In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, to discuss the future of finance systems, AI-native ERP, and how organizations can prepare their finance functions for a rapidly changing technology landscape. Alex shares how finance teams can move beyond outdated systems, improve data foundations, and use AI to enable faster, more informed decision-making.

Alex Curran is the CEO of Aptitude Software, a company that has spent over 40 years building finance solutions for complex organizations. After joining Aptitude over 12 years ago, Alex progressed through multiple leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2023. She now leads the company’s focus on AI-native finance technology and modern ERP solutions.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why CFOs are expected to become strategic partners in business decisions.
• Why clean data and strong architecture are essential for successful AI adoption.
• How AI-native ERP systems differ from traditional finance platforms.
• Why real-time finance and continuous close are becoming possible.
• How AI will change finance roles and create new opportunities.

Alex explains why the future of finance is not just about adding AI tools, but about building the right systems, data foundations, and processes to make AI valuable and trustworthy.

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

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

Follow Alex:

Website: http://fynapse.app/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-curran-9aa593b/

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

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:

[00:00] – Trailer

[05:22] – The Modern CFO Role

[11:36] – Building Flexible AI Systems

[15:16] – Evaluating ERP Solutions

[19:08] – Legacy ERP vs AI-Native ERP

[23:39] – Real-Time Finance & Continuous Close

[27:02] – AI’s Impact on Finance Teams

[30:24] – The Future of Accountants

[35:44] – AI Questions & Leadership Lessons

[36:53] – Finance System Implementation Challenges

[38:40] – Alex’s CEO Journey

[40:04] – Closing Thoughts on Finance’s Future

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Ryan Humphrey about financial model auditing, the skills strong modelers need, and how AI is changing the profession. Ryan explains why communication, judgment, and trust matter as much as technical ability. He also shares how model audits work, why poorly structured models create serious risks, and why finance professionals must continue developing their skills as AI takes on more of the building process.

Ryan Humphrey is a Partner at Forvis Mazars in London, specializing in accounting, tax reviews, and financial model audits. A qualified chartered accountant, he co-authored Credible Model Audit for the AI Era and is currently researching sustainability leadership with Cambridge University.

Expect to Learn:

• Why communication is essential in financial modeling
• How independent model audits support better decisions
• Why human judgement remains critical in the AI era
• How AI may shift modelers from building to reviewing
• Why trust and continuous learning are becoming more valuable

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "The model really is a communication vector more than anything. It is about telling a story." - Ryan Humphrey
• "Trust becomes so important because things can look right very quickly, even when they are not." - Ryan Humphrey

AI may make financial models faster to build, but it also makes careful review more important. The future belongs to professionals who can combine technical knowledge with judgement, communication, and trusted decision-making.

Follow Ryan:

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

Website: https://www.forvismazars.com/uk/en/users/our-team/ryan-humphrey

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today's Episode:

[00:00] -Trailer

[05:16] - Why Communication Matters

[06:45] - AI and the Future of Modeling Careers

[08:50] - Ryan’s Model Audit Nightmare

[12:26] - How Financial Model Audits Work

[17:36] - Essential Skills for Model Auditors

[21:35] - How AI Is Changing Model Audits

[27:54] - The Growing Importance of Trust

[32:34] - Why Continuous Learning Matters

[37:30] - Excel Preferences and Shortcuts

[41:30] - Rapid-Fire Modeling Questions

[47:35] - Final Advice for Financial Modelers

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by AI Finance Club members Eve Reiter, Jurgen Lang, and Bukie Faforiji for a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of FP&A. The panel shares how AI has changed the way they approach financial modeling, forecasting, automation, business partnering, and software development. From replacing repetitive Excel work with AI-powered workflows to building production-ready finance applications, they explore the practical skills finance professionals need to stay relevant in an AI-first world.

