This episode of Future Finance explores how organizations can better align their finance and data strategies to harness the power of emerging technologies like AI. With a focus on data governance, analytics, and the integration of advanced tools into financial workflows, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss both challenges and opportunities for finance professionals in the digital age.

Nathan Bell, is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in steering organizations through complex financial and digital transformations. His career spans roles in credit management, banking, venture capital, and corporate finance, with expertise in data governance, analytics, and strategy. Nathan's passion lies in helping finance leaders leverage data to drive decision-making and growth.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The importance of getting your “data house” in order before implementing AI.
• How self-service BI tools can both empower teams and create challenges in organizations.
• Why data governance and stewardship should be a co-led initiative between finance and engineering.
• The role of finance leaders in ensuring data literacy and ownership across departments.
• Practical insights into scaling finance operations for mid-market companies looking to grow.

As AI and automation tools continue to evolve, organizations must focus on integrating these technologies into their workflows in a way that complements their existing data strategies. Nathan emphasized the critical role finance leaders play in ensuring data quality and ownership across the organization.

Follow Nathan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bell-1038662/

Website: https://www.vai-consulting.com/

Company: https://meetvirginia.io/

Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

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

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[01:58] - Generative AI and Finance: Myths vs. Reality

[11:17] - AI's Dependency on Clean Data

[12:36] - Guest Introduction: Nathan Bell

[20:02] - Bridging Data, Finance, and Storytelling

[25:25] - Foundations of Data Governance

[29:54] - Challenges with BI and Metrics Ownership

[32:33] - Scaling Finance Teams for Growth

[42:38] - Fun Segment: Travel Stories

[45:29] - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action