In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul is joined by strategic advisor and podcast host Moataz Mukhaimer to explore the intersection of finance and strategy, where true business impact is made. With over 20 years of experience guiding SMEs, family-owned businesses, and startups across the Middle East, Moataz explains why finance professionals must step beyond Excel and deeply understand the business to add real value. From diagnosing problems through numbers to designing KPIs that reflect a company’s vision, this episode is a masterclass in how FP&A can lead, not just support.

Moataz Mukhaimer is a strategic and financial advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. A graduate of McGill University (MBA) and Boston University (BA in Accounting & Finance), he specializes in helping businesses identify challenges and align strategy with execution. His client portfolio spans sectors including retail, med-tech, e-commerce, ed-tech, manufacturing, and software.

Expect to Learn:

• Why cash from operations is the true measure of business value
• How to design KPIs that align with both strategy and financial outcomes
• Why most pricing problems are rooted in poor positioning, not high costs
• How to diagnose problems through both numbers and conversations
• The two most important habits for connecting finance with strategy

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Most companies aren’t overpricing, they’re underpricing and positioning poorly.” - Moataz Mukhaimer
• “Cash from operations is the truest form of value creation.” - Moataz Mukhaimer

Moataz Mukhaimer reminds us that the power of FP&A lies in understanding the whole business, not just the numbers. By aligning strategy with financial planning, simplifying KPIs, and focusing on communication, finance professionals can become essential partners in growth. If you're ready to elevate your impact, this episode is for you.

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  Moataz:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/

Website - https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.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

[04:05] - What Defines Great FP&A?

[05:56] - Great Planning in Action

[08:40] - Cash Flow is Queen

[14:15] - Why Budgeting Often Fails

[26:45] - Pricing: The Hidden Problem

[30:04] - Moataz’s Four-Part Strategy Framework

[33:07] - Diagnosing Problems Through People and Numbers

[36:27] - Advice for Connecting Finance to Strategy

[40:09] - Hosting Business Talk and Giving Back

[43:36] - FP&A Fast Five

[48:31] - Final Advice: Always Tie Finance to Strategy

Note:

This episode is a pod swap from The Diary of a CFO. We’re sharing it here to help you discover another excellent show in the finance leadership space. All content belongs to the original podcast and host Wassia Kamon.

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with Paul S. Young, EVP and CFO at Liberty Bank, to uncover what modern finance leadership looks like in an era of rapid transformation. With decades of experience across institutions like TD Bank, Citizens Bank, and Siemens, Paul shares how CFOs can lead with purpose by aligning strategy, driving innovation, and cultivating future-ready talent. From intelligent automation to authentic leadership, this episode offers a comprehensive framework for CFOs navigating complexity at scale.

Paul S. Young is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Bank, the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the U.S. With over 25 years of experience spanning finance, digital transformation, and strategy, Paul is a respected leader in shaping the future of finance. He serves on the AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group and the AICPA Council, helping steer the next generation of financial professionals.

• How Liberty Bank integrates strategic planning into its budgeting cycle for real impact
• Why creating a Business Transformation Office and EPMO was a game-changer
• Where AI and intelligent automation fit in the finance function, without losing the human touch
• How finance apprenticeship and rotational programs are developing future leaders
• Paul’s leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and work-life balance

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “You prepare for this all your life. Have the courage of your convictions and don’t be afraid to fail.” – Paul S. Young
• “AI won’t replace people, but it will replace the people who don’t embrace AI.” – Paul Young

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

Liberty Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-bankct/

Liberty Bank (Website): https://www.liberty-bank.com/

AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group: https://www.aicpa-cima.com

Connect with Host Wassia Kamon on

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featured

Website: https://www.thediaryofacfo.com

X (Twitter): https://x.com/thediaryofacfo?

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@csuitestories?

[00:00:00] – Introduction to Paul Young and His Role at Liberty Bank

[00:02:00] – From Prudential Insurance to CFO: Paul's Career Journey

[00:07:11] – Lessons from the Transition to Corporate CFO

[00:12:15] – Aligning Strategic Planning and Budgeting for Agility

[00:18:40] – Launching the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)

[00:24:00] – How the Business Transformation Office Enables Intelligent Automation

[00:31:00] – AI in Finance: Balancing Tech and Human Judgment

[00:37:20] – Cultivating Talent Through Apprenticeships and Rotational Programs

[00:46:00] – Paul’s Leadership Principles: Authenticity, Gratitude, and Balance

[00:47:45] – Personal Reflections: Family, Boating, and Life as “PopPop”

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul and Glenn are joined by Carl Seidman to explore a powerful but often overlooked role in finance: being a teacher. Drawing from decades of experience across consulting, education, and finance leadership, Carl discusses how FP&A professionals must learn to teach, whether it’s helping executives see the story behind the numbers, guiding junior staff, or translating finance for cross-functional teams. The episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and thoughtful insights about how teaching, influence, and communication shape success in finance.

