The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Matt Brattin, a former CFO who’s now building solutions to cut down on the complexity that often slows finance teams down. Drawing from his 20-year career in FP&A, Matt shares what inspired him to start Siplify and Close Pack, two platforms designed to save time and reduce manual work, especially around sales commissions and reporting. The conversation also explores leadership, analytics, and what it really takes to drive value in finance.

Matt Brattin is a finance leader turned entrepreneur. After serving as a CFO, Matt launched two startups: Siplify, which helps automate and streamline sales commission processes, and Close Pack, a tool aimed at making financial reporting more efficient. He’s also writing The Art of Analytics, a book that ties together strategy, storytelling, and behavioral insights. Matt brings a deep understanding of finance, technology, and human behavior to every conversation.

Expect to Learn:

• Why most commission plans fail, and how to fix them
• The value of simplicity in finance systems and processes
• How behavioral insights and empathy can improve analytics
• Why storytelling matters more than models at the executive level
• Tips for building tools that actually make a difference for finance teams

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Nobody gives a crap about your model. They want the story, and they want the numbers to make sense." -  Matt Brattin
• "Authentic leadership; there is no substitute for that. Life is too short to act like somebody else when you're at work." - Matt Brattin

Matt Brattin shows how true FP&A impact comes from simplifying complexity, leading with authenticity, and combining technical skill with a deep understanding of human behavior. His journey from CFO to founder highlights the value of clarity, behavioral insight, and thoughtful system design.

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 Matt:

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

Website -  https://siplify.io/

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

[02:27] - Matt’s Mission: Saving a Million Hours

[04:11] - What Great FP&A Really Looks Like

[08:26] - Leadership Lessons from the CFO Seat

[14:10] - Writing ‘The Art of Analytics’

[21:53] - Building Siplify and Close Pack

[28:16] - Real Talk on Sales Commissions

[37:02] - Advice for First-Time Commission Owners

[45:04] - FP&A Skills: From Excel to Selling the Story

[55:49] - Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst speaks with data expert Khaled Chowdhury, a renowned leader in the data and AI space. Khaled shares his journey from finance to data analytics, offering insights into the evolving role of AI in business decisions, the importance of data clarity, and how tools like Power BI and Fabric are transforming the data landscape. Khaled’s approach to data clarity in the age of AI brings a fresh perspective to the conversation on how companies can leverage data to make better, faster decisions.

Khaled Chowdhury is a data expert and founder of Data Crafters, helping businesses, especially in finance, build clear data strategies in the age of AI. With a background in FP&A, Khaled’s unique journey spans from finance director to certified data professional, with expertise in tools like Power BI and Fabric. He’s been recognized globally for his contributions to the data world, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions. Khaled’s experience bridges finance, technology, and business leadership.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Khaled’s journey from finance to data analytics and AI
• The importance of data clarity and the common mistakes companies make
• Why AI and data-driven decisions require a strong foundation
• How AI can both enhance and challenge business decision-making
• Practical advice on how companies should prioritize AI investments and data management

Khaled Chowdhury highlights the importance of building a solid data foundation before diving into AI and advanced tools like Power BI and Fabric. His journey from finance to data leadership demonstrates how clarity, smart data strategies, and a focus on outcomes can transform decision-making.

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

Follow Khaled:

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

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:

[02:12] – Khaled’s Journey: From Finance to Data

[06:10] – Defining Data Clarity

[10:15] – The AI Paradox

[14:42] – The Power of Power BI and Fabric

[18:30] – The Data Maturity Curve

[22:05] – How Companies Should Invest in AI

[25:03] – The Future of Data and AI

[29:12] – The AI Chatbot Question

[34:25] – Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts from Khaled

Note: This episode was recorded and scheduled for release before the recent announcement that Rosie AI is shutting down.

