In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Noam Sever, Head of Global FP&A at Cellebrite, for a deep and thoughtful conversation on building impactful finance teams, scaling FP&A processes, and the human side of finance leadership. Noam shares his experience driving financial planning in high-growth environments and highlights the value of simplicity, consistency, and communication in finance transformation. This episode is a masterclass in aligning FP&A with business needs and building trust through data, systems, and people.

Noam Sever is a seasoned finance executive with over 15 years of leadership across global tech and manufacturing firms. At Cellebrite, he leads a multinational FP&A team overseeing full P&L ownership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. His expertise includes business modeling, systems implementation, and data-driven decision-making. Known for his structured approach and people-first mindset, Noam is passionate about building agile finance organizations that deliver real business impact.

Expect to Learn:

1. Why “tiny gains” and small process improvements compound to drive big FP&A impact
2. How to scale FP&A processes from startup chaos to structured efficiency
3. The importance of aligning finance with go-to-market and sales operations
4. Why trust, communication, and curiosity are the top soft skills in FP&A
5. The framework Noam uses to evaluate when and how to scale teams, tools, and processes

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. As a company scales, FP&A must shift from being reactive to becoming a proactive business partner.” – Noam Sever
2. Start simple, make it repeatable, and always leave room to improve. That’s the foundation of great FP&A.” – Noam Sever

Noam Sever offers a blueprint for building impactful FP&A teams through simplicity, structure, and strategic business partnership. His insights emphasize that real value comes from understanding the business, earning trust, and continuously improving processes to drive meaningful results.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,

close management, and more, all in one unified platform.

Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy

Follow Noam:

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

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cellebrite/

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode:

[04:11] – Defining Great FP&A

[07:12] – The Power of Tiny Gains

[10:54] – Favourite Company Stage

[13:18] – FP&A at Scale

[15:59] – Evolving Budget & Forecast

[21:41] – Advice for First-Time Forecast Leads

[25:24] – Scaling Teams & Tools

[33:20] – Traits for Early-Stage FP&A

[36:40] – Rapid-Fire & Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Andrew Hull, a seasoned finance leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. They explore the role of FP&A professionals in driving business results, navigating inflation, and transitioning from traditional budgeting to impactful analytics.

Andrew Hull is a financial executive with over two decades of experience in CPG. Currently the Vice President of Finance at UNFI Canada, Andrew has a proven track record of partnering with business leaders to deliver results through strategic insights and principled financial analysis. With a competitive spirit and passion for team leadership, Andrew shares his unique approach to FP&A, analytics, and the importance of actionable storytelling.

Expect to Learn:

1. The three pillars of great FP&A are technical skills, storytelling, and actionable decisions.
2. Why Andrew advocates for changing FP&A to “FA&P” and focusing more on analytics.
3. Lessons learned from leading finance during the pandemic.
4. Key metrics for success in the distribution industry include variable margin and truck utilization.
5. Practical advice for accelerating budget processes and focusing on analytics that drive results.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

1. "The most value FP&A can add is when we take complex data and distill it into actionable insights." - Andrew Hull
2. "Variable margin is the backbone of understanding financial performance in a distribution business."- Andrew Hull
3. "A one-page visual with clear recommendations is the best way to communicate with executives."- Andrew Hull

Andrew Hull shared a wealth of knowledge for FP&A professionals, including rethinking the role of analytics to the importance of actionable storytelling. His practical advice on managing inflation, leading during a crisis, and accelerating the budgeting process offers valuable lessons.

Follow Andrew:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhull4/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

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

[01:59] - Meet Andrew Hull

[02:50] - Redefining Great FP&A

[06:46] - Career Highlights in CPG

[10:35] - Leading Finance at UNFI Canada

[18:55] - Managing Inflation with Analytics

[22:24] - The Art of Storytelling in FP&A

[35:47] - Revolutionizing the Budget Process

[51:20] - Beyond Work: Hobbies and Passions

[58:07] - Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst looks 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

1. What grassroots finance transformation entails and why it’s preferable to technology-centric approaches.
2. How to implement Brett’s FP&A Operating System and FP&A Flywheel framework to drive efficiency and value.
3. The importance of setting a clear vision and objectives for FP&A teams to move from reactive to proactive operations.
4. How to leverage attribution analysis and storytelling to enhance FP&A’s influence on business decisions.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

1. “Grassroots finance transformation happens when each person on the team has their own vision and works towards solving specific challenges.” - Brett Hampson
2. “Technology alone doesn’t solve problems. It might fix one, but often creates new ones if cultural issues aren’t addressed first.” - 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 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

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 Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes back Jordan Goldmeier, Excel expert, author, and longtime friend of the show, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about careers, technology, and growth. Jordan reflects on his unconventional career path, from auditing and operations research to becoming a Microsoft MVP, author, and entrepreneur. The discussion covers Excel’s evolution, why many finance professionals underuse powerful tools, and Jordan’s latest projects aimed at modernizing how power users work with spreadsheets.