Carl Seidman is a seasoned management consultant, fractional CFO, and educator. With over 20 years of experience advising companies from startups to Fortune 500s, Carl also teaches at Rice University and runs finance training programs for corporate teams. He brings a unique blend of technical mastery, business strategy, and teaching skill, making him the perfect voice to discuss why FP&A must go beyond the spreadsheet and into the realm of influence.

Expect to Learn:

• Why teaching is an essential skill for every FP&A professional
• How to tailor your message to different audiences, from analysts to executives
• Why oversharing details can derail your influence
• How to spot when your audience is confused (and how to pull them back in)
• Practical strategies for teaching finance without using jargon or acronyms

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The best presenters speak to the audience’s needs, not their own ego.” - Carl Seidman
• “FP&A is often the bridge, translating finance for operations and operations for finance.” - Glenn Snyder

Carl Seidman reminds us that the heart of FP&A isn’t just analysis, it’s communication, clarity, and connection. Through teaching, finance professionals can elevate their impact, build trust, and drive real business understanding. This episode reinforces that the most effective finance leaders don’t just present data, they help others make sense of it.

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 Carl:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/carlseidman

Website: seidmanfinancial.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

[02:30] - Meet Carl Seidman

[04:48] - What Does “FP&A as a Teacher” Mean?

[08:20] - Teaching Early in Your Career

[19:33] - Who Does FP&A Need to Teach?

[25:54] - Teaching Financial Impact

[29:19] - Ditch the Jargon

[35:44] - Spotting Confused Audiences

[41:59] - Teaching for Long-Term Growth

[43:58] - Celebrity on a Deserted Island

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Matt Brattin, a former CFO who’s now building solutions to cut down on the complexity that often slows finance teams down. Drawing from his 20-year career in FP&A, Matt shares what inspired him to start Siplify and Close Pack, two platforms designed to save time and reduce manual work, especially around sales commissions and reporting. The conversation also explores leadership, analytics, and what it really takes to drive value in finance.

Matt Brattin is a finance leader turned entrepreneur. After serving as a CFO, Matt launched two startups: Siplify, which helps automate and streamline sales commission processes, and Close Pack, a tool aimed at making financial reporting more efficient. He’s also writing The Art of Analytics, a book that ties together strategy, storytelling, and behavioral insights. Matt brings a deep understanding of finance, technology, and human behavior to every conversation.

Expect to Learn:

• Why most commission plans fail, and how to fix them
• The value of simplicity in finance systems and processes
• How behavioral insights and empathy can improve analytics
• Why storytelling matters more than models at the executive level
• Tips for building tools that actually make a difference for finance teams

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Nobody gives a crap about your model. They want the story, and they want the numbers to make sense." -  Matt Brattin
• "Authentic leadership; there is no substitute for that. Life is too short to act like somebody else when you're at work." - Matt Brattin

Matt Brattin shows how true FP&A impact comes from simplifying complexity, leading with authenticity, and combining technical skill with a deep understanding of human behavior. His journey from CFO to founder highlights the value of clarity, behavioral insight, and thoughtful system design.

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 Matt:

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

Website -  https://siplify.io/

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

[02:27] - Matt’s Mission: Saving a Million Hours

[04:11] - What Great FP&A Really Looks Like

[08:26] - Leadership Lessons from the CFO Seat

[14:10] - Writing ‘The Art of Analytics’

[21:53] - Building Siplify and Close Pack

[28:16] - Real Talk on Sales Commissions

[37:02] - Advice for First-Time Commission Owners

[45:04] - FP&A Skills: From Excel to Selling the Story

[55:49] - Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) welcomes Willian Gomes, a finance and analytics professional with over 15 years of experience spanning telecommunications, aerospace, investment markets, and consumer goods. Willian shares how combining technical expertise with empathy and communication skills has enabled him to thrive as a financial partner across 60 countries in EMEA.

