FP&A Unlocked

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Raheli Sasson, the Director of FP&A at JFrog. Raheli shares her expertise on the evolving role of FP&A professionals, discussing the importance of being proactive, clear, collaborative, and continuously learning. She also dives into the challenges of managing cloud hosting costs in a hypergrowth environment and how AI is transforming the finance industry. Raheli discusses the use of AI tools for productivity, forecasting, and machine learning, and provides insights on data storytelling and its impact on decision-making.

Raheli Sasson is the Director of FP&A at JFrog, where she partners with executive leadership to deliver financial and operational results. With deep expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and process automation, Raheli is passionate about leveraging technology and AI to drive efficiency in finance. She has managed budgets exceeding $1 billion and spearheaded global initiatives to integrate AI in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.
• The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.
• Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.
• Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.
• Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "The ability to present financial data clearly and compellingly is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your FP&A toolbox." - Raheli Sasson
• "AI is transforming finance, and for me, it's not just about automation. It's about leveraging it to forecast better and make smarter, data-driven decisions." - Raheli Sasson
• "A great FP&A professional is not just reactive but proactive, anticipating needs before they arise and simplifying complex financial data for everyone." - Raheli Sasson

Raheli shared key insights on what makes a great FP&A professional, the importance of collaboration in high-growth environments, and how AI is transforming finance. Her practical advice on managing costs, forecasting, and data storytelling provides valuable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

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Follow Raheli:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahelisasson/?originalSubdomain=il

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jfrog-ltd/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.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

[03:49] - What’s Great FP&A?

[07:15] - Transitioning from Auditing to FP&A

[10:35] - Managing Cloud Hosting Costs in Hypergrowth

[15:48] - Passion for AI and Becoming an Advocate

[22:57] - Impact of AI Workshops on Team Productivity

[27:44] - Introduction to Deep Research

[33:36] - Best Use Cases for AI in FP&A

[37:15] - Implementing AI Training in Finance

[43:04] - Favorite Gen AI Tool

[44:55] - Soft FP&A Skill

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Rohit Divate, to discuss the intersection of finance, operations, and the high-growth startup world. They explore how finance leaders can partner with teams to drive growth while maintaining sustainability, the role of AI in finance, and the importance of communication and trust in leadership. The conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities faced by finance professionals in high-growth environments and provides actionable insights for those navigating this fast-paced industry.

Rohit is a seasoned finance leader with expertise in high-growth SaaS companies. Having raised over $500 million and driven revenue growth from $20 million to over $500 million, Rohit has a deep passion for improving finance team effectiveness and is especially active in the AI space. He currently serves as the head of operations and finance at Sprig, an all-in-one product experience platform.

Expect to Learn:

• How finance can act as a strategic partner to drive company growth, especially in the early stages.
• The importance of balancing growth with sustainability in high-growth SaaS companies.
• Key metrics and strategies for scaling operations and go-to-market efforts in early-stage startups.
• Insights into how AI is changing the landscape of finance and operations.
• Tips on building trust and accountability within teams to ensure collaborative success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "You need to build trust with your teams before you can build accountability. It’s not about numbers, it’s about relationships." - Rohit Divate
• "AI is going to be a game changer. Right now, we’re still figuring out how to use it in finance, but I’m excited for the day it makes me 10x more productive." - Rohit Divate
• "In early-stage companies, you don’t really know what your metrics are yet, but you can always measure improvement." - Rohit Divate

Rohit shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in finance, particularly those working in high-growth startups. If you’re looking to understand the dynamics of scaling a business, driving sustainable growth, and partnering effectively with teams, this episode is for you. Rohit talks about what’s worked for him, the challenges he’s faced, and the key lessons he’s learned throughout his career, offering actionable takeaways for aspiring finance leaders.

Corporate Finance Institute:

You know the numbers. Now it’s time to own the story.

The new FP&A Professional (FPAP) Certification from CFI is built for finance professionals who want to lead with insight-not just report the data. Enroll by July 1st and get 40% of this new Certification.