Jordan is an entrepreneur, event producer, author, and Microsoft Excel MVP based in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. He is widely known for his work helping professionals master Excel, data analysis, and modern spreadsheet practices. Jordan has authored several well-known books, including Advanced Excel Essentials, Dashboards for Excel, and Becoming a Data Head. In addition to his work in Excel education, he produces global events that bring together leaders across finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Expect to Learn:

• How Jordan’s career twists shaped his approach to Excel, data, and problem-solving
• Why most professionals only scratch the surface of Excel’s capabilities
• Jordan’s perspective on why VBA is outdated and what could replace it
• Why vertical learning beats beginner–intermediate–advanced training paths

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Excel isn’t dead, but the way we develop in it needs to change.” – Jordan Goldmeier
• “You don’t become great by learning everything. You become great by going deep where it matters.” – Jordan Goldmeier

Jordan also shares the story behind his latest project: a developer-style environment designed to help Excel power users work faster, cleaner, and more confidently, without relying on outdated tools like VBA. He explains why Excel should be treated as part of a broader finance tech stack and how modern coding concepts could dramatically improve spreadsheet workflows.

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

Follow Jordan

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode:

[02:15] – Jordan’s Career Journey

[08:30] – Setbacks, Resets, and Growth

[15:00] – Writing Books on Excel

[25:59] – How Excel Is Really Used

[29:12] – Why VBA Is Outdated

[33:54] – Building Better Tools for Excel

[42:25] – Advice for FP&A Professionals

[47:16] – Creating Your Own Network

[52:12] – Rapid-Fire & Final Thoughts

Disclaimer:

This is a podswap episode from The Growth-Minded CFO, hosted by Lauren Pearl and Alex Louisy, featuring Kate Gulliver, CFO and CEO of Wayfair.

The path to becoming a CFO today is rarely a straight line. Finance leaders are increasingly coming from diverse backgrounds, bringing a broad range of skills to the role. After all, the best CFOs don’t just manage numbers; they shape strategy, foster talent, and drive innovation across an organization.

In this episode of The Growth-Minded CFO, hosts Lauren and Alex sit down with Kate Gulliver, CFO and CAO of Wayfair. It's an insightful conversation about leadership, adaptability, and impact. Kate shares her journey from investor relations to overseeing finance, legal, talent, and corporate communication, offering a rare look at the evolution of a top executive.

She reflects on the challenges of stepping into new roles, the power of an entrepreneurial mindset in a high-growth company, and the lessons learned from integrating finance with people strategy. Kate also opens up about balancing a demanding career with motherhood and the importance of fostering an inclusive, authentic workplace.

In this Episode:

[00:58] - Meet Kate Gulliver: Wayfair's Multifaceted Leader

[01:53] - Journey Through Wayfair: From IPO to CFO

[06:55] - Transitioning to Talent: A Leap of Faith

[10:28] - Learning and Leading in Talent Management

[16:08] - The CFO Perspective: Integrating Talent and Finance

[17:11] - Navigating the CFO Role: Insights and Reflections

[18:50] - The Importance of Cross-Departmental Communication

[21:30] - Wayfair's Latest Launch: Wayfair Verified

[24:49] - Operationalizing New Ideas at Wayfair

[29:59] - Balancing Work and Life

[33:23] - The Importance of Authenticity at Work

Connect with Kate:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-gulliver-3b242762

Connect with Alex:

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

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/

Follow The Growth-Minded CFO:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-growth-minded-cfo/id1773662367

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Upflow_FRM

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Glenn Snyder and Rosemary Linden to talk about the important role of FP&A in today’s business world. They share stories from their careers, including lessons learned from failures, unique requests they've received, and their experiences navigating the complex world of finance.

Glenn Snyder brings years of experience in finance and FP&A, focusing on budgeting, strategy, and improving financial processes. Rosemary Linden is the founder and president of Momentum CFO, where she provides fractional CFO services and FP&A consulting. With over 25 years in the industry, she recently won CFO of the Year from the San Diego Business Journal and is passionate about mentoring women in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• How clarity, influence, and foresight define great FP&A work
• The importance of empathy and communication in leadership roles
• Real-world lessons from career failures and how to bounce back
• Best practices for budgeting and data governance
• How to make sure your financial forecasting is both transparent and trustworthy

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “FP&A is all about helping leaders make better, faster decisions.” – Glenn Snyder
• “The way you say things can matter just as much as what you say in FP&A.” – Rosemary Linden

Glenn and Rosemary shared valuable insights on the strategic role of FP&A, the importance of empathy in leadership, and how to learn from failures. Their stories and advice will help anyone in finance make a greater impact within their organization. Tune in for more practical tips on navigating the world of FP&A!