Willian Gomes is a seasoned FP&A and data analytics professional currently supporting EMEA supply chain operations at a global consumer goods company. Based in Brazil, he holds an MBA in Project Management and advanced certifications in machine learning from Stanford. Willian brings deep expertise in automation, process improvement, and financial storytelling, having saved tens of thousands of work hours through custom-built tools and insights-driven analysis.

Expect to Learn:

• How to evaluate whether an automation project is worth pursuing
• The challenges of implementing machine learning in corporate environments
• How Python enables scalable automation over Excel
• How cultural awareness enhances business partnering across global teams

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Finance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about helping people make better decisions." – Willian Gomes
• "Empathy is a skill that’s not often associated with finance, but it’s essential for business partnering." – Willian Gomes

Willian Gomes shows how true FP&A impact comes from blending technical expertise with empathy, communication, and continuous learning. His journey across industries and continents highlights the value of automation, cultural awareness, and a people-first mindset. This episode is a testament to how finance leaders can drive change by being both data-driven and deeply human..

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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 Willian:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wjgomesds/?originalSubdomain=br

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

[02:48] - Willian’s Background and Global Role

[04:03] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[11:46] -  Moving Back to FP&A from Data Analytics

[19:52] - Where FP&A Struggles with Analytics

[27:16] - Saving 7,000 Hours with Automation

[38:55] - Must-Have Tech and Soft Skills

[44:36] - Travel and Fun Facts

[47:49] - Final Advice for FP&A Pros

Note: Please note that all opinions and thoughts shared during this episode represent those of our guest, who joined in his own personal capacity and he is not representing any of the companies he works for.

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Todd Niemann, Treasurer at Varo Bank, who shares his unique path through finance, treasury, and FP&A across multiple startup banks. Todd discusses how he helped launch and scale three new banking institutions, how FP&A supports better decision-making in banking, and why he believes Python is transforming financial analysis.

Todd Niemann is the Treasurer at Varo Bank, where he oversees treasury and FP&A functions. A CFA charterholder with an MBA from Brigham Young University and a BA from Utah State University, Todd has helped build treasury and FP&A teams for three startup banks. His background spans banking, investing, and corporate finance, making him an authority on financial analytics and modeling in regulated industries.

Expect to Learn:

• How to build and scale FP&A and treasury functions at startup banks
• Why speed and accuracy are essential hallmarks of effective FP&A
• How to forecast effectively when historical data doesn’t exist
• The benefits of learning Python for finance automation and analytics

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The best FP&A teams don’t wait for perfect data; they create frameworks that help the business move forward anyway.” - Todd Niemann
• “In finance, speed matters. The faster you can analyze accurately, the more valuable you are.” - Todd Niemann

Todd Niemann brings clarity to how FP&A drives smarter banking decisions through data, speed, and precision. His journey shows the power of combining technical skill with curiosity and innovation. This episode proves that the future of finance belongs to those who build, automate, and never stop learning.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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 Todd:

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

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

[02:58] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:27] - Building FP&A at New Banks

[10:37] - Banking and Regulation

[15:08] - Challenges of FP&A in Early-Stage Banks

[23:08] - Learning and Applying Python in Finance

[31:51] - Predicting Deposits with Big Data

[38:21] - Recommended Reading for Finance Pros

[40:19] - Top Technical and Soft Skills for FP&A

[42:48] - What Todd Would Change About FP&A

[47:00] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Alex Fabry, the founder of KFA, an advisory firm focused on scaling businesses.. Alex takes us through his journey from FP&A to private equity, sharing his valuable experiences working at firms like Saber, BCG, and Charles Bank Capital Partners. Their conversation explores how FP&A can serve as a stepping stone to leadership and investment roles, and the key skills that helped Alex succeed in both corporate finance and private equity.

Alex Fabry is the founder and managing partner of KFA, a private investment and advisory firm focused on growing and scaling businesses in Saint Louis. Before founding KFA, Alex started his career in FP&A roles at Saber, where he supported multi-billion dollar business units, managed complex budgets, and played a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion sale of Active Network to Global Payments. Alex also has experience as a Vice President at Charles Bank Capital Partners. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A provides a solid foundation for leadership and private equity operator roles.
• The significance of automation in improving FP&A efficiency and enabling more strategic analysis.
• Why private equity and FP&A require different skill sets but can work in tandem to drive business growth.
• Key skills FP&A professionals need to transition into private equity.
• The value of relationships and trust in both FP&A and private equity environments.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The real value of FP&A is in helping businesses make decisions, not just report numbers.” - Alex Fabry
• “Being a business partner looks different depending on the business—it's about them, not you." - Alex Fabry