Learn more at: https://corporatefinancialinstitute.pxf.io/c/6003589/3067930/23723

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Follow Rohit:

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

Twitter - https://x.com/rohitdv8 

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.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

[03:41] - What’s Great FP&A?

[06:13] - Growth Challenges

[14:26] - Product-Market Fit at Pre-seed

[17:37] - Go-to-Market Strategy for Growth

[27:54] - Building Trust Through Action

[32:02] - Why Rohit Loves Equals

[35:17] - CFO’s Guide to AI Scaling

[46:49] - Biggest Opportunity for FP&A

[50:18] - Fun Questions

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with John Sanchez, an expert in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) with over 20 years of experience. John, now the managing director of FP&A Group, discusses his journey from accounting to FP&A, the importance of effective communication in finance, and why understanding the business is crucial to delivering great financial analysis. The episode delves into how FP&A professionals can elevate their work beyond spreadsheets by getting involved with business partners and focusing on the bigger picture.

John Sanchez brings over 20 years of experience in FP&A and corporate finance. He has worked with world-class organizations such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and AutoNation, and now trains finance professionals through his consulting firm, FP&A Group. With a background in accounting and M&A, John brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to FP&A, including the importance of business acumen and communication skills for financial professionals.

Expect to Learn:

• How great FP&A professionals go beyond Excel to understand the business.
• The importance of business acumen in making impactful financial decisions.
• Why communication, especially listening, is crucial in FP&A.
• Insights on John’s career journey from accounting to FP&A.
• Practical tips for improving communication and networking in finance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Great FP&A is about getting out of your chair, away from Excel, and interacting with your business partners to understand how the business really works." - John Sanchez
• "Communication is everything in FP&A. If you’re not a good listener, you’re going to miss a lot." - John Sanchez
• "If you’re just good at Excel, you’ll always be an Excel monkey. You need to understand the business to truly add value." - John Sanchez

John shares valuable insights, real stories, and practical advice for anyone in FP&A. If you want to level up in finance or just learn from someone who’s been there, this episode is for you. He shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

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Follow John:

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

Website: https://thefpagroup.com/

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.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

 [04:00] - What is Great FP&A?

[15:13] - From Accounting to M&A

[22:00] - The Power of Communication

[28:14] - Life Keeps Going

[37:57] - Communication in FP&A

[45:57] - Top Technical Skill

[52:38] - Get to know You

[54:32] - Superpower Question

[56:09] - Closing Remarks

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Clarke Carter and Landon Cortenbach, two finance professionals who’ve taken different paths into the world of FP&A and both turned to Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) to level up their skills. They discuss why Excel still dominates the finance world, what separates good FP&A from great, and how to pick the right certification to match your career goals. How Clarke used CFI’s FP&A specialization to move from accounting into planning and analysis, and how Landon, a seasoned CFO, turned to CFI’s FMVA program to sharpen his modeling and Excel chops after years in senior roles.

Clarke Carter is a CPA and CMA working as a senior accountant in the healthcare industry. He supports budgeting and planning and has deep experience with Adaptive Insights and Excel modeling. Landon Cortenbach is a veteran CFO and finance executive who has scaled startups and worked with Fortune 50 companies. With a background in accounting, operations, and enterprise tech, Landon’s passion is in financial transformation and continuous learning. He’s a CPA, Six Sigma Green Belt, and a big advocate for real-world financial education.

Expect to Learn:

• Why mastering Excel is still foundational in FP&A
• The difference between theory and real-world finance training
• How Power Query can save you hours every week
• What separates effective FP&A teams from the rest
• How to choose between certifications like CFA, FMVA, or FPAC

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Slow and steady wins. Make time daily to learn, and you’ll be amazed where you end up." - Clarke Carter
• "Power BI and Excel together are unstoppable once you know how to use them." - Clarke Carter
• "The moment I understood how three-statement models fit together, everything clicked." - Landon Cortenbach

Clarke and Landon bring practical advice, personal stories, and a lot of perspective. If you’re looking to level up in FP&A or just want to hear from two people who’ve learned through doing, this one’s for you. They share what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d tell anyone trying to move forward in finance.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

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Follow Landon:

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

Follow Clarke:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarke-carter-cpa-cma-47392180/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&Aguy.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

[02:18] - Guest Introductions

[06:22] - What Is Great FP&A?