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

Follow Rosemary Linden:

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

Company -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentumcfo/

Follow Glenn:

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode:

[02:04] – What makes great FP&A

[07:00] – Glenn’s career failure and lesson

[11:06] – Rosemary on empathy and tone in FP&A

[19:09] – Managing failure

[26:00] – Unusual FP&A requests

[38:40] – Streamlining budgeting and setting targets

[45:30] – Importance of data governance

[49:40] – FP&A’s role in raising capital

[54:35] – Final thoughts on FP&A’s impact

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Omar Choucair, the CFO of Trintech, to discuss the evolving role of the CFO, the importance of technology in finance, and the strategic value of FP&A teams. Omar shares insights on how AI is transforming financial operations, the need for technical skills in FP&A, and the shift in CFO responsibilities over the years.

Omar Choucair brings over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, governance, and FP&A. His background spans private equity, public company software businesses, and M&A deals, having successfully navigated over 40 major transactions. With expertise in financial software solutions, he leads Trintech in helping businesses automate and streamline critical financial processes.

Expect to Learn:

• The evolving responsibilities of CFOs and the strategic value they provide in today's organizations
• How AI and technology are revolutionizing finance and FP&A functions
• The critical role of FP&A in helping companies understand and act on data
• Why intellectual curiosity and technology expertise are essential for modern FP&A professionals
• Key insights on hiring and developing top FP&A talent

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “To be successful in FP&A, you have to be technically savvy. If you are afraid of technology, you will not do well in FP&A.” – Omar Choucair
• “The CFO is the voice of reason, objective under pressure, and the protector of the company and its employees.” – Omar Choucair

Omar discusses the increased pressure on CFOs, the growing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, and the importance of being inquisitive to drive better financial insights. He also touches on the importance of collaboration between FP&A and other departments to drive business success and better decision-making.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,

close management, and more, all in one unified platform.

Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy

Follow Omar:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-choucair-cpa-80264815/

Company - https://www.trintech.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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode:

[02:04] - Omar’s Career Journey and Experience in Finance

[04:41] - Defining Great FP&A and What It Looks Like in Practice

[07:19] - The Role of Technology in Modern FP&A

[11:40] - Leveraging AI to Drive Efficiency in Finance

[14:04] - The Key to Unlocking FP&A Success

[26:21] - Best Practices for Building and Leading an FP&A Team

[33:13] - Integrating Business Intelligence into FP&A Workflows

[38:55] - Managing the Budgeting Process and Alignment with ELT

[44:27] - Key Skills for Future FP&A Leaders and Career Advice

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Rishi Sapra to explore how finance professionals can leverage business intelligence tools like Power BI to drive better decision-making. Rishi discusses how the role of FP&A is evolving with technology, and why it’s essential for finance teams to not only consume data but to create and model it in ways that deliver actionable insights.

Rishi Sapra is a Group Manager at Avanade, a global technology consulting firm, and a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). With over 20 years of experience in major firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, HSBC, and Accenture, Rishi combines his financial expertise with cutting-edge data and AI solutions. Rishi is also the founder of Power Platform Finance, where he runs an accelerator program to teach finance professionals how to use tools like Power BI, Power Query, and semantic modeling to transform business data into actionable insights.

Expect to Learn:

• Why learning Power Query is a must-have skill for every finance professional
• The mindset shift from being a consumer of data to becoming a creator of data solutions
• How to build simple, effective data models and dashboards using Power BI
• Tips for applying semantic models and data storytelling in financial reporting
• How AI and business intelligence tools are changing the role of FP&A professionals

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “As a finance professional, you need to understand not just the data, but how to create the solutions that bring out insights from it.” – Rishi Sapra
• “It’s less about learning every tool, and more about understanding the fundamentals that remain the same, regardless of the software.” – Rishi Sapra

Rishi Sapra highlights the importance of shifting from being a consumer to a creator of data solutions within finance teams. By mastering tools like Power BI and embracing a mindset of data storytelling, finance professionals can unlock actionable insights and drive meaningful change. Rishi’s advice empowers finance teams to not just adapt to technology, but to lead the way in transforming business intelligence.

