The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper discuss the AI landscape and how CFOs and finance leaders should approach AI in 2026. Reflecting on the developments of 2025, they explore how AI adoption is progressing at the individual and company levels and discuss the surprises and challenges they've encountered in the AI space.

Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows.

In this episode, you will discover:

1. The current state of AI adoption by individuals and companies.
2. Surprising shifts in AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft in 2025.
3. The growing role of specialized AI models and their potential impact on industries like finance.
4. Predictions for the future of AI in 2026, including advancements in LLMs and robotics.

Glenn and Paul discussed the evolving AI landscape and its impact on finance, offering insights into key developments and predictions for 2026. They highlighted the challenges, growth, and opportunities AI presents for finance leaders and businesses.

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:

[00:15] - Reflections on AI in 2025

[05:07] - Paul’s Surprises on AI’s Progress

[11:05] - OpenAI’s Consumer Focus

[13:23] - Predictions for Specialized Models

[14:51] - AI and Robotics

[17:20] - Small vs Large Models

[18:28] - Closing Thoughts on AI in Finance

In this episode of The ModSquad, hosts Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male welcome Tim Jacks, founder of Taglo, for an insightful discussion on the integration of AI in financial modeling. Tim’s expertise bridges the worlds of financial modeling and AI, and in this episode, he shares his journey and discusses how AI is reshaping the financial modeling landscape.

Tim Jacks is the founder of Taglo, a company dedicated to improving financial modeling with AI technology. His career journey spans financial consulting and software development, including building financial modeling tools. Over time, Tim's interest in artificial intelligence grew, and he delved into how AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), could be used to enhance financial modeling processes.

Expect to Learn

1. How AI is revolutionizing financial modeling and the specific ways it’s being used today.
2. The technical components behind AI agents and how they differ from simple chatbots.
3. The importance of context and system prompts when working with LLMs in financial tasks.
4. Insights into the memory limitations of LLMs and how agents work around this challenge.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. "If you're using AI for Excel modeling, you need to remind it to follow good financial modeling principles, like the FAST Standard." – Tim Jacks
2. "The beauty of LLMs is that you can go back and change the conversation, they're stateless, so it's like resetting the clock." – Tim Jacks

Tim Jacks provided valuable insights into the integration of AI in financial modeling, particularly how LLMs and agents are transforming workflows. While AI can significantly enhance efficiency, human expertise remains essential for applying financial modeling principles. Understanding the technical workings of these tools helps users leverage them effectively. The future of financial modeling will be human-led, AI-assisted.

Follow Tim:

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

Follow Ian:

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

Follow Giles Male:

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

In today’s episode:

[00:05] - Intro & Hosts

[01:33] - Guest Introduction: Tim Jacks

[02:42] - Tim's Background in Modelling & AI

[04:16] - What Are LLMs Really?

[09:55] - ChatGPT vs. LLMs Explained

[12:09] - LLMs Have No Memory

[15:02] - How Tools Add Context to AI

[19:35] - What Is an AI Agent?

[22:35] - How Excel Agents Work

[30:08] - Demo: Tools in Action

[35:03] - Defining an Agent: LLM + Tools + Prompts

[38:49] - Key Takeaway for Modellers

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Ben Pierce, General Manager of Workday Adaptive Planning, to discuss the evolving landscape of FP&A, the challenges of planning software, and the future of finance in an AI-driven world. Ben shares his career journey, from semiconductor engineering to leadership roles in the FP&A software industry, and dives into his vision for how AI is transforming the way businesses plan and make decisions.

Ben Pierce is an experienced executive with over two decades of experience in the enterprise software industry. Currently, he leads Workday Adaptive Planning’s global strategy, growth, and innovation efforts. Prior to joining Workday, Ben held senior roles in several companies, including River Logic, Tidemark, and IBM, where he honed his expertise in analytics, financial software, and business leadership. His career has been shaped by his passion for leveraging technology to improve business operations and drive impactful change.