Eve Reiter is a global procurement leader and AI advocate with experience at Amazon, American Express, and State Street. Jurgen Lang is a Hamburg-based fractional CFO specializing in SaaS, sports, hospitality, and technology, with more than 15 years of finance experience. Bukie Faforiji is an FP&A professional and creator of CFO Intel, an AI-powered platform that delivers transparent and auditable financial insights.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is changing the day-to-day work of FP&A professionals.
• Why critical thinking and domain expertise matter more than ever in an AI-driven world.
• How finance leaders are using AI to automate workflows and build custom finance tools.
• What the AI Finance Club offers finance professionals looking to upskill.
• The opportunities,and risks, that AI creates for the future of finance careers.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “If nobody can act on the information, then the work has failed.” - Jurgen Lang
• “The best way to learn is to share.” - BukieFaforiji
• “You are not just consuming in a community. You are also contributing.” - BukieFaforiji

AI is reshaping FP&A by reducing manual work, accelerating analysis, and helping finance professionals build more powerful workflows and tools. However, domain expertise, critical thinking, governance, and human judgement remain essential for producing reliable, defensible results. Finance professionals who actively develop these skills will be better prepared for an AI-driven future.

Follow Eve Reiter:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evereiter/

Follow Jurgen Lang:

• LinkedIn: https:www.linkedin.com/in/jurgenlang/

Follow Bukie Faforiji:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bukie-faforiji/

Learn More About the AI Finance Club:

• Website: https://www.aifinanceclub.com

Join the AI Finance Club

The top global finance community with over 3,500 members. Advance your AI and FP&A skills through exclusive training, expert-led sessions, and a global network of finance professionals. Visit the AI Finance Club – Nicolas Boucher | Advance Your Finance Skills Today. The FP&A Guy and use code YNVTUWKG to get $100 OFF your membership.

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 FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] - Trailer

[06:43] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[11:01] - Inside the AI Finance Club Community

[13:41] - Why the Guests Joined the AI Finance Club

[19:08] - Moving from Excel to AI-Powered Workflows

[23:24] - The Most Impactful AI Projects They Have Built

[32:19] - How to Get More Value from AI Communities

[42:27] - The Opportunities and Risks of AI in Finance

[52:18] - The Essential Skills Every FP&A Professional Needs

[01:01:33] - Quick-Fire Questions and Final Advice

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie to discuss artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power Pivot and Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive. He explains how AI is changing the role of finance and data professionals, why strong data foundations still matter, and why continuous learning is essential in an AI-driven world.

Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, he helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of Power Pivot and Power BI and the upcoming book Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business Is Easier Than You Think.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Power Pivot and Power BI transformed data analytics.
• Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance professionals.
• Why adapting skills is critical in the AI era.
• How businesses can make AI practical and accessible.

Robert shares practical insights on combining data expertise, AI, and human judgment to create value in the future of work.

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

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

Follow Robert:

Website: https://p3adaptive.com/

Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/

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

In Today’s Episode:

[03:58] - Building Power Pivot and Power BI at Microsoft

[08:56] - Leaving Microsoft and Founding P3 Adaptive

[13:36] - AI and the Future of Work

[17:13] - Introducing Fair Game

[19:41] - Making AI Practical and Accessible

[21:31] - Helping Everyone Understand AI

In this episode of The ModSquad, Paul Barnhurst, Giles Male, and Ian Schnoor are joined by Excel and Financial Modeling World Champions Michael Jarman and Diarmuid Early to discuss a unique “man versus machine” financial modeling challenge.

The group breaks down their experience testing AI against expert modelers using real financial modeling and Excel competition cases. They explore where AI performs well, where human judgment still matters, and what the future of financial modeling may look like as AI tools continue to improve.

Expect to Learn

• How AI compares against expert financial modelers in real-world challenges
• Where AI adds value and where human judgment remains essential
• Why reviewing and validating AI-generated models is becoming more important
• How AI tools are changing the future role of financial modelers
• Why strong modeling fundamentals still matter in an AI-driven world

• “AI can build something quick, but if you want it to be right, often the majority of the time is in checking it.” - Michael Jarman
• “The most interesting question is how do you get from something that works to something you actually feel confident in.” - Diarmuid Early

AI is changing the way financial models are built, reviewed, and improved. While AI can increase speed and efficiency, the best results still come from professionals who understand modeling principles, question outputs, and apply human judgement. The future belongs to modelers who can combine technology with expertise.

