The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of Future Finance, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst sit down with Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla from Oracle NetSuite to explore how AI is transforming enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Amidst rising competition and a rapidly changing tech landscape, NetSuite is doubling down on intelligent automation, open platforms, and embedded AI to redefine how finance teams operate.

Joe Friedman is the Senior Director of AI Innovation at Oracle NetSuite, driving efforts to integrate practical AI across finance and operations. With over 15 years at NetSuite, Joe focuses on converting AI into measurable productivity gains. Ranga Bodla is the Vice President of Field Engagement and Marketing at Oracle NetSuite, with more than 20 years in enterprise software. He leads industry strategy across verticals, helping businesses convert innovation into performance

Expect to Learn:

• Why AI is reinvigorating interest in ERP platforms like NetSuite.
• How NetSuite’s AI strategy balances “AI every day” and “AI your way.”
• What the MCP connector does and why it’s a game-changer for data analysis.
• How NetSuite’s clean data models fuel better AI outcomes and user productivity.
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Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla offer a compelling look at how NetSuite is embedding AI into the core of ERP to drive smarter, faster decision-making. Their insights show that clean data, open platforms, and practical AI tools are key to transforming finance operations today.

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

Follow Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friedman-ns/

Follow Ranga:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranga-bodla-bb45b/

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:

[02:00] – Where NetSuite Stands in Today’s ERP Landscape

[05:17] – Why ERP and AI Go Hand-in-Hand

[07:29] – AI Every Day, AI Your Way: What NetSuite’s MCP Connector Unlocks

[10:29] – Practical AI Integration Inside NetSuite

[13:30] – Real-World Use Cases for AI in Finance

[16:22] – AI Agents, Automation, and What’s Coming Next

[18:05] – SaaS as the Real Driver of AI Adoption

[19:48] – Why Clean Data Fuels Better AI Outcomes

[21:12] – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of The Mod Squad on Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male take a close look at TabAI, a tool designed to simplify and speed up Excel tasks using automation and intelligent suggestions. With more tools dropping out of the market and Excel’s own Agent feature gaining ground, the question is simple: Does TabAI offer something worth switching to? From cleaning data and building dashboards to attempting a full five-year forecast, the team puts TabAI through a series of real-world modeling challenges to see what it gets right and where it still falls short.

Expect to Learn

• Where TabAI shines in helping analysts and where it needs improvement.
• How does it compare to Excel Agent in terms of speed, usability, and accuracy?
• Why finance pros still need to understand what’s going on under the hood.
• What to watch for when relying on tools that promise “done-for-you” modeling.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Agent was faster, but TabAI handled more advanced stuff better.” - Ian Schnoor
• “AI is great at building things fast, but one small mistake can make the whole model unusable.” - Giles Male

TabAI turned out to be one of the more impressive tools we’ve tested so far, especially when it comes to everyday Excel tasks and building dashboards. It’s not perfect, especially with full-scale models, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. For now, it’s a great helper, but you’ll still need your own modeling skills to get the job done right.

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:

[02:28] - TabAI Leaves Retail

[05:17] - Competing with Excel Agent

[06:50] - TabAI Feature Overview

[10:30] - The “Iron Man Suit” Claim

[14:28] - eSports Case Test

[23:12] - Dancing Fur Coat Model

[29:14] - Trial Balance Dashboard

[33:56] - Deferred Revenue Test

[38:36] - Full Forecast Model Build

[51:10] - Final Thoughts

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul is joined by strategic advisor and podcast host Moataz Mukhaimer to explore the intersection of finance and strategy, where true business impact is made. With over 20 years of experience guiding SMEs, family-owned businesses, and startups across the Middle East, Moataz explains why finance professionals must step beyond Excel and deeply understand the business to add real value. From diagnosing problems through numbers to designing KPIs that reflect a company’s vision, this episode is a masterclass in how FP&A can lead, not just support.

Moataz Mukhaimer is a strategic and financial advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. A graduate of McGill University (MBA) and Boston University (BA in Accounting & Finance), he specializes in helping businesses identify challenges and align strategy with execution. His client portfolio spans sectors including retail, med-tech, e-commerce, ed-tech, manufacturing, and software.

