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.

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 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

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company and a globally recognized leadership coach, to discuss how company culture and employee engagement can drive business success. With his extensive experience building a culture of trust, respect, and belonging, Garry shares how FP&A professionals can align financial strategy with a purpose-driven organizational culture. From leadership to mental health in the workplace, Garry’s insights provide valuable lessons for creating thriving teams and lasting business impact.

Garry Ridge is a purpose-driven leader, coach, and global keynote speaker. As the former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry led the brand to become one of the world’s most trusted names, achieving over 90% employee engagement and consistent shareholder growth. Known as The Culture Coach, Garry helps leaders create values-driven workplaces where learning, innovation, and connection fuel success. He is the author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It and co-author of Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard.

Expect to Learn:

• The connection between company culture and business success
• How FP&A can guide strategy while fostering engagement
• Why servant leadership is key to unlocking innovation
• Practical advice on building a workplace of belonging
• The importance of "learning moments" in continuous improvement

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Great FP&A looks like a road map to a destination that’s directionally very concise and understandable." - Garry Ridge
• "If only a small percentage of your organization is passionately working on executing your strategy, you’ll get limited outcomes." - Garry Ridge
• "If you want to create a high-performing culture, focus on building trust, respect, and belonging." - Garry Ridge

Garry Ridge offered a powerful vision for the future of leadership and organizational culture, one where trust, respect, and belonging are the foundations of success. He emphasized that great leaders are not just managers, but coaches who inspire their teams to thrive by focusing on values-driven cultures. From building employee engagement to navigating mental health challenges, Garry’s insights provide actionable guidance for leaders looking to create work environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute to a greater purpose.

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 Garry:

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

Website - https://thelearningmoment.net/any-dumb-ass-can-do-it/

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

[02:51] - Introduction of Garry Ridge

[05:35] - All Models Are Wrong, Some Are Useful

[07:18] - Creating Memories with WD-40

[12:48] - The Consequences of Ignoring Culture

[24:29] - Reactions to Going Back to School as CEO

[29:44] - Making "Are You Okay?" Meaningful

[32:27] -  Embracing Vulnerability as a Superpower

[35:13] - Curiosity as a Business Partner

[42:29] - Parting Advice for Improvement

[59:47] - Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by William Spengler, founder of Frederick Fox, a recruiting firm specializing in placing top-tier finance and accounting talent. They discuss what employers are looking for in FP&A professionals and the growing demand for technical skills such as Power BI, Tableau, and SQL. William shares insights into the current job market, what makes candidates stand out, and why effective communication and a curious mindset are essential for success in finance. The episode is packed with practical advice for job seekers and finance professionals looking to advance in their careers.

William is the founder and principal of Frederick Fox, a recruiting firm that specializes in placing finance and accounting talent. Since its launch in 2019, Frederick Fox has grown rapidly, serving over 700 clients with a team of 55+ experienced recruiters. The firm has achieved this growth without outside funding, focusing on speed, accountability, and results. Frederick Fox has redefined the recruiting process, prioritizing lean systems and performance-based partnerships to help companies make confident hires. Outside of work, William is a guitar-playing father of three, a math nerd turned entrepreneur, and an enthusiast of spicy food and hot yoga.

Expect to Learn:

• Why accounting and finance roles are becoming more crucial to businesses today
• How to stand out as an FP&A candidate in a competitive job market
• The importance of mastering technical tools like Power BI, Tableau, and SQL
• Why humble curiosity is key to becoming a better business partner
• How recruiters assess FP&A candidates and what skills they prioritize

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Accountants are becoming like the new software engineers. They’re in high demand and increasingly critical to business operations.” - William Spengler
• “The biggest mistake candidates make is not reaching out directly to hiring managers with relevant examples. Networking is key.” - William Spengler
• “If you're not networking continuously, you're not future-proofing your career.” - William Spengler

William Spengler shared valuable insights into the FP&A job market, highlighting the demand for technical skills, the importance of effective communication, and the value of humble curiosity. His practical advice on networking, understanding business needs, and positioning yourself for success will help both job seekers and finance professionals advance in their careers.

World-class Digital FP&A Course Bundle:

Sign up 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? Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4decOf3

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Follow William:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a

Website: https://frederickfox.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frederick-fox/

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

[02:28] - William's Introduction

[07:20] - Build Models or Value Companies

[10:42] - What's Driving CPA Demand

[16:00] - How People End Up in FP&A

[18:09] - CPA is Still the Gold Standard

[27:37] - Communicating Data That Drives Action

[30:30] - Identifying Action-Oriented Candidates

[36:36] - Biggest Mistake Candidates Make

[42:38] - No.1 Technical Skill for FP&A

[49:16] - Connect With William

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst explores the transformation of finance into a strategic driver of business performance with seasoned CFO Darrell Cox. They unpack the modern challenges of FP&A, emphasizing how teams can move beyond traditional reporting to become proactive, data-savvy partners across the organization. Darrell shares real-world insights on forecasting, revenue intelligence, sales collaboration, and building a tech-enabled finance function that delivers tangible value.