Follow Ian:

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

Follow Giles:

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

Follow Michael Jarman:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jarman-excel/

Follow Diarmuid Early:

In today’s episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:59] – Setting Up the Competition

[09:50] – AI Competition Commentary

[13:02] – Shortcut vs Human Results

[16:17] – AI Review Agents

[20:11] – Trusting AI Models

[29:41] – Future of AI Agents

[33:13] – Human Oversight in AI

[41:27] – Real-World Modeling Challenges

[45:54] – Beyond AI Prompting

[47:50] – Future of Financial Modeling

[53:20] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Josette Ferrer to discuss one of the most overlooked skills in finance: networking. While many finance professionals focus on technical expertise, Josette explains why building genuine relationships is essential for career growth, leadership development, mentorship, and long-term success.

Josette Ferrer is the Founder and Managing Director of Clairent Advisors, a valuation and business advisory firm specializing in business and intellectual property valuations. She also serves as President of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is actively involved with organizations including How Women Lead, ProVisors, the American Society of Appraisers, and several executive leadership communities.

Expect to Learn:

• Why networking should start long before you need your next opportunity
• How to choose the right networking organizations for your career goals
• Simple strategies introverts can use to build meaningful professional relationships
• Why mentoring and networking naturally go hand in hand

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Networking isn’t transactional, it’s about giving, helping, and building relationships." - Josette Ferrer
• "You don’t need a title to add value; small gestures can create lasting connections." - Josette Ferrer

Networking is a crucial skill for FP&A professionals, enabling stronger relationships, mentorship, and career growth. Starting early and engaging genuinely helps build trust and opportunities over time. Remember, networking is about giving and adding value, not just seeking benefits for yourself.

Follow Josette Ferrer:

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

Follow Glenn Snyder:

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

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 FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

[00:00] – Trailer

[04:22] – What Great FP&A Looks Like

[12:36] – Choosing the Right Networking Group

[21:23] – Why You Should Start Networking Early

[27:39] – Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network

[33:18] – Networking Strategies for Introverts

[41:21] – The Power of Mentorship

[52:05] – Final Networking Advice for Finance Professionals

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Robert Collie, founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, for a conversation about artificial intelligence, data analytics, and how finance professionals can prepare for the future of work. Robert shares his journey from helping build Power BI at Microsoft to founding P3 Adaptive and explains why AI is creating both disruption and new opportunities for finance and data professionals.

Robert Collie is the founder and CEO of P3 Adaptive, a Microsoft analytics and AI consulting firm. During his 13 years at Microsoft, Robert helped lead the development of Power Pivot and Power BI. He is also the author of the bestselling Power Pivot and Power BI book and hosts the Raw Data with Rob Collie podcast. His upcoming book, Fair Game: Customizing AI to Your Business is Easier Than You Think, explores how organizations can make AI practical and accessible.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Power BI and Power Pivot changed the way organizations use data.
• Why AI is creating new opportunities for finance and data professionals.
• Why sitting still with current skills can create career risks.
• How companies can build AI systems using strong data foundations.
• Why semantic models are becoming essential for AI adoption.

Robert brings decades of experience in business intelligence, analytics, and AI, sharing practical lessons on how finance leaders and data professionals can adapt, learn, and create value in a rapidly changing environment.

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

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

Follow Robert:

Website: https://p3adaptive.com/

Book: https://fairgamebook.ai/

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

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:

[00:00] – Trailer

[00:00] – How AI is changing jobs

[02:43] – Robert’s Microsoft journey

[06:06] – Power BI and Power Pivot impact

[11:25] – Leaving Microsoft for P3 Adaptive

[15:43] – AI and the future of data work

[19:33] – Making AI accessible

[25:13] – AI tools and better workflows

[31:11] – AI in career planning

[33:38] – AI changing finance and consulting

[35:16] – Why semantic models matter

[38:35] – Building a strong company culture

[40:34] – Robert’s AI book and future plans

In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Dr. Eric Kelley, Finance Professor | Microsoft MVP (Excel), and one of the leading educators in financial modeling. Eric shares how his passion for teaching, mathematics, and financial markets led him into academia, and why developing scalable financial models starts with understanding the business before opening Excel.