In this episode of the ModSquad series on Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by modeling experts Ian Schnoor and Giles Male to evaluate Rosie AI, a new tool that integrates with both Excel and Google Sheets. Together, they test its capabilities in building financial models, solving complex FP&A tasks, and performing real-world use cases. They push Rosie through a series of tests, from basic formula creation to building full three-statement models, and discuss where it excels, where it needs improvement, and its potential future in the world of financial modeling.

Expect to Learn

• How Rosie AI performs in real-world financial modeling tasks
• The strengths and weaknesses of Rosie in building models and formulas
• Key insights into how AI tools are evolving in financial modeling
• The importance of knowing how to validate AI-generated models
• How Rosie compares with other AI tools and traditional financial modeling techniques

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “AI can’t replace the need for modelers to understand the logic, but it can help speed up certain tasks.” - Giles Male
• “If you know what you’re doing, these tools can save you time. If you don’t, you need to double-check everything.” - Ian Schnoor

Follow Ian Schnoor:

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

Follow Giles Male:

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

Rosie AI: https://www.askrosie.ai/

In today’s episode:

[02:23] - Excel Turns 40

[07:29] - Microsoft’s AI Agent vs. Modeling Tools

[16:18] - Exploring Rosie’s Website and Features

[25:35] - Real-World FP&A Test: Trial Balance Summary

[35:53] - Deferred Revenue Schedule Test

[50:54] - Detecting Inconsistent Formulas in Financial Models

[01:00:53] - Testing Rosie AI on a Five-Year Forecast Model Build

[01:08:31] - Final Thoughts: Where AI Helps and Where It Doesn’t

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) welcomes Willian Gomes, a finance and analytics professional with over 15 years of experience spanning telecommunications, aerospace, investment markets, and consumer goods. Willian shares how combining technical expertise with empathy and communication skills has enabled him to thrive as a financial partner across 60 countries in EMEA.

Willian Gomes is a seasoned FP&A and data analytics professional currently supporting EMEA supply chain operations at a global consumer goods company. Based in Brazil, he holds an MBA in Project Management and advanced certifications in machine learning from Stanford. Willian brings deep expertise in automation, process improvement, and financial storytelling, having saved tens of thousands of work hours through custom-built tools and insights-driven analysis.

Expect to Learn:

• How to evaluate whether an automation project is worth pursuing
• The challenges of implementing machine learning in corporate environments
• How Python enables scalable automation over Excel
• How cultural awareness enhances business partnering across global teams

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Finance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about helping people make better decisions." – Willian Gomes
• "Empathy is a skill that’s not often associated with finance, but it’s essential for business partnering." – Willian Gomes

Willian Gomes shows how true FP&A impact comes from blending technical expertise with empathy, communication, and continuous learning. His journey across industries and continents highlights the value of automation, cultural awareness, and a people-first mindset. This episode is a testament to how finance leaders can drive change by being both data-driven and deeply human..

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

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

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wjgomesds/?originalSubdomain=br

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

[02:48] - Willian’s Background and Global Role

[04:03] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[11:46] -  Moving Back to FP&A from Data Analytics

[19:52] - Where FP&A Struggles with Analytics

[27:16] - Saving 7,000 Hours with Automation

[38:55] - Must-Have Tech and Soft Skills

[44:36] - Travel and Fun Facts

[47:49] - Final Advice for FP&A Pros

In this special episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how AI agents and productivity tools like Excel’s newest features are transforming the finance function. They contrast grassroots, employee-led innovation with large-scale, enterprise-driven AI projects, offering practical guidance and examples from their own experiments.

Expect to Learn:

• The difference between top-down and bottom-up AI deployments in organizations
• Why “shadow AI” and “secret cyborgs” are redefining workplace productivity
• The crucial role of change management in enterprise AI adoption
• What Excel’s new AI agent can (and can’t) do for financial modeling

Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst deliver an insightful look into how AI is reshaping the finance profession, from enterprise-wide transformations to individual experimentation. Their discussion on agents, automation, and Excel’s evolving capabilities highlights how innovation and adaptability are redefining what it means to be a modern finance leader in a technology-driven world.