Darrell Cox is the Chief Financial Officer at Una Software, bringing over 25 years of executive leadership across high-growth companies. His background includes CFO roles at Vena Solutions and FreshBooks, as well as leadership positions at Virgin Mobile, Rogers Communications, and ATI Technologies. Known for scaling finance teams and overseeing more than $1 billion in exits and transactions, Darrell focuses on blending financial insight with operational data to elevate finance's role as a strategic partner.

Expect to Learn:

• Why FP&A must evolve into strategic finance to remain relevant
• How to continuously improve forecasting through agile, data-rich practices
• The critical role of CRM and daily data in revenue intelligence
• How finance and sales can work together as partners, not opponents
• Career advice for FP&A professionals aiming to become CFOs

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “If you're not networking continuously, you're not future-proofing your career.” - Darrell Cox
• “Come bearing gifts, not with a rubber stamp and a hatchet. That's how you partner with sales.” - Darrell Cox
• “It’s no good having a beautiful bathroom if there’s no water going to it. You need the plumbing.” - Darrell Cox

Darrell Cox brings sharp insights and practical wisdom to this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, shedding light on how finance can step up as a true business partner. Whether you're building forecasts, aligning with sales, or plotting a path to CFO, Darrell's experience and advice offer a roadmap to smarter, more strategic finance.

Easy Strategic FP&A:

Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0Dqpp

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Follow Darrell:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-cox-547a461/?originalSubdomain=ca

Website - https://unasoftware.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

[04:08] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[06:54] - Enabling the Finance Team

[09:12] - Finance Career Insights

[12:04] - Overview of Una's Mission and Vision

[18:48] - Building a Revenue Forecast

[24:00] - Ideal Revenue Data Inputs

[27:18] - Counterintuitive Data Insights

[32:58] -  Partnering with Sales

[42:53] - Career Growth in FP&A

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Snyder explore what really makes a budgeting process succeed, or fall apart. Drawing from decades of experience in finance and corporate strategy, Paul and Glenn share lessons learned from real budgeting cycles, including where things went wrong and how they were fixed. They cover everything from headcount planning mistakes and unrealistic timelines to aligning business partners and creating buy-in at the executive level. Whether you're in the middle of budget season or preparing for one, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can take straight to your team.

Glenn Snyder is a strategic finance leader with deep experience across public, private equity, private equity-owned, and family-owned companies. He currently serves as Head of FP&A at Riveron and brings expertise in financial analysis, corporate strategy, modeling, and budgeting. Glenn has worked across several industries including SaaS (healthcare and telecom), eCommerce, data centers, and FinTech. He is also a Fractional CFO, mentor, and educator, with a long-standing connection to UCLA where he supports students and emerging finance professionals

Expect to Learn:

• Why automation should be baked into FP&A from day one
• What accountability-based forecasting looks like in practice
• How to shift FP&A from a cost center to an operational partner
• Practical methods for protecting your most valuable asset: time
• Why “humble curiosity” is essential to understanding the business

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Fully burdened compensation isn’t just salary plus bonus, there’s a lot more under the hood." - Glenn Snyder
• "Budgeting is a chance to learn the business, not just fill in a template." - Glenn Snyder
• "Finance exists to help the business make better, faster decisions." - Paul Barnhurst

Glenn Snyder emphasized that budgeting is most effective when it's collaborative, strategic, and grounded in real business understanding. He reminded us that finance’s role is to support decision-making, not just manage numbers. With clear communication and thoughtful planning, budgeting can become a tool for alignment and impact.

Easy Strategic FP&A:

Introducing BEZ (BE EASY), with Agentic AI capabilities to maximize FP&A’s strategic impact. Automate complex FP&A processes and have a conversation with your data. Modern FP&A can Be Easy.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3H0Dqpp

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Glenn:

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

Website - 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

[04:37] - Why Stay in FP&A?

[07:40] - Glenn Outside of Work

[13:59] - A Tough Business Transformation

[21:31] - Comp, Vacancies & Budget Math

[25:32] - Top 5 Budgeting Tips

[37:48] - Top 5 Budgeting Pitfalls

[50:22] - Planning Over Perfection

[59:54] - Closing Thoughts & Budgeting Humor