Alex shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving role of FP&A in driving business success and the transition to private equity. He highlighted the importance of automation and strategic analysis in improving financial operations, the value of building strong business relationships, and how FP&A professionals can leverage their skills to thrive in the private equity space. Alex’s journey serves as a valuable playbook for those looking to navigate the complexities of both FP&A and private equity, emphasizing the need for adaptability, operational efficiency, and a keen understanding of the bigger business picture.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for 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 Alex:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-fabry/

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

[02:27] - Alex’s Background

[03:50] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[14:03] -  The Three Key Questions in Finance

[18:38] - Private Equity Operations and FP&A

[27:14] - Early FP&A Experience at Saber

[36:36] - The Reality of Private Equity

[43:16] -  Lessons from 100 LinkedIn Posts

[53:47] - The Biggest Excel Lesson

[54:32] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder discuss the dynamic intersection of private equity and financial planning & analysis (FP&A). With private equity firms increasingly focused on operational value creation over financial engineering, this discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving expectations for FP&A teams within PE-backed companies. The conversation covers everything from deal flow trends and building high-performing FP&A functions to the nuances of trust, alignment, and data in the PE environment.

Nate is a Senior Managing Director at Riveron Consulting, where he leads the private equity practice. With extensive experience supporting portfolio companies, Nate brings a sharp understanding of how to structure FP&A functions that drive value from early investment to exit. Jamie is Director of Financial Operations at Trivest Partners, a middle-market private equity fund. Jamie works closely with FP&A teams across Trivest’s portfolio, guiding companies through growth, transformation, and exit, with a clear focus on data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.

Expect to Learn:

• How private equity firms are shifting from financial engineering to operational value creation.
• Why FP&A is becoming a core strategic partner in PE-backed companies.
• The importance of early investment in data, tech stacks, and FP&A infrastructure.
• The difference between corporate FP&A and PE-backed FP&A environments.
• What skills and traits do PE firms value most when hiring FP&A professionals?

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Private equity used to be all about financial engineering; now it’s about operational value creation.” - Jamie Lukaszewski
• “The most successful FP&A teams are the ones that align financial and operational KPIs to tell a complete story.” - Nate Heeren
• "You're not going to win many races with your legs tied together; you've got to be set up for success." - Nate Heeren

Nate and Jamie shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving relationship between private equity and FP&A. They emphasized the growing importance of operational value creation, the foundational role of trust and alignment, and the need for robust data infrastructure to support strategic decision-making.

Get Certified with the FPAC Credential

Earn the only FP&A credential that proves your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Use TheFPAGuy-FPAC for $150 off the Exam

Use TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP for $100 off the Exam Prep Platform

Learn more: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certifications

AFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.

March 23 – 25 in Indianapolis

This immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.

Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forum

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Nate:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-heeren-91a1644/

Website - https://riveron.com/

Follow Jamie:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-lukaszewski-b1766119/

Website - https://www.trivest.com/team/

Follow Glenn:

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

Website - https://onemomentintimenovel.com/

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, 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

[02:11] - Guest Introduction

[02:58] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[04:42] - PE Trends & Market Shifts

[07:31] - Early vs. Late Stage Projects

[12:02] - PE & FP&A: Building Trust

[17:32] - Corporate vs. PE FP&A

[22:24] - Hiring: What PE Firms Look For

[32:49] - Successful FP&A-PE Relationship

[41:57] - Final Advice & Wrap-Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Andrej Lapajne, the CEO and founder of Zebra BI. Andrej shares his thoughts on the evolving role of data visualization in financial planning and analysis, the importance of clear communication through standardized visuals, and how automation is transforming the way we analyze and present financial data. Later in the episode, Paul and Andrej discuss the challenges of data modeling, how AI is shaping business intelligence, and why effective data storytelling is crucial for making impactful business decisions.

Andrej Lapajne is the CEO and founder of Zebra BI, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the way businesses communicate financial insights. With over 20 years of experience in business intelligence and data visualization, Andrej has helped organizations across industries implement better reporting systems. He is a passionate advocate for the International Business Communication Standards (IBCS), a methodology he helped popularize to improve data reporting and visualization.