Expect to Learn:

• Why cash from operations is the true measure of business value
• How to design KPIs that align with both strategy and financial outcomes
• Why most pricing problems are rooted in poor positioning, not high costs
• How to diagnose problems through both numbers and conversations
• The two most important habits for connecting finance with strategy

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Most companies aren’t overpricing, they’re underpricing and positioning poorly.” - Moataz Mukhaimer
• “Cash from operations is the truest form of value creation.” - Moataz Mukhaimer

Moataz Mukhaimer reminds us that the power of FP&A lies in understanding the whole business, not just the numbers. By aligning strategy with financial planning, simplifying KPIs, and focusing on communication, finance professionals can become essential partners in growth. If you're ready to elevate your impact, this episode is for you.

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  Moataz:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/

Website - https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.com/

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

[04:05] - What Defines Great FP&A?

[05:56] - Great Planning in Action

[08:40] - Cash Flow is Queen

[14:15] - Why Budgeting Often Fails

[26:45] - Pricing: The Hidden Problem

[30:04] - Moataz’s Four-Part Strategy Framework

[33:07] - Diagnosing Problems Through People and Numbers

[36:27] - Advice for Connecting Finance to Strategy

[40:09] - Hosting Business Talk and Giving Back

[43:36] - FP&A Fast Five

[48:31] - Final Advice: Always Tie Finance to Strategy

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with NetSuite’s Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla to explore how AI is transforming enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. With decades of combined experience in enterprise software, Joe and Ranga discuss how NetSuite is innovating ERP through AI-native capabilities, open platforms, and real-time automation. The conversation spans AI agent adoption, data clarity, and how finance teams can start harnessing AI today without major overhauls.

Joe Friedman is the Senior Director of AI Innovation at Oracle NetSuite, driving efforts to integrate practical AI across finance and operations. With over 15 years at NetSuite, Joe focuses on converting AI into measurable productivity gains. Ranga Bodla is the Vice President of Field Engagement and Marketing at Oracle NetSuite, with more than 20 years in enterprise software. He leads industry strategy across verticals, helping businesses convert innovation into performance.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why NetSuite believes ERP is the core of AI transformation in finance
• How the new MCP connector integrates AI agents like Claude and ChatGPT
• Practical AI use cases: from variance analysis to journal entry creation
• Why clean ERP data is essential for effective AI outcomes
• How companies can start AI initiatives without high risk or cost

Joe Friedman and Ranga Bodla offer a compelling look at how NetSuite is leading the charge in making AI practical and accessible within ERP systems. Their insights show that businesses don’t need massive overhauls to start seeing value from AI, just clean data and the right tools. As ERP evolves, NetSuite’s hybrid approach positions it to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of finance, tech, and AI.

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

Follow Joe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friedman-ns/

Follow Ranga:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranga-bodla-bb45b/

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:

[04:15] - Competing with New ERP Platforms

[09:42] - What is MCP & AI Everyday?

[13:47] - AI Use in Daily Finance Tasks

[20:18] - Why Many AI Projects Fail

[27:14] - How to Start with AI in NetSuite

[30:25] - Building AI Workflows Without Engineers

[35:19] - Future of ERP: Embedded AI vs. External Agents

[39:33] - The Most Human Thing About AI

[43:49] - Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

In Episode 5 of The ModSquad on Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male take a hard look at the changing landscape of financial modeling in the wake of Microsoft’s release of Excel Agent. Since launching at the end of September to coincide with Excel’s 40th birthday, Excel Agent has quickly changed the competitive dynamics for AI-powered modeling tools. The team explores the implications: how Excel Agent’s capabilities compare to other tools, why third-party platforms are shutting down, and what all this means for the future of work in modeling-heavy industries like investment banking.

Expect to Learn

• Why Excel Agent is pushing competing modeling tools like Rosie AI out of the market.
• What makes Excel Agent a “magnifier” of both modeling skill and error.
• How fast AI is evolving inside Excel and what that means for modelers today.
• Why AI won’t reduce hours in finance, despite speeding up modeling work.
• What OpenAI’s Project Mercury reveals about the next phase of automation in investment banking.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “You can't hit a prompt, go get a coffee, and expect a working model.” – Giles Male
• “If you don’t understand what the AI just built, you’re in trouble.” – Ian Schnoor

This episode makes it clear: AI is not a replacement for skill; it’s a multiplier. Excel Agent may be setting the new standard, but success still comes down to human understanding, judgment, and accountability. As the modeling world evolves rapidly, professionals who stay informed and upskill will thrive. The Mod Squad isn’t slowing down either; more tool reviews and sharp conversations are coming.