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:

[00:22] - Top-Down vs Bottom-Up AI Adoption & Excel Agents

[01:26] - Building a Personal AI Agent

[04:01] - Top-Down vs Bottom-Up AI Strategy Explained

[06:41] - Change Management in AI Projects

[08:42] - Bottom-Up AI: Enable Use, Ensure Safety

[11:10] - Excel’s 40th Anniversary

[17:13] - Evaluating Excel's DCF Output

[18:23] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Disclaimer: This episode is best experienced in video format. Since we’re testing new tools like Tracelight, the visuals add valuable context and make everything much clearer. We highly recommend watching the video for the full experience.

In this episode of the ModSquad series on Financial Modelers’ Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by modeling experts Ian Schnoor and Giles Male to evaluate Tracelight, a new Excel-based modeling tool. Together, they explore how well it performs across real-world use cases in FP&A, Excel eSports, and corporate finance. From auditing balance sheets to solving Excel battle cases and building five-year forecast models, the ModSquad puts Tracelight through a comprehensive test to assess what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and where it still needs improvement.

Expect to Learn

• How Tracelight performs across different financial modeling scenarios
• The impact of LLM selection and prompt design on tool output
• Where Tracelight excels, and where it falls short, in building models and running checks
• How Excel eSports challenges expose strengths and weaknesses in formula logic
• When these tools can save time, and when they create more work

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "If you don't know your stuff, you're going to learn the wrong things; or worse, think it's right when it’s not." - Giles Male
• "The best Excel modellers aren’t the fastest, they’re the most thoughtful."-  Ian Schnoor

Follow Ian Schnoor:

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

Follow Giles Male:

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

Tracelight: https://tracelight.ai/

In today’s episode:

[02:22] - Tracelight Overview & Positioning

[09:46] - Giles vs. Excel eSports Battle Case

[18:00] - Reviewing Tracelight’s Logic and Output

[28:04] - Advanced Test: Championship-Level Modeling

[33:59] - AI Tools and the Learning Curve

[41:49] - Deferred Revenue Schedule Test

[56:26] - Why Doesn’t the Balance Sheet Balance?

[1:02:21] - Fixing Balance Sheet Errors Using Cloud Opus

[1:316:00] - Episode Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Note: Please note that all opinions and thoughts shared during this episode represent those of our guest, who joined in his own personal capacity and he is not representing any of the companies he works for.

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Todd Niemann, Treasurer at Varo Bank, who shares his unique path through finance, treasury, and FP&A across multiple startup banks. Todd discusses how he helped launch and scale three new banking institutions, how FP&A supports better decision-making in banking, and why he believes Python is transforming financial analysis.

Todd Niemann is the Treasurer at Varo Bank, where he oversees treasury and FP&A functions. A CFA charterholder with an MBA from Brigham Young University and a BA from Utah State University, Todd has helped build treasury and FP&A teams for three startup banks. His background spans banking, investing, and corporate finance, making him an authority on financial analytics and modeling in regulated industries.

Expect to Learn:

• How to build and scale FP&A and treasury functions at startup banks
• Why speed and accuracy are essential hallmarks of effective FP&A
• How to forecast effectively when historical data doesn’t exist
• The benefits of learning Python for finance automation and analytics

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The best FP&A teams don’t wait for perfect data; they create frameworks that help the business move forward anyway.” - Todd Niemann
• “In finance, speed matters. The faster you can analyze accurately, the more valuable you are.” - Todd Niemann

Todd Niemann brings clarity to how FP&A drives smarter banking decisions through data, speed, and precision. His journey shows the power of combining technical skill with curiosity and innovation. This episode proves that the future of finance belongs to those who build, automate, and never stop learning.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

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

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

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

[02:58] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:27] - Building FP&A at New Banks

[10:37] - Banking and Regulation

[15:08] - Challenges of FP&A in Early-Stage Banks

[23:08] - Learning and Applying Python in Finance

[31:51] - Predicting Deposits with Big Data

[38:21] - Recommended Reading for Finance Pros

[40:19] - Top Technical and Soft Skills for FP&A

[42:48] - What Todd Would Change About FP&A

[47:00] - Wrapping Up the Conversation

In this special episode of Future Finance, your hosts, Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst, explore how artificial intelligence is making waves in the finance world. They explore two distinct approaches to AI adoption: top-down initiatives, driven by company leadership, and bottom-up strategies, where employees are introducing AI tools on their own. Glenn and Paul also discuss the latest AI tools in Microsoft Excel, including AI agents, and how they’re transforming financial modeling and decision-making. Tune in for a mix of practical advice, real-world experiences, and a bit of humor along the way.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How top-down and bottom-up AI adoption strategies differ in business.
• Why employee-driven AI innovation is on the rise and how to manage it.
• The role of AI-powered tools like Excel Labs in transforming financial work.
• How AI agents can help upskill finance professionals and streamline tasks.

Glenn and Paul explore the evolving role of AI in finance, from top-down strategies to employee-driven innovation. They highlight the potential of AI tools like Excel Labs and AI agents to transform financial processes. Tune in for insights on how embracing AI can help professionals stay ahead in a rapidly changing field.

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:

[05:17] - Glenn’s New Book for Wiley

[08:21] - The AI Budget Mandate

[12:11] - Managing Bottom-Up AI Adoption

[15:39] - The Carol Office Question

[26:00] - Why Use Hard-Coded XLOOKUP?

[29:56] - Building and Customizing an AI Agent

[36:36] - Career Transitions and AI in FP&A

[39:50] - Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up

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

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by Alex Fabry, the founder of KFA, an advisory firm focused on scaling businesses.. Alex takes us through his journey from FP&A to private equity, sharing his valuable experiences working at firms like Saber, BCG, and Charles Bank Capital Partners. Their conversation explores how FP&A can serve as a stepping stone to leadership and investment roles, and the key skills that helped Alex succeed in both corporate finance and private equity.

Alex Fabry is the founder and managing partner of KFA, a private investment and advisory firm focused on growing and scaling businesses in Saint Louis. Before founding KFA, Alex started his career in FP&A roles at Saber, where he supported multi-billion dollar business units, managed complex budgets, and played a pivotal role in the $1.2 billion sale of Active Network to Global Payments. Alex also has experience as a Vice President at Charles Bank Capital Partners. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A provides a solid foundation for leadership and private equity operator roles.
• The significance of automation in improving FP&A efficiency and enabling more strategic analysis.
• Why private equity and FP&A require different skill sets but can work in tandem to drive business growth.
• Key skills FP&A professionals need to transition into private equity.
• The value of relationships and trust in both FP&A and private equity environments.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The real value of FP&A is in helping businesses make decisions, not just report numbers.” - Alex Fabry
• “Being a business partner looks different depending on the business—it's about them, not you." - Alex Fabry

Alex shared thoughtful and practical insights into the evolving role of FP&A in driving business success and the transition to private equity. He highlighted the importance of automation and strategic analysis in improving financial operations, the value of building strong business relationships, and how FP&A professionals can leverage their skills to thrive in the private equity space. Alex’s journey serves as a valuable playbook for those looking to navigate the complexities of both FP&A and private equity, emphasizing the need for adaptability, operational efficiency, and a keen understanding of the bigger business picture.

Campfire: AI-First ERP:

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

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-fabry/

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

[02:27] - Alex’s Background

[03:50] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[14:03] -  The Three Key Questions in Finance

[18:38] - Private Equity Operations and FP&A

[27:14] - Early FP&A Experience at Saber

[36:36] - The Reality of Private Equity

[43:16] -  Lessons from 100 LinkedIn Posts

[53:47] - The Biggest Excel Lesson

[54:32] - Wrapping Up the Conversation