In this special launch episode of The Mod Squad, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by co-hosts Giles Male and Ian Schnoor to explore the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and financial modeling. Together, they introduce a new podcast series, The ModSquad, designed to test AI tools built for financial modelers, FP&A professionals, and analysts. The trio shares their excitement, cautious optimism, and the pressing questions they hope to answer through hands-on experimentation with cutting-edge tools that promise to transform the modeling landscape.

Paul, Giles, and Ian bring decades of combined experience across FP&A, corporate finance, Excel training, and financial modeling accreditation. This introductory episode sets the tone for a candid, unscripted, and deeply analytical journey into the practical realities of AI in finance.

Expect to Learn

• Why AI won't replace financial modelers, but will transform the way they work
• How AI tools are being developed to serve finance professionals specifically
• The importance of judgment, communication, and scoping in effective modeling
• What The Mod Squad plans to test: from three-statement models to Excel esports
• How to prepare your career for the AI revolution in modeling

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Just because it looks cool doesn’t mean it gives you a finished product.” - Giles Male
• “Modeling is just as much the journey as it is the destination.” - Ian Schnoor

Follow Ian Schnoor:

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

Follow Giles Male:

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/

In today’s episode:

[01:21] - Introduction of the Episode

[04:57] - Why This Series? Helping Modelers Cut Through the AI Noise  

[09:14] - Fear & Job Security: Will AI Replace Financial Modelers?  

[14:14]- The Human Element in Modeling: Judgment, Communication, Scoping  

[21:03] - Series Format: Tools We’ll Test & Why  

[26:03] - Testing Assignments: Who’s Doing What?  

[29:03] - FP&A Use Cases Paul Will Explore  

[35:21] - What to Expect: Raw Prompts, Real Results  

[36:52] - Closing: Why This Series Matters & How You Can Engage