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:

[05:29] - AI Tools Recap

[07:26] - AI Hype and Hidden Risks

[10:23] - AI as a Skill Magnifier

[13:48] - Microsoft’s Impact on AI Startups

[16:15] - Rapid Evolution of Excel AI

[21:29] - OpenAI’s Role in Financial Modeling

[29:17] - Understanding Assumptions and Calculations

[31:53] - Final Thought

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Note:

This episode is a pod swap from The Diary of a CFO. We’re sharing it here to help you discover another excellent show in the finance leadership space. All content belongs to the original podcast and host Wassia Kamon.

In this episode of The Diary of a CFO, Wassia Kamon sits down with Paul S. Young, EVP and CFO at Liberty Bank, to uncover what modern finance leadership looks like in an era of rapid transformation. With decades of experience across institutions like TD Bank, Citizens Bank, and Siemens, Paul shares how CFOs can lead with purpose by aligning strategy, driving innovation, and cultivating future-ready talent. From intelligent automation to authentic leadership, this episode offers a comprehensive framework for CFOs navigating complexity at scale.

Paul S. Young is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Bank, the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the U.S. With over 25 years of experience spanning finance, digital transformation, and strategy, Paul is a respected leader in shaping the future of finance. He serves on the AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group and the AICPA Council, helping steer the next generation of financial professionals.

• How Liberty Bank integrates strategic planning into its budgeting cycle for real impact
• Why creating a Business Transformation Office and EPMO was a game-changer
• Where AI and intelligent automation fit in the finance function, without losing the human touch
• How finance apprenticeship and rotational programs are developing future leaders
• Paul’s leadership philosophy is rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and work-life balance

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “You prepare for this all your life. Have the courage of your convictions and don’t be afraid to fail.” – Paul S. Young
• “AI won’t replace people, but it will replace the people who don’t embrace AI.” – Paul Young

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

Liberty Bank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-bankct/

Liberty Bank (Website): https://www.liberty-bank.com/

AICPA Future of Finance Leadership Advisory Group: https://www.aicpa-cima.com

Connect with Host Wassia Kamon on

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wassiakamon/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-diary-of-a-cfo-podcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thediaryofacfopodcast/featured

Website: https://www.thediaryofacfo.com

X (Twitter): https://x.com/thediaryofacfo?

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@csuitestories?

[00:00:00] – Introduction to Paul Young and His Role at Liberty Bank

[00:02:00] – From Prudential Insurance to CFO: Paul's Career Journey

[00:07:11] – Lessons from the Transition to Corporate CFO

[00:12:15] – Aligning Strategic Planning and Budgeting for Agility

[00:18:40] – Launching the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)

[00:24:00] – How the Business Transformation Office Enables Intelligent Automation

[00:31:00] – AI in Finance: Balancing Tech and Human Judgment

[00:37:20] – Cultivating Talent Through Apprenticeships and Rotational Programs

[00:46:00] – Paul’s Leadership Principles: Authenticity, Gratitude, and Balance

[00:47:45] – Personal Reflections: Family, Boating, and Life as “PopPop”

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul and Glenn are joined by Carl Seidman to explore a powerful but often overlooked role in finance: being a teacher. Drawing from decades of experience across consulting, education, and finance leadership, Carl discusses how FP&A professionals must learn to teach, whether it’s helping executives see the story behind the numbers, guiding junior staff, or translating finance for cross-functional teams. The episode is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and thoughtful insights about how teaching, influence, and communication shape success in finance.

Carl Seidman is a seasoned management consultant, fractional CFO, and educator. With over 20 years of experience advising companies from startups to Fortune 500s, Carl also teaches at Rice University and runs finance training programs for corporate teams. He brings a unique blend of technical mastery, business strategy, and teaching skill, making him the perfect voice to discuss why FP&A must go beyond the spreadsheet and into the realm of influence.

