

[34:47] Essential leadership qualities for CFOs

[39:09] Key technical and soft skills for FP&A

[45:26] Jack’s personal life and fitness insights

[52:19] Closing remarks and contact information