Expect to Learn:

1. Why Ben believes the future of FP&A is in AI and analytics
2. The importance of challenging the business with actionable insights
3. How to make FP&A tools work for you, not just as a data repository
4. What to consider when choosing and implementing FP&A software
5. The balance between strategic planning and flexible budgeting processes

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

1. "A great FP&A partner doesn’t just provide data, they come to the table with a point of view and push you to do better." – Ben Pierce
2. "At the end of the day, it’s not about the tool, it’s about the implementation and how you engage with it." – Ben Pierce

Ben Pierce offers invaluable insights into FP&A, emphasizing the need for technology to not only streamline processes but also enhance decision-making capabilities. His advice on selecting the right FP&A tools and the importance of having a supportive implementation partner is essential for any finance team looking to modernize their planning processes.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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

Free Trial of Workday

Try Workday Adaptive Planning free for 30 days - https://forms.workday.com/en-us/sales/adaptive-planning-free-trial/form.html?locale=enus&aud=ada&stage=ce&size=all&pblr=wd&assettype=oth&productfocus=pl&utm_medium=evnt&utm_source=evlv&step=step1_sales_contact

Follow Ben:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpierce23/

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/workday/

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

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

[02:50] – From Engineering to Software Leadership

[04:56] – What Makes Great FP&A

[09:23] – The Importance of Customer Success

[12:05] – How to Choose the Right FP&A Tool

[13:33] – Advice for Moving to the Vendor Side

[16:03] – The Future of AI and FP&A

[18:12] – Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Analytics

[21:04] – The Role of Zero-Based Budgeting

[25:46] – Best Practices for Annual Budgeting

[28:06] – Handling Headcount Planning Challenges

[32:28] – Getting the Most Out of FP&A Software

[36:52] – Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

In this first episode of Future Finance for 2026, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper take time to reflect on how AI actually showed up in finance over the past year, and what that means going forward. Without a guest, the conversation focuses on real experiences, observations, and lessons from working directly with finance teams, CFOs, and operators who are navigating AI adoption day to day.

Paul and Glenn discuss how individuals have become far more comfortable using AI tools in their own work, while companies as a whole have moved much more slowly. Topics include ongoing data quality problems, hesitation around governance and security, and why many organizations still struggle to integrate AI into core systems and workflows. They also share their thoughts on notable developments from 2025, including OpenAI’s shift toward consumer use, Microsoft Copilot’s mixed results, Google Gemini’s rapid improvement, and Nvidia’s continued growth.

In this episode, you will discover:

1. How AI adoption differs between individuals and organizations
2. Why poor data quality still limits many finance teams
3. What recent changes from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia suggest
4. Where Microsoft Copilot works well today and where it falls short
5. Why automation and basic app-building are becoming more important

Paul and Glenn share concrete examples from Excel, Outlook, reporting, and close processes. They also emphasize that banning AI use is no longer realistic and that clear guidelines matter more than strict restrictions.

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:

[02:47] – How Individuals vs. Companies Used AI in 2025

[06:12] – OpenAI, Monetization, and Market Signals

[09:27] – Google Gemini’s Turnaround

[15:56] – Big Models vs. Specialized Tools

[21:21] – Consumer AI and Platform Control

[26:26] – Real Copilot Use Cases in Excel

[35:28] – What Finance Professionals Should Focus on in 2026

[39:31] – What Finance Leaders Need to Do Now

[41:45] – Automation, Vibe Coding, and What’s Next

[43:07] – Final Thoughts and Closing

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Carolina Lago, a seasoned FP&A professional, to discuss how financial modelers can transform data into actionable insights while avoiding common modeling pitfalls. Together, they explore best practices in financial modeling, the dangers of hard-coded models, and why structure, flexibility, and clear purpose are essential for effective decision-making. Carolina also shares lessons from her international career, including her experience supporting a major IPO and leading global software implementations.

Carolina Lago is an FP&A professional with over 15 years of international experience across multiple industries. She has played key roles in high-impact projects, including IPO preparation and enterprise-wide financial system implementations. Carolina is also the creator of the TACTIC framework, which helps financial professionals build models that are structured, insightful, and decision-focused.

Expect to Learn

1. Why hard-coded models are a major risk to accuracy and flexibility
2. How to turn raw data into insights that drive real business decisions
3. The importance of starting every model with a clear question or goal
4. How the TACTIC framework improves structure and clarity in modeling
5. Why strong modeling skills matter at every career stage

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. “I inherited one, and I had to try to change it. I spent probably a couple of weeks trying to make it better, and I couldn't. It was just too full of hardcoded numbers and no design at all.” – Carolina Lago
2. “Data is only useful if it can be transformed into actionable insights.” – Carolina Lago

Follow Carolina:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-carolinalago/

Website – https://www.tacticfinancial.com

In today’s episode:

[00:00] - Trailer

[00:50] - Guest Introduction

[01:00] - Horrifying Financial Models

[02:00] - Early Career Modeling Mistakes

[03:10] - Carolina’s Global Career Journey

[05:00] - Turning Data into Actionable Insights

[07:30] - Introduction to the TACTIC Framework

[09:50] - Learning Resources & Community Engagement

[20:00] - Certifications and Continuing Education

[22:40] - Rapid-Fire Round

[24:50] - Advice for Aspiring Financial Modelers

[26:00] - How to Connect and Learn More

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Noam Sever, Head of Global FP&A at Cellebrite, for a deep and thoughtful conversation on building impactful finance teams, scaling FP&A processes, and the human side of finance leadership. Noam shares his experience driving financial planning in high-growth environments and highlights the value of simplicity, consistency, and communication in finance transformation. This episode is a masterclass in aligning FP&A with business needs and building trust through data, systems, and people.