Expect to Learn:

• Why teaching is an essential skill for every FP&A professional
• How to tailor your message to different audiences, from analysts to executives
• Why oversharing details can derail your influence
• How to spot when your audience is confused (and how to pull them back in)
• Practical strategies for teaching finance without using jargon or acronyms

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The best presenters speak to the audience’s needs, not their own ego.” - Carl Seidman
• “FP&A is often the bridge, translating finance for operations and operations for finance.” - Glenn Snyder

Carl Seidman reminds us that the heart of FP&A isn’t just analysis, it’s communication, clarity, and connection. Through teaching, finance professionals can elevate their impact, build trust, and drive real business understanding. This episode reinforces that the most effective finance leaders don’t just present data, they help others make sense of it.

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 Carl:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/carlseidman

Website: seidmanfinancial.com

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

[02:30] - Meet Carl Seidman

[04:48] - What Does “FP&A as a Teacher” Mean?

[08:20] - Teaching Early in Your Career

[19:33] - Who Does FP&A Need to Teach?

[25:54] - Teaching Financial Impact

[29:19] - Ditch the Jargon

[35:44] - Spotting Confused Audiences

[41:59] - Teaching for Long-Term Growth

[43:58] - Celebrity on a Deserted Island

In this episode, Paul sits down with renowned data strategist Khaled Chowdhury to unpack what it means to bring clarity to data in the age of AI. With a background in FP&A and a track record as an early Power BI adopter, Khaled brings a rare blend of financial and technical expertise. The conversation explores the concept of "data clarity," the challenges behind AI adoption in business, and why clean data models matter more than ever.

Khaled Chowdhury is a globally recognized expert in data strategy and the founder of Data Crafters. With roots in FP&A, Khaled was among the first to integrate Power BI into planning workflows. Today, he helps executives and teams transition from data chaos to clarity, particularly as AI transforms the business landscape.

Expect to Learn:

• What “data clarity” really means and why it matters for business decisions.
• The two big barriers preventing organizations from becoming data-driven.
• What the “AI paradox” is and why 95% of enterprise AI projects fail.
• Why your data model is the hidden make-or-break factor in using AI tools.
• How to think about probabilistic vs. deterministic results in AI systems.

Khaled Chowdhury and Paul Barnhurst offer a thought-provoking exploration of how data and AI are reshaping decision-making in the modern enterprise. From breaking down the myths of being data-driven to unpacking the AI paradox, their conversation highlights the growing need for clean data, smart models, and strategic thinking.

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

Follow Khaled Chowdhury:

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

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:

[01:44] -  Defining Data Clarity and the Cost of Chaos

[04:05] - Data-Informed Gut vs. Data-Driven Myths

[06:54] - The AI Paradox Explained

[09:18] - Why AI Projects Fail in the Enterprise

[13:33] - Clean Data Models: No Hiding Behind Lipstick

[14:26] - Closing Thoughts & What’s Next

In this episode of The ModSquad on Financial Modeler's Corner, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male explore Microsoft’s newly released Excel Agent, a beta tool designed to bring AI into Excel Online. The team compares its performance to Rosie AI, running both through a range of tasks, including formula building, audit reviews, and a full five-year model forecast. Along the way, they test the tools against real modeling challenges like the Excel Esports case and a creative custom case, "The Humble MVP." This isn’t just about flashy tech. It’s a deeper conversation on where AI can help, where it falls short, and why core financial modeling skills still matter.

Expect to Learn

• What happened when Excel Agent tried to build a full five-year forecast model.
• Why solid modeling skills still beat "one-click" AI hype.
• Where AI tools succeed, and fail, in reviewing formulas and detecting issues.
• Why you should never fully trust AI without understanding what it’s doing.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Building a model is like flying a plane; you don’t want a rookie in charge when something breaks.” - Ian Schnoor
• “You can’t hit a prompt, go get a coffee, and expect a working model.” - Giles Male

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:

[02:21] - What is an Excel Agent and why does it matter?

[05:37] - Sharpen Your Modeling Skills

[06:51] - Modeling Requires Human Judgment

[09:27] - Esports Case: Rosie AI vs Excel Agent Test

[19:39] - Excel Agent Hangs in Beta Mode

[25:26] - Testing PVM in the Smoothie Business Case

[30:01] - Ian Takes Over: Testing Excel Agent on AFM Model

[44:11] - Building a five-year forecast model from scratch

[55:19] - Adding a revolver to the model

[01:00:12] - Why the balance sheet doesn’t balance

[01:03:46] - Final thoughts and takeaways