Expect to Learn:

• Why is consistent, clear communication in data visualization vital for FP&A professionals?
• The key skills FP&A professionals need to master such as data modeling and communication.
• How Zebra BI helps businesses generate actionable insights with ease.
• Andrej's methodology for data visualization and the importance of standardized charting in business reporting.
• Key advice on mastering data modeling and communication skills for finance professionals

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Effective communication is the key to FP&A. You can have all the data, but if you can’t communicate the insights, it’s wasted.” - Andrej Lapajne
• “AI is transforming the way we consume analytics and freeing up time for more strategic decision-making.” - Andrej Lapajne
• "If your dashboard doesn’t show variances, it’s not actionable. You’re just looking at pretty colors." - Andrej Lapajne

Andrej Lapajne shared a clear and insightful perspective on the future of data visualization in financial planning and analysis. He emphasized the need for standardized communication, the importance of clean data, and the power of automation in transforming analytics. Together with Paul Barnhurst, this episode highlights the critical role of FP&A professionals in driving business decisions and how the integration of effective data visualization and modern technology will shape the future of the profession.

Get Certified with the FPAC Credential

Earn the only FP&A credential that proves your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Use TheFPAGuy-FPAC for $150 off the Exam

Use TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP for $100 off the Exam Prep Platform

Learn more: https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certifications

AFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.

March 23 – 25 in Indianapolis

This immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.

Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forum

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Andrej Lapajne:

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

Website - https://zebrabi.com/

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, 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

[01:51] - Andrej’s Background

[02:38] - What Great Data Visualization Looks Like

[08:34] - Getting Into Data Visualization

[13:15] - Founding Zebra BI

[17:50] - IBCS: The Method Behind the Charts

[26:14] - Key Elements of a Compelling Visual

[34:54] - The Impact of AI on Analytics

[40:18] - AI Needs Clean Data

[45:27] - Essential FP&A Skills for Success

[52:29] - Last Question & Episode wrap-up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Patrick Culkin, the new President and CEO of AFP. Pat shares his thoughts on leadership, professional development, and the evolving role of finance as AFP looks to expand its global reach and support a changing profession. Later in the episode, Paul gives a walk-through of his scenario planning framework using Gen AI, followed by a conversation with Bryan Lapidus about the return of the FP&A Forum, the state of the profession, and what financial professionals need most right now.

Patrick Culkin is the President & CEO of the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), stepping into the role in July 2025 after more than two decades with the organization. He previously served as Executive Vice President and began his AFP journey in Human Resources. Bryan Lapidus, FPAC, is Director of the FP&A Practice at AFP, where he leads thought leadership, education, and community-building for financial planning professionals. With a background in corporate finance and consulting, Bryan is also a certified FPAC holder. 

Expect to Learn:

• What drives AFP’s mission and how its leadership is preparing for the future of finance.
• How finance professionals can navigate uncertainty, AI adoption, and rapid change.
• Why growing a strong professional network is key to career and organizational success.
• A practical framework for scenario planning and how Gen AI can support it.
• What to expect from the FP&A Forum and why it’s become a must-attend event for finance professionals.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Everything we do at AFP has to drive the success of the corporate finance professional. That’s our North Star.” - Patrick Culkin
• “Technology is a tool; what really matters is how you use it to drive better business outcomes.” - Bryan Lapidus
• “Everyone in the company plans, but FP&A is about return on capital; that’s what sets us apart.” - Bryan Lapidus

Patrick Culkin shared a clear and practical outlook on the future of corporate finance. He highlighted the importance of staying connected, continuing to learn, and being ready to adapt as the profession evolves. Together with insights from Bryan Lapidus and Paul Barnhurst, this episode underscores the growing role of finance as a strategic partner in business.

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AFP FP&A Forum: All insights. Zero spin.

March 23 – 25 in Indianapolis

This immersive, three-day event is built for financial professionals, by financial professionals, and it’s designed to help you sharpen your skills, stay on top of trends, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.

Learn more: https://www.financialprofessionals.org/events/meetings/afp-fp-a-forum

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Follow Patrick:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-culkin-5981032/

Website - https://www.financialprofessionals.org/

Follow Bryan:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-lapidus-fpac/

Website - https://www.financialprofessionals.org/

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, 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

[01:33] - Pat Culkin Introduction

[06:30] - Global growth and networks

[11:09] - Changing role of finance

[13:07] - Challenge for Corporate Finance

[16:03] - Opportunities in uncertainty

[21:05] - Why Join AFP or Pursue the FPAC

[26:54] - Scenario planning framework

[41:03] - Bryan Lapidus on the Forum

[47:27] - FP&A Forum: What to Expect

[53:43] - Wrap-up and closing thoughts