[08:57] - Choosing the CFI Program

[14:20] - Program Impact

[17:19] - Top Skills Learned

[23:42] - Study Advice

[28:07] - Modeling & Excel

[32:16] - Advice about the CFO

[39:13] - Soft Skills for FP&A

[47:17] - Book Recommendation

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Paul Lynch, the energetic and straightforward CEO of Centage. They dive into what makes great FP&A in today’s world and why so many companies are still stuck with outdated tools and bad habits. From growing startups to leading mature SaaS businesses, Paul shares lessons learned, mistakes made, and why data, not gut instinct, is what really drives success. You’ll hear why Excel refuses to die, how sales and finance can (and should) work better together, and why chasing growth without understanding your numbers is a recipe for disaster.

Paul Lynch has spent his career leading B2B software companies and helping them scale with better decision-making tools. He’s been CEO at Assembla and Import.io, and now heads up Centage, a modern FP&A platform. Originally from Dublin and now living in Texas, Paul brings a mix of humor, experience, and blunt truths about finance, growth, and leadership. He’s also a former whiskey salesman in South Africa, a passionate cook, and a lifelong Liverpool fan.

Expect to Learn:

• Why reporting is not just planning should be the core of FP&A.
• How poor unit economics can quietly destroy your business.
• Why hiring data people early matters more than sales or recruiters.
• The lasting dominance of Excel and what that says about innovation.
• How Paul’s early sales career in South Africa shaped his leadership style.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “We need to stop worshipping Excel and start building tools for the next 40 years.” - Paul Lynch
• Many companies chase growth without even knowing if they’re making or losing money.” - Paul Lynch
• “The moment you think you know more than your customer, your business starts to fail.” - Paul Lynch

Paul brings energy, candor, and real-world perspective to a topic that’s often bogged down in spreadsheets and jargon. This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals who want to rethink how they use data, sharpen their business instincts, or learn from someone who’s built and led through both booms and busts. If you’ve ever questioned how to grow responsibly, build a smarter team, or move beyond Excel, Paul’s insights will challenge your thinking and leave you with practical takeaways to act on.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-FP&A guy/?utm_source=FP&A guy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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Follow Paul Lynch:

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

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.theFP&A ndaguy.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theFP&A ndaguy

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

[03:37] - Real-Life FP&A Example

[06:28] - Starting in Sales

[09:39] - Customer-Led Roadmaps

[11:53] - FP&A in Sales

[14:18] - Key SaaS Metrics

[16:09] - Ignoring Unit Economics

[18:26] - VC and Growth

[24:13] - Innovation in FP&A

[32:51] - Rise of Data

[35:42] - Key FP&A Skills

[38:27] - Get To Know You

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ramya Krishnaganth, founder of Yuvi Consulting and a leader in finance transformation. Ramya brings a thoughtful and practical perspective on how FP&A goes far beyond numbers; it's about understanding the business, working across departments, and making real-world decisions easier. She shares stories from her work helping companies solve messy data problems, improve cost control, and build stronger financial processes.

Ramya Krishnaganth is an experienced advisor with a background in cost accounting, financial planning, and enterprise transformations. She holds an executive MBA from Wharton and has helped companies across industries build smarter, more responsive finance functions. Her passion is making data more meaningful and empowering teams to work better together not just through systems, but through clarity, communication, and care.