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

Follow Rishi:

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

Website - www.rishisapra.com

Company 1 - www.msfabrictraining.com

Company 2 -  www.learndatainsights.com

Company 3 - www.powerplatformfinance.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 FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode:

[02:04] - Rishi’s Career Journey

[04:41] - Career Expectations After Accounting

[07:19] - Becoming a Microsoft MVP

[11:40] - Why Finance Needs Power BI

[14:04] - Shifting from Consumer to Creator

[26:21] - Best Ways to Learn BI

[33:13] - Integrating BI into FP&A

[38:55] - Dashboard & Visualization Tips

[44:27] - Best Career Advice

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst takes you inside the Campfire Finance Forward AI Summit in San Francisco, a one-of-a-kind event exploring how AI is transforming finance. Instead of one guest, this special edition features four conversations with top finance leaders and innovators who share what they’re seeing, building, and doing with AI in real time. From ERP innovation to the EQ behind great CFOs, this episode delivers tactical advice and big-picture thinking from the forefront of modern finance.

John Glasgow is the CEO and co-founder of Campfire, leading the charge in AI-native ERP innovation for modern finance teams. CJ Gustafson, the founder of Mostly Metrics and a former CFO, brings real-world insights on scaling, AI adoption, and the shift from executive to creator. Libby Francke, Head of Finance at Klarity, shares her experience modernizing data infrastructure and running a lean, high-impact finance function with Campfire. Kevin Neary, VP of Finance at Brainly, reflects on managing global finance operations and how AI is helping his team boost efficiency and productivity.

Expect to Learn:

• Why Campfire is building an AI-native ERP with its own large accounting model
• How to identify when legacy systems like QuickBooks are holding your company back
• What makes great FP&A beyond technical skill: EQ, storytelling, and sniff tests
• How to think tactically about AI adoption, agents, and automation

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Trying to make the most of AI and low-cost solutioning is how we’re building the finance function of the future.” - Libby Francke
• “A lot of companies are stuck in pilot purgatory; they test AI, think it’s cool, but don’t know how to roll it out.” - CJ Gustafson

This special episode of FP&A Unlocked captures the momentum and insight from the Campfire Finance Forward AI Summit, showcasing how finance leaders are navigating the rapid shift toward AI-native systems. From foundational models to practical automation, the conversations with John Glasgow, CJ Gustafson, Libby Francke, and Kevin Neary highlight that the future of finance isn’t just about technology; it’s about strategic thinking, clean data, and bold leadership.

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

Follow John:

LinkedIn -  www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/

Follow CJ Gustafson:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/

Follow Libby:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-francke-cpa-831b4854/

Follow Kevin:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-neary-cpa/

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[01:37] - Overview of the Campfire Summit & Key Panels

[07:39] - Interview: John Glasgow on Building Campfire and AI-Native ERP

[15:47] - Interview: CJ Gustafson on Scaling, AI Hype, and EQ in Finance

[29:00] - Interview: Libby Francke on ERP Migration, Data, and Lean Finance Teams

[37:58] - Interview: Kevin Neary on Global Finance Ops and Getting AI-Ready

[44:52] - Final Reflections & Takeaways

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul welcomes James Myers, a financial systems and planning expert known for helping organizations modernize their FP&A functions. Drawing from years of experience implementing planning, modeling, and consolidation tools, James breaks down what makes FP&A software implementations succeed or fail. From understanding when your system has reached its limits to managing change and choosing the right implementation partners, James shares the steps every finance leader should take to avoid expensive mistakes.

James Myers has led multiple large-scale planning system implementations for global organizations. He specializes in modeling and financial planning solutions that help companies reduce reliance on spreadsheets, improve collaboration, and achieve scalable performance management. His consulting work spans industries including manufacturing, technology, and retail, where he focuses on aligning processes, people, and systems for long-term success.

Expect to Learn:

• The signs your FP&A system is broken and ready for replacement
• How to select the right planning or modeling tool for your company size
• The real cost behind system implementation (and how to plan for it)
• Why clean data and cross-functional collaboration are essential
• Best practices for RFPs, vendor selection, and proof of concept testing

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Reducing reliance on Excel isn’t about killing it, it’s about freeing up your team to think strategically.” - James Myers
• “The role of FP&A is to be a true value partner to the business—combining data, strategy, and people.” - James Myers

James Myers reminds us that FP&A transformation is less about tools and more about mindset. By focusing on vision, data quality, and collaboration, finance teams can build systems that scale with their companies instead of holding them back. If you’re preparing for a software upgrade or implementation, this episode will help you do it right the first time.

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

Follow James:

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

Follow Glenn:

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] - Trailer

[01:58] - What Makes Great FP&A

[03:17] - Signs Your Current System is Broken

[07:03] - The Hidden Cost of Excel Dependency

[08:16] - How to Choose the Right FP&A Tool

[13:35] - Setting a Vision Before Selecting Vendors

[22:52] - RFP and Demo Best Practices

[30:36] - Negotiating the Best Deal Without Cutting Corners

[36:35] - Why Change Management Matters Most

[47:00] - Implementation Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

[52:40] - Final Thoughts: Building the Future of FP&A