The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, veteran finance leader and co-founder of Safe AI, the world’s first platform for financial data governance. Ahikam shares how his experience at companies like Intuit led him to build a solution that replaces manual processes with smarter, more reliable financial oversight. He explains how Safe AI connects data across systems like ERP and CRM to catch issues early and automate routine checks. The conversation explores how finance teams can move faster, stay compliant, and trust their data.

Ahikam Kaufman is the co-founder and CEO of Safe AI, a platform built to monitor and govern financial data across systems like ERP, CRM, and payroll. With over 20 years of experience in corporate finance and entrepreneurship, he’s seen both the promise and pitfalls of financial operations. From M&A and compliance challenges to launching B2C fintech ventures, Ahikam’s career shaped his vision for making financial data easier to manage, review, and trust. At Safe AI, he helps companies replace manual work with smart oversight so teams can close the books faster, avoid errors, and stay ahead of compliance.

In this episode, you will discover:

• What inspired Ahikam to move from finance leadership into founding Safe AI
• Why traditional finance teams struggle to govern their own data across systems
• How Safe AI helps companies spot errors, detect fraud, and stay ahead of compliance
• The real-world challenges of financial close and how to fix them before they snowball
• How finance teams can embrace innovation without giving up control

Ahikam Kaufman gave us an inside look at how finance teams can take control of their data and move beyond the manual processes that slow them down. From automating reconciliations to catching issues before close, he showed how Safe AI helps finance professionals work smarter and stay compliant without the last-minute scramble. This episode is a great reminder that true financial leadership isn’t just about tracking numbers-it’s about building systems that support accuracy, trust, and long-term growth.

Follow Ahikam :

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/

Website - https://safebooks.ai/

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:

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode

[00:24] - SXSW and Startup Energy

[01:00] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup

[03:25] - Replacing Manual Financial Controls

[05:09] - AI-Powered Financial Graphs at SafeBooks

[08:33] - Ensuring Compliance with SafeBooks

[14:14] - AI’s Impact on CFOs

[16:51] - AI-Powered Priority Alerting

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Maria Zlobina, a finance professional with over a decade of experience in Big Four audit, FP&A, and business partnering roles across the US, Australia, and Russia. The conversation explores the importance of understanding the purpose behind financial models, the challenges of inheriting others’ models, and the value of continual learning in finance. Maria also shares insights into the Advanced Financial Modeler certification, her passion for efficiency, and her experience navigating the world of financial modeling.

Maria, who has a rich background in financial modeling, discusses her journey in the finance industry, her love for continuous learning, and her adventures living in different countries. She offers practical advice for modelers and professionals, including tips on making financial models dynamic, understanding the business context, and utilizing the right tools like Power BI and XLOOKUP. Maria also touches on her passion for languages and learning, sharing how her diverse experiences contribute to her success as a financial modeler.

Expect to Learn:

• Why financial models are critical for decision-making and how to avoid common pitfalls
• The importance of understanding the context and objectives behind a model
• Tips for inheriting and improving existing financial models
• The benefits of continuous learning, both professionally and personally
• Insights on dynamic financial models and best practices for forecasting

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "The magic of financial modeling isn’t in the model itself, but in how it helps guide decisions." - Maria Zlobina
• "It’s not about creating the perfect model, but the model that gives the best insight for decision-makers." - Maria Zlobina
• "The best financial models don’t just answer one question; they provide a range of answers." - Maria Zlobina

In this insightful episode, Maria Zlobina emphasizes the importance of dynamic financial models and understanding the business context behind them. She highlights the value of continuous learning and staying curious to improve as a financial modeler. With practical advice on overcoming challenges in modeling and working with stakeholders, Maria reminds us that great models support better decision-making.

Follow Maria :

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-zlobina-afm-4642576b/

Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpandaguy

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  

• LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  
• Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

In today’s episode:

[01:13] - Introduction to the Episode 

[03:52] - Worst Financial Model

[06:37] - The value of continuous learning

[10:24] - That One Defining Moment

[13:09] - From Curiosity to Certification

[17:49] - Starting with the Goal in Modeling

[25:17] - Transparency in Modeling

[31:07] - XLOOKUP Time Saver

[34:24] - Rapid-fire questions

[38:16] - AI and Tools in Modeling

[43:56] - Final thoughts on modeling

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Parker Gilbert, CEO and Co-founder of Numeric, to explore the transformation of accounting through smarter tools and processes. From his background in investment banking to leading finance at a startup, Parker shares the inspiration behind Numeric, a platform built specifically to simplify the financial close. Why the financial close is still so manual, how poor tooling can hinder team performance, and what it takes to modernize accounting. Parker discusses the pain points accounting teams face with existing software and explains why Numeric was designed to meet the real-world needs of growing finance teams.

Parker Gilbert is the CEO and Co-founder of Numeric, a financial close platform designed to make accounting teams faster, more accurate, and more collaborative. With a background in investment banking and hands-on experience as Head of Finance at Hearth, Parker understands both the strategic and operational challenges finance teams face. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional accounting tools, Parker set out to build Numeric, software purpose-built to simplify and streamline the month-end close.

Expect to Learn:

• Why Parker and his team started Numeric to solve overlooked pain points in accounting.
• How traditional tools like Excel and legacy ERP systems are failing modern accounting teams.
• What it means to build software specifically for the financial close process.
• Why visibility and collaboration are essential in reducing close errors.
• How Numeric empowers teams to understand what’s been done, what’s left, and where issues arise.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The close is this sort of well-understood pain point in accounting, but there's no purpose-built software that helps solve it.” - Parker Gilbert
• “We believe the best way to build software is to partner really closely with customers.” - Parker Gilbert
• “Accounting is really about trust, it’s about giving your team the confidence that everything is covered.” - Parker Gilbert

Parker delivers a powerful perspective on the role of accounting teams and the urgent need for smarter, more intuitive tools. This episode is essential listening for finance professionals, controllers, and startup leaders looking to improve their close process, enhance accuracy, and make better business decisions. If you’re tired of copy-pasting across spreadsheets and guessing what’s done, this conversation will inspire you to rethink your accounting stack.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Parker:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-gilbert-99483298/

Website - https://www.numeric.io/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

2025 FP&A Tools Showcase:

Discover the best in FP&A without the sales pressure. The 2025 FP&A Tools Showcase is a free event where top platforms demo their solutions, share their approach to planning, and answer your questions with no pitches, just insights. Join us on May 22nd and see how today’s leading tools stack up.

Register now at https://bit.ly/42YPPkF

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

[01:42] - Introduction to the Episode

[03:29] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:02] - The Importance of Pricing Strategy

[08:45] - Global Trends in Pricing

[10:26] - Coaching Rugby at Duke

[12:17] - Adapting to Economic Shifts

[15:20] - Challenges in Today’s Market

[21:14] - Winning Big-Name Clients

[24:32] - Unexpected Surprises in Finance

[27:13] - Transparency in Pricing

[32:31] - Why Finance & Ops Often Go Together

[36:17] - Why FP&A Must Understand the Business

[42:44] - Parker’s Time Travel Wish

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Ahikam Kaufman, Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. They dig into what it really takes to run finance at a fast-growing global company. From building systems that can handle international payroll to staying on top of ever-changing rules and regulations, Ahikam shares a behind-the-scenes look at how finance can be a key driver of growth, not just a support function.

Ahikam Kaufman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, a platform focused on ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data for organizations. With a strong track record in leadership roles across finance and technology, Ahikam brings deep insight into the challenges companies face in managing financial data at scale. Prior to Safebooks AI, he held key positions in companies like Buildup and ScanModul, giving him a well-rounded view of both startup growth and enterprise needs.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why paying people in different countries is way more complicated than it sounds
• How finance teams can shape a company’s strategy-not just track expenses
• What makes Papaya Global stand out in the crowded HR and payroll space
• How to deal with the endless maze of international tax and labor laws
• Advice for finance pros who want to grow their careers in a changing world

Ahikam Kaufman shared practical insights on how messy and unreliable financial data can hinder companies and what it really takes to fix that. Drawing from his experience as Co-Founder and CEO of Safebooks AI, he offered a grounded view on why visibility, structure, and accountability in financial operations are crucial for any organization. He emphasized that success starts with clean data and clear systems, not just better dashboards. At the heart of it all: discipline, attention to detail, and building tools that make finance teams stronger.

Follow Ahikam:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahikam-kaufman-688310/

Website - https://safebooks.ai/

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:

[01:53] - Welcome to the episode

[02:19] - SXSW and Startup Energy

[02:53] - Transitioning from Corporate to Startup

[03:46] - The Importance of a Strong Foundation

[05:40] - Replacing Manual Financial Controls

[08:03] - AI-Powered Financial Graphs at SafeBooks

[17:10] - Ensuring Compliance with SafeBooks

[22:49] - AI’s Impact on CFOs

[26:57] - AI-Powered Priority Alerting

[32:26] - Fintech’s Biggest Problem

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Ian Schnoor, Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute. The conversation focuses on the growing role of financial modeling in uncertain markets, the expanding reach of FMI, and the importance of structure, clarity, and accreditation in building better business decisions. Ian shares practical insights from his global work, recent collaborations, and lessons from building multiple businesses.

Ian Schnoor is the Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the only organization offering globally recognized financial modeling accreditation. He founded The Marquee Group, which was acquired by Training the Street in 2023. Ian has trained thousands of professionals in modeling, valuation, and Excel. He teaches at Queen’s University, holds a CFA charter, and began his career in investment banking with Citigroup and BMO. He’s focused on raising the standard of modeling across the world through education and certification.

Expect to Learn:

• Why financial modeling is essential during market volatility
• How FMI is earning global recognition from top firms
• The impact of adding financial modeling to the CFA program
• Insights from FMI’s expansion into China and India
• Three principles for building a successful business
• A creative use of Excel to solve a real-world inventory challenge

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “A good model helps you ask the right ‘what if’ questions, not deliver perfect answers.” - Ian Schnoor
• “The true purpose of a model is to give decision-makers confidence in uncertain times.” - Ian Schnoor
• “Getting the AFM means you’ve shown up, done the work, and proved your skills under pressure.” - Ian Schnoor

Ian Schnoor shared powerful insights on the role of modeling in today’s uncertain world.

He emphasized clarity, structure, and the value of accreditation in building trust and better decisions. His global work is helping elevate modeling into a true professional discipline.

A strong reminder that great models lead to great leadership.

Follow Ian Schnoor:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/?originalSubdomain=ca

Website - https://fminstitute.com/

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   

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

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376 

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  

LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  

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

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

In today’s episode:

[01:27] - Welcome back to the Episode

[04:04] - Financial modeling during market volatility

[08:01] - Updates from FMI and its global growth

[11:47] - Accreditation and why it matters

[16:41] - Partnerships in China and India

[22:02] - Excel World Cup and the global community

[24:22] - CFA Institute collaboration

[28:23] - Global expansion stories

[32:34] - Three principles for business success

[37:23] - Real-life Excel project: Baby blanket logistics

[42:48] - Rapid-fire: tools and trends in modeling

[47:37] - Final advice for modelers

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Anders Liu-Lindberg, a leading expert in business partnering and finance communication. Anders discusses how finance teams can elevate their role from traditional number crunchers to strategic partners within the business. He shares his insights on the importance of effective communication in finance, the value of business partnering, and how FP&A professionals can make a greater impact within their organizations.

Anders is the co-founder and partner at the Business Partnering Institute, where he helps finance teams transform into strategic business partners. With over 10 years of experience as a business partner at Maersk, Anders has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create value through finance. He is the co-author of Create Value as a Finance Business Partner and is about to release his new book, Communicating Financials to Executives. He is also a top LinkedIn voice with over 400,000 followers, where he shares valuable content for finance professionals looking to grow their careers and impact.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A can go from just reporting numbers to playing a strategic role in the company.
• The best way to present financial insights so executives can act on them.
• Why synthesizing data is important for decision-making, and how it's different from just summarizing it.
• Practical steps to improve communication between finance teams and business leaders.
• How to build strong relationships with stakeholders, even when they’re hesitant to work with finance.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Business partnering isn’t about pushing your thoughts on the business; it’s about bringing them along." - Anders Liu-Lindberg
• "The true value of FP&A comes from helping the business translate strategy into actionable plans." - Anders Liu-Lindberg
• "FP&A should move beyond budgeting and forecasting to become a strategic business partner." - Anders Liu-Lindberg

Anders Liu-Lindberg provided valuable insights on how finance professionals can become strategic business partners. His advice on communication, synthesizing data, and building relationships offers practical steps for success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a bigger impact in FP&A. The wisdom shared will help professionals thrive in an evolving business environment.

Corporate Finance Institute:

Master real-world finance skills with CFI’s FMVA program to learn financial modeling, valuations, and strategic insights top finance teams use. Get 30% off any plan and take the next step in your career. Explore now at https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/pricing-fpaguy/?utm_source=fpaguy&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_ads

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Andres:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/Anders liulindberg/?originalSubdomain=dk

Website - https://www.bpidk.org/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Streamline Financial Planning with Kepion:

Get up and running fast with planning that grows as you do. Kepion is a Microsoft-based solution that helps you implement quickly, integrate data seamlessly, and scale with self-service. From FP&A to CapEx, and workforce planning, Kepion empowers you to adapt faster, plan with confidence, and drive real ROI. 

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YI5cfp

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

[02:10] - Meet Anders Liu-Lindberg

[04:47] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[06:26] - Example of Great FP&A in Action

[08:10] - The Business Partnering Institute

[11:24] - Anders’ New Book: Communicating Financials to Executives

[13:27] - Framework for Communicating Financial Insights

[15:59] - Importance of Aligning on Numbers

[21:39] - Synthesizing vs. Summarizing Data

[29:11] - Using Qualitative Data in Decision-Making

[33:01] - Building Strong Business Relationships

[39:20] - Key Skills for Success in FP&A

[45:18] - Final Advice on Business Partnering

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility.

Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He’s passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why Carlos created his own MBA path at Wharton focused on analytics
• Why cash flow forecasting isn’t just a finance problem - it’s a data problem
• The hidden reasons businesses turn to factoring (and why that’s risky)
• How Tesorio uses AI to clean up messy financial data
• Why actionable insights are way more valuable than fancy reports

Carlos Vega gave us a fresh look at why cash flow is so critical and how using AI to clean, structure, and act on financial data can change the way businesses operate. From building smarter forecasts to creating better cash management habits, Carlos showed that real success isn’t just about growing fast, it’s about being predictable and staying in control.

Follow Carlos:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/

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

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:

[00:15] - Guest Intro

[01:58] - Innovation and AI MBA

[05:51] - Telecom Data Insights

[06:41] - MBA as a Career Catalyst

[07:19] - From Factoring to Forecasting

[09:26] - Cash Flow vs Budgeting Focus

[13:48] - Unlocking Cash Flow Insights

[15:28] - Three Pillars of Data

[17:57] - Final Takeaway

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Arta Ramaj, co-founder of 360 Finance, for a discussion into the real-world challenges and nuances of financial modeling. Arta shares her journey from a geography degree to a thriving career in finance and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore the art and science of building robust financial models, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the evolving role of finance as a strategic business partner.

Arta Ramaj is the co-founder of 360 Finance, a boutique consultancy specializing in financial modeling, FP&A, and finance system implementations for private equity and venture-backed companies. With a background in private equity and a passion for bridging financial data with strategic execution, Arta brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective to the finance world. She’s dedicated to creating investor-ready financial solutions and scaling businesses through dynamic, data-driven insights.

Expect to Learn:

• How Arta transitioned from studying geography to founding a financial consulting firm.
• The critical importance of structure and design in financial modeling.
• Key strategies for building "investor-ready" financial models.
• The role of soft skills and storytelling in becoming a great finance business partner.
• Why simplifying assumptions and focusing on key metrics are essential for early-stage modeling success.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “If you're scaling and your finance function isn't solid, you're really scaling on shaky foundations." - Arta Ramaj
• ”Credibility and clarity are the north stars for building investor-ready financial models." - Arta Ramaj
• “Modeling for a startup is often more about flexibility and storytelling than creating a perfect spreadsheet." - Arta Ramaj

Arta Ramaj gave us a fascinating look into the world of financial modeling for startups and private equity-backed businesses, showing how structure, clarity, and strategic insight shape high-impact financial decision-making. Her experiences revealed how finance principles, business partnering skills, and storytelling all intersect to build trust with investors and stakeholders. From building investor-ready models to navigating the entrepreneurial journey, this episode showcased the critical role financial modelers play in driving growth, strategic planning, and value creation.

Follow Arta:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/artaramaj/
• Website - https://www.three6ixtyfinance.com

Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy  
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefpaguy8376 

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner  

• LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true  
• Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation Today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast’.

Visit https://bit.ly/497oAqW and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. 

In today’s episode: 

[01:04] - Welcome to the Episode

[03:21] - Horror Financial Model Story

[07:02] - From Geography to Finance

[11:33] - Love for FP&A and Business

[14:26] - Starting 360 Finance

[17:46] - Why Finance Gets Overlooked

[23:32] - Building Investor-Ready Models

[29:27] - The Financial Modeler as a Therapist

[35:14] - Fun with Excel and Wedding Modeling

[38:20] - Career Advice and Final Tips

In this special episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Cassie McCombs, Marcus Gadson, and Mario Vasquez. Together, they share their experiences with the Certified Corporate FP&A Professional (FPAC) credential from the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). The guests discuss how earning the FPAC has shaped their careers, the impact it’s had on their professional growth, and why this certification is becoming an essential asset for finance professionals.

Cassie is the Vice President of FP&A at Ultradent Products, a dental manufacturing company, where she played a key role in building the company’s first FP&A team from the ground up. Marcus serves as the Senior Finance Director at Wellpath, a healthcare company, where he is passionate about making finance accessible across all departments. Mario is the Senior Director of Finance at E.W. Scripps Company, brings over 25 years of experience in FP&A. He was part of the first cohort to earn the credential and shares valuable insights on how the certification helped him stand out and advance in his career.

Expect to Learn:

• The impact of continuing education on staying up-to-date in the field of FP&A.
• The value of the credential and how it can impact your career in FP&A.
• Key insights on how to prepare for the exam and tips for success.
• The importance of continuous learning and staying updated in the financial industry.
• The role of FP&A in driving business strategy and decision-making.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Data is not a four-letter word. It's essential to understanding and improving the business." - Cassie McCombs
• "If you’re not learning, you're going backward. The FPAC credential helps you stay on top of industry trends." - Mario Vasquez
• "Collaborating with non-finance teams is essential for making an impact as a finance leader." - Marcus Gadson