Expect to Learn:

• Why great FP&A is about being the “nervous system” of a company, not just reporting numbers.
• How a CFO used one simple metric to drive company-wide cost discipline.
• Why fixing data issues means looking beyond tech and starting with people and processes.
• How to build credibility in finance by solving one problem at a time.
• What it means to approach data with empathy and why it changes how you solve problems.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “You don’t always need a new system. Sometimes clarity and better definitions solve the problem.” - Ramya Krishnaganth
• “Credibility comes when you give people answers they can use, when they need them.” - Ramya Krishnaganth
• “Transformations aren’t about technology alone. They’re about making real decisions easier.” - Ramya Krishnaganth

Ramya brings warmth and wisdom to a topic that often feels technical and dry. This episode is a great listen for finance professionals looking to strengthen their influence, better understand how to approach messy data, or simply hear how someone else has helped real companies tackle hard problems. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by data or unsure where to start, Ramya’s insights will give you both a fresh perspective and practical next steps.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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Follow Ramya:

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

Website - https://uvidconsulting.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, 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

[01:51] - Welcome to The Episode

[05:16] - A CFO’s Smart Cost-Control Strategy

[08:55] - Why Financial Transformation Matters

[13:05] - Why Companies Struggle With Data

[14:32] - Root Causes: People, Process, or Tech

[19:25] - Smart Approaches to Fixing Data

[24:29] - Empathy and Data: What It Really Means

[27:41] - Finding and Solving the Right Problems

[32:48] - Practical Advice for Analysts

[38:42] - Must-Have Skills for FP&A

[43:04] - Ramya’s Personal Interests

[49:01] - Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Nate Saperia, a seasoned finance professional and founder of his own consulting firm, to explore what great FP&A truly looks like, especially in private equity-backed companies. Nate draws from over 20 years of experience in consulting, corporate finance, and strategic roles, sharing practical insights on how to make KPIs measurable and actionable, the blurred lines between strategic finance and FP&A, and what working in fast-paced PE environments really entails. He also talks about the skills FP&A professionals need today, from mastering Power Query to building effective business partnerships that drive real impact.

Nate Saperia is a finance veteran with a background spanning economic consulting, corporate finance at companies like GE and Hess, and advising private equity-backed firms on financial planning and analysis. Recently, Nate launched his own consulting firm, focusing on helping businesses navigate strategic finance challenges and achieve smarter growth. Known for his clear and pragmatic approach, Nate is passionate about helping FP&A professionals elevate their role beyond reporting into true business partnering.

Expect to Learn:

• Why truly great FP&A means understanding the business and enabling better decision-making.
• How to break down high-level financial goals into clear, measurable, and actionable KPIs.
• The nuanced difference between traditional FP&A and strategic finance roles.
• What it’s like working in private equity-backed companies, including the heavy reporting demands and rapid pace.
• The top technical and interpersonal skills FP&A professionals should prioritize now.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “If we had truly clean data, FP&A would be more exciting because we’d spend more time on analysis, less on manual work.” - Nate Saperia
• “Business partnering is about empathy and understanding others’ perspectives, not assuming you have all the answers.” - Nate Saperia
• “Power Query is the single most important technical skill for FP&A professionals today it solves most data cleansing headaches.” - Nate Saperia

Nate delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective on the evolving role of FP&A, especially within private equity-backed companies. He highlights the importance of building actionable KPIs, mastering essential technical skills like Power Query, and developing genuine business partnerships grounded in empathy and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic impact and navigate the fast-paced demands of PE environments.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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Follow Nate:

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

Website - accordion.com/team/nate-saperia

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

[01:11] - Introduction to the Episode

[03:07] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:08] - Nate’s Career Journey

[07:25] - The Role of EBITDA in Private Equity

[11:12] - Defining and Using KPIs Effectively

[17:42] - Building a Metrics Matrix

[20:34] - Strategic Finance vs FP&A

[28:41] - Life in a Private Equity-Backed Company

[35:17] - Reporting Expectations in PE

[41:47] - Power Query and Business Partnering

[46:05] - Nate Personal Insights

[48:45] - Final Advice for FP&A Professionals

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Wassia Kamon, the Chief Financial Officer at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), about her journey from financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to leading as a CFO. Wassia opens up about the challenges, surprises, and growth she's experienced, particularly in learning to navigate the boardroom and building strategic influence within her organization. Along the way, she shares valuable insights into leadership, trust-building, and why it's essential for finance professionals to expand beyond the numbers.