Dr. Eric Kelley is a Professor of Finance at the University of Tennessee's Haslam College of Business, a Microsoft Excel MVP, and Faculty Fellow with the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC). He coaches the University of Tennessee's Excel eSports team, which won the 2024 MECC World Championship, and is passionate about using financial modeling and Excel eSports to prepare students for finance careers.

Expect to Learn:

• Why communication matters as much as modeling skills.
• Building scalable financial models that last.
• Common financial modeling mistakes to avoid.
• How Excel eSports sharpens problem-solving.
• Why competition improves modeling skills.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Great financial modelers need strong oral communication skills because they must explain the story behind the model, not just build it." - Dr. Eric Kelley
• "You're not trying to solve a single problem, you're trying to build a system that can take flexible inputs and generate useful outputs." - Dr. Eric Kelley

Eric Kelley shares why financial modelers need more than technical skills, highlighting the importance of communication, problem-solving, and building scalable models. He also discusses how Excel eSports and hands-on learning are helping students develop real-world modeling skills for future finance careers.

Follow Eric:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekkell/\
• University of Tennessee: https://haslam.utk.edu/

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Albert Lee, FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance profession. Albert shares practical insights from implementing AI in corporate finance, coaching CFOs, and training finance teams on responsible AI adoption.

Albert Lee is an FP&A leader, AI finance coach, and corporate trainer with over 13 years of experience helping finance teams embrace AI and automation. He has led FP&A functions across multinational organizations, including Merlin Entertainments and The Cookware Company, driving forecasting, profitability modeling, and process improvements across APAC. Today, Albert coaches CFOs and finance leaders through the AI Finance Club while delivering AI training for global organizations and professional finance communities.

Expect to Learn:

• Why AI should be your finance copilot
• How to build trusted AI workflows
• When to use AI vs. Power Query
• Best practices for secure AI adoption
• Key skills for the future of FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "A strong analyst using AI becomes much stronger. A weak analyst using AI simply makes mistakes faster." - Albert Lee
• "The best FP&A professionals don't just explain the numbers, they explain what they mean and what should happen next." – Albert Lee

Albert Lee shares practical insights on using AI to enhance FP&A without sacrificing governance, accuracy, or human judgment. He reminds finance professionals that while AI can dramatically improve productivity, true business value comes from combining the right technology with strong data practices, critical thinking, and trusted business partnerships.

Follow Albert:

Website - https://axiomfpa.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-lee-fcpa-869478118/

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 FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

[00:00] – Trailer

[02:14] – Meet Albert Lee

[03:34] – Why Copilot?

[05:27] – AI Automation Journey

[09:47] – AI Training & Coaching

[19:51] – AI Challenges

[23:50] – AI Workflows

[28:18] – AI Governance

[31:23] – AI's Strengths & Limits

[39:40] – Career Advice & Wrap-up

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst and co-host Glenn Hopper are joined by guest Alex Brower, co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, to explore why forecasting problems often begin with the data layer. They discuss data plumbing, semantic alignment, Model Context Protocols (MCPs), vibe coding, and how finance and go-to-market teams can work from shared definitions to improve forecast quality and analysis.

Alex Brower is the co-founder and CEO of QFlow.ai, helping finance and go-to-market teams connect data, improve forecast accuracy, and boost analyst productivity by up to five times. He previously led finance and marketing at high-growth tech firms like AppTelligent (acquired by VMware) and Cloud Academy (acquired by QA).

In this episode, you will discover:

• How data hygiene and shared definitions improve forecasting
• Why unified data alone does not solve business alignment issues
• MCP vs semantic layers for reliable analysis
• The risks of untested AI-generated analysis
• Why AI cost and governance matter

Alex explains how QFlow helps companies prepare data, run planning workflows, and turn analysis into board-ready stories.

Follow Alex:

Website: https://qflow.ai/

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

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:

[00:00] – Introduction

[02:15] – Data & Forecasting Challenges

[06:43] – MCP vs Semantic Layers

[09:55] – AI Coding Risks

[15:52] – QFlow Data Preparation

[18:10] – Planning & Business Insights

[20:51] – Closing Thoughts