Noam Sever is a seasoned finance executive with over 15 years of leadership across global tech and manufacturing firms. At Cellebrite, he leads a multinational FP&A team overseeing full P&L ownership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. His expertise includes business modeling, systems implementation, and data-driven decision-making. Known for his structured approach and people-first mindset, Noam is passionate about building agile finance organizations that deliver real business impact.

Expect to Learn:

1. Why “tiny gains” and small process improvements compound to drive big FP&A impact
2. How to scale FP&A processes from startup chaos to structured efficiency
3. The importance of aligning finance with go-to-market and sales operations
4. Why trust, communication, and curiosity are the top soft skills in FP&A
5. The framework Noam uses to evaluate when and how to scale teams, tools, and processes

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. As a company scales, FP&A must shift from being reactive to becoming a proactive business partner.” – Noam Sever
2. Start simple, make it repeatable, and always leave room to improve. That’s the foundation of great FP&A.” – Noam Sever

Noam Sever offers a blueprint for building impactful FP&A teams through simplicity, structure, and strategic business partnership. His insights emphasize that real value comes from understanding the business, earning trust, and continuously improving processes to drive meaningful results.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Noam:

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

Company - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cellebrite/

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:

[04:11] – Defining Great FP&A

[07:12] – The Power of Tiny Gains

[10:54] – Favourite Company Stage

[13:18] – FP&A at Scale

[15:59] – Evolving Budget & Forecast

[21:41] – Advice for First-Time Forecast Leads

[25:24] – Scaling Teams & Tools

[33:20] – Traits for Early-Stage FP&A

[36:40] – Rapid-Fire & Final Thoughts

In this special episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst recaps an exciting 2025 and outlines what's ahead for 2026. Paul reflects on the top five most downloaded episodes of the year, shares insights from key guests, and highlights major developments in financial modeling, including Excel's newest features and the growing role of AI.

Expect to Learn

1. Key trends in Excel and financial modeling from 2025
2. How AI is changing the way models are built, tested, and audited
3. The importance of simplicity, documentation, and user involvement in model design
4. Why communication and business understanding are becoming essential skills for modelers

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. “Complexity can backfire by making you indispensable in ways that hurt your career growth.” – Paul Barnhurst
2. “AI is a magnifier, it makes good modelers better and highlights weaknesses in those without a solid foundation.” – Paul Barnhurst

In today’s episode:

[02:01] – Mod Squad Launch

[03:02] – AI and Modeling

[03:45] – Excel Feature Highlights

[06:28] – Excel Championship Recap

[10:12] – AI in Financial Modeling

[12:54] – Time-Saving Modeling Tips

[16:02] – Three-Statement Modeling

[17:38] – Strategic Thinking for Modelers

[20:30] – Final Thoughts and Certification Offer

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Andrew Hull, a seasoned finance leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. They explore the role of FP&A professionals in driving business results, navigating inflation, and transitioning from traditional budgeting to impactful analytics.

Andrew Hull is a financial executive with over two decades of experience in CPG. Currently the Vice President of Finance at UNFI Canada, Andrew has a proven track record of partnering with business leaders to deliver results through strategic insights and principled financial analysis. With a competitive spirit and passion for team leadership, Andrew shares his unique approach to FP&A, analytics, and the importance of actionable storytelling.

Expect to Learn:

1. The three pillars of great FP&A are technical skills, storytelling, and actionable decisions.
2. Why Andrew advocates for changing FP&A to “FA&P” and focusing more on analytics.
3. Lessons learned from leading finance during the pandemic.
4. Key metrics for success in the distribution industry include variable margin and truck utilization.
5. Practical advice for accelerating budget processes and focusing on analytics that drive results.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

1. "The most value FP&A can add is when we take complex data and distill it into actionable insights." - Andrew Hull
2. "Variable margin is the backbone of understanding financial performance in a distribution business."- Andrew Hull
3. "A one-page visual with clear recommendations is the best way to communicate with executives."- Andrew Hull

Andrew Hull shared a wealth of knowledge for FP&A professionals, including rethinking the role of analytics to the importance of actionable storytelling. His practical advice on managing inflation, leading during a crisis, and accelerating the budgeting process offers valuable lessons.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the 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 Andrew:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhull4/

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

[01:59] - Meet Andrew Hull

[02:50] - Redefining Great FP&A

[06:46] - Career Highlights in CPG

[10:35] - Leading Finance at UNFI Canada

[18:55] - Managing Inflation with Analytics

[22:24] - The Art of Storytelling in FP&A

[35:47] - Revolutionizing the Budget Process

[51:20] - Beyond Work: Hobbies and Passions

[58:07] - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Sasha Orloff, CEO of Puzzle, to discuss the future of accounting and how AI is poised to transform the finance industry. Sasha Orloff shares his journey from founding LendUp and Mission Lane to building Puzzle, an innovative accounting software platform designed to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Sasha Orloff is the CEO of Puzzle, a modern accounting software platform focused on building the future of finance. Before Puzzle, Sasha Orloff founded LendUp and Mission Lane, which both scaled to hundreds of millions in revenue. He has a deep background in finance, technology, and AI, and his insights are helping to shape the next wave of innovation in the industry.

In this episode, you will discover:

1. The challenges of traditional accounting systems and outdated software
2. How AI and predictive analytics can streamline financial tasks and improve decisions
3. The need for an evolving general ledger and the role of blockchain in enhancing transparency
4. How AI reduces errors and provides more accurate insights for finance professionals
5. The future of accounting and how AI will enable faster, smarter decision-making

Sasha Orloff explains how Puzzle is addressing the foundational issues with traditional accounting software by focusing on trust, transparency, and flexibility. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of building the right data infrastructure to enable AI-driven insights in finance.

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

Follow Sasha:

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

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/puzzlefin/

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:

[01:00] - Meet Sasha Orloff

[03:30] - The Problem with Traditional Accounting Software

[06:00] - The Future of the General Ledger and Data Transparency

[10:30] - How AI Enhances Finance and Accounting Tasks

[12:45] - Blockchain’s Role in Financial Trust

[17:30] - The Role of AI in Business Decision-Making

[20:00] - How Puzzle is Revolutionizing Financial Software

[27:00] - AI and the Democratization of Data Science

[33:00] - Lightning Round: Fun Personal Questions

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Ian Bennett, Partner and Deals Modelling Leader at PwC Australia, to discuss the art and science of financial modeling. Together, they explore what makes a good financial modeler, how Excel has evolved dramatically in recent years, and how emerging tools and AI are shaping the future of modeling. Ian reflects on his decades-long career, from his early days discovering Excel during audits to leading a large team of modelers across Australia and India.

Ian Bennett is the Deals Modelling Partner at PwC Australia and a Master Financial Modeler (MFM) certified by the Financial Modeling Institute. With 24 years of hands-on experience in building and leading modeling teams, Ian’s approach combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on communication, design, and problem-solving. He leads a 50-person modeling team at PwC and is known for his passionate advocacy for best practices, new tools, and innovation in modeling, including integrating AI and the latest features in Excel.

Expect to Learn

1. Why defining a model’s purpose upfront is essential to success
2. The most important listening and scoping skills great modelers must develop
3. How Excel’s evolution over the past 18 months is changing the game
4. What it means to be model-first vs. outcome-focused
5. Why curiosity and human insight are irreplaceable, even in the age of AI

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. “Every model tells a story, and that story should be known at the start of the project. It’s about understanding what questions the model needs to answer.” – Ian Bennett
2. “Be curious. That curiosity is what drives innovation in modelling, learning new tools, asking better questions, and solving real problems.” – Ian Bennett

Follow Ian:

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

Website - https://www.pwc.com.au/deals/modelling.html

In today’s episode:

[00:00] - Trailer

[01:09] - Introduction to Ian Bennett

[02:13] - Worst Model Ian Has Seen

[06:17] - Ian’s Background & Early Interest in Excel

[08:19] - Becoming a Master Financial Modeller (MFM)

[09:43] - Global Excel Summit Highlights

[11:53] - What Makes a Great Financial Modeller

[16:38] - Importance of Listening & Understanding Client Needs

[23:03] - Time Allocation: Design vs. Building in Excel

[28:14] - Modelling Tools Beyond Excel

[31:34] - Excel’s Evolution & Exciting New Features

[39:08] - Rapid Fire Questions

[41:50] - Will AI Build Financial Models?

[47:12] - Final Advice for Aspiring Modellers