Wassia Kamon is a finance powerhouse with over 15 years of experience across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and nonprofits. As CFO at ACE, a nonprofit lending institution, she plays a key role in providing capital to entrepreneurs. Wassia has also been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by CPA Practice Advisor and is the host of the podcast The Diary of a CFO. She's passionate about helping high-potential finance leaders step into executive roles and shares her expertise through coaching, speaking engagements, and teaching at the Wharton Online Certificate Program.

Expect to Learn:

• How Wassia transitioned from FP&A to CFO and the unexpected challenges she faced along the way.
• The power of trust and relationships in becoming a key business partner, not just a number cruncher.
• Why being invited into decision-making conversations early is a game changer for finance teams.
• What it was really like dealing with the board of directors for the first time as a CFO.
• How to expand your influence and take a broader view of business to become a true strategic partner.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “In FP&A, it's important to build those relationships early and not just be the person catching up after decisions are made.” - Wassia Kamon
• “You can’t be great at FP&A unless you are in the room where decisions are made. It’s about having the trust to influence, not just report.” - Wassia Kamon
• “Good FP&A is when you're already top of mind to decision makers, and they come to you for input, not the other way around.” - Wassia Kamon

Wassia delivers a powerful perspective on the role of financial leaders and the critical need for stronger relationships, trust-building, and strategic influence in today’s business environment. This episode is essential listening for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and business leaders looking to enhance their impact, improve decision-making, and build stronger, more collaborative teams.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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Follow Wassia:

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

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

2025 FP&A Tools Showcase:

Discover the best in FP&A without the sales pressure. The 2025 FP&A Tools Showcase is a free event where top platforms demo their solutions, share their approach to planning, and answer your questions with no pitches, just insights. Join us on May 22nd and see how today’s leading tools stack up.

Register now at https://bit.ly/42YPPkF

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

[01:42] - Welcome and Introduction

[03:29] - Wassia’s Journey from FP&A to CFO

[05:02] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[07:13] - Dealing with the Board for the First Time

[09:45] - Building Trust and Strategic Influence in Finance

[13:20] - Leading in Multiple Industries

[17:05] - Expanding Your Network and Influence

[21:14] - Managing Uncertainty as a CFO

[25:32] - Leadership Lessons from Wassia’s Career

[29:00] - Building Effective Relationships in Business

[33:47] - Key Takeaways

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Parker Gilbert, CEO and Co-founder of Numeric, to explore the transformation of accounting through smarter tools and processes. From his background in investment banking to leading finance at a startup, Parker shares the inspiration behind Numeric, a platform built specifically to simplify the financial close. Why the financial close is still so manual, how poor tooling can hinder team performance, and what it takes to modernize accounting. Parker discusses the pain points accounting teams face with existing software and explains why Numeric was designed to meet the real-world needs of growing finance teams.

Parker Gilbert is the CEO and Co-founder of Numeric, a financial close platform designed to make accounting teams faster, more accurate, and more collaborative. With a background in investment banking and hands-on experience as Head of Finance at Hearth, Parker understands both the strategic and operational challenges finance teams face. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional accounting tools, Parker set out to build Numeric, software purpose-built to simplify and streamline the month-end close.

Expect to Learn:

• Why Parker and his team started Numeric to solve overlooked pain points in accounting.
• How traditional tools like Excel and legacy ERP systems are failing modern accounting teams.
• What it means to build software specifically for the financial close process.
• Why visibility and collaboration are essential in reducing close errors.
• How Numeric empowers teams to understand what’s been done, what’s left, and where issues arise.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The close is this sort of well-understood pain point in accounting, but there's no purpose-built software that helps solve it.” - Parker Gilbert
• “We believe the best way to build software is to partner really closely with customers.” - Parker Gilbert
• “Accounting is really about trust, it’s about giving your team the confidence that everything is covered.” - Parker Gilbert

Parker delivers a powerful perspective on the role of accounting teams and the urgent need for smarter, more intuitive tools. This episode is essential listening for finance professionals, controllers, and startup leaders looking to improve their close process, enhance accuracy, and make better business decisions. If you’re tired of copy-pasting across spreadsheets and guessing what’s done, this conversation will inspire you to rethink your accounting stack.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

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Follow Parker:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-gilbert-99483298/

Website - https://www.numeric.io/

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Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

2025 FP&A Tools Showcase:

Discover the best in FP&A without the sales pressure. The 2025 FP&A Tools Showcase is a free event where top platforms demo their solutions, share their approach to planning, and answer your questions with no pitches, just insights. Join us on May 22nd and see how today’s leading tools stack up.

Register now at https://bit.ly/42YPPkF

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

[01:42] - Introduction to the Episode

[03:29] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:02] - The Importance of Pricing Strategy

[08:45] - Global Trends in Pricing

[10:26] - Coaching Rugby at Duke

[12:17] - Adapting to Economic Shifts

[15:20] - Challenges in Today’s Market

[21:14] - Winning Big-Name Clients

[24:32] - Unexpected Surprises in Finance

[27:13] - Transparency in Pricing

[32:31] - Why Finance & Ops Often Go Together

[36:17] - Why FP&A Must Understand the Business

[42:44] - Parker’s Time Travel Wish

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Anders Liu-Lindberg, a leading expert in business partnering and finance communication. Anders discusses how finance teams can elevate their role from traditional number crunchers to strategic partners within the business. He shares his insights on the importance of effective communication in finance, the value of business partnering, and how FP&A professionals can make a greater impact within their organizations.

Anders is the co-founder and partner at the Business Partnering Institute, where he helps finance teams transform into strategic business partners. With over 10 years of experience as a business partner at Maersk, Anders has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create value through finance. He is the co-author of Create Value as a Finance Business Partner and is about to release his new book, Communicating Financials to Executives. He is also a top LinkedIn voice with over 400,000 followers, where he shares valuable content for finance professionals looking to grow their careers and impact.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A can go from just reporting numbers to playing a strategic role in the company.
• The best way to present financial insights so executives can act on them.
• Why synthesizing data is important for decision-making, and how it's different from just summarizing it.
• Practical steps to improve communication between finance teams and business leaders.
• How to build strong relationships with stakeholders, even when they’re hesitant to work with finance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Business partnering isn’t about pushing your thoughts on the business; it’s about bringing them along." - Anders Liu-Lindberg
• "The true value of FP&A comes from helping the business translate strategy into actionable plans." - Anders Liu-Lindberg
• "FP&A should move beyond budgeting and forecasting to become a strategic business partner." - Anders Liu-Lindberg

Anders Liu-Lindberg provided valuable insights on how finance professionals can become strategic business partners. His advice on communication, synthesizing data, and building relationships offers practical steps for success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a bigger impact in FP&A. The wisdom shared will help professionals thrive in an evolving business environment.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Andres:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/Anders liulindberg/?originalSubdomain=dk

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Streamline Financial Planning with Kepion:

Get up and running fast with planning that grows as you do. Kepion is a Microsoft-based solution that helps you implement quickly, integrate data seamlessly, and scale with self-service. From FP&A to CapEx, and workforce planning, Kepion empowers you to adapt faster, plan with confidence, and drive real ROI. 

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YI5cfp

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

[02:10] - Meet Anders Liu-Lindberg

[04:47] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[06:26] - Example of Great FP&A in Action

[08:10] - The Business Partnering Institute

[11:24] - Anders’ New Book: Communicating Financials to Executives

[13:27] - Framework for Communicating Financial Insights

[15:59] - Importance of Aligning on Numbers

[21:39] - Synthesizing vs. Summarizing Data

[29:11] - Using Qualitative Data in Decision-Making

[33:01] - Building Strong Business Relationships

[39:20] - Key Skills for Success in FP&A

[45:18] - Final Advice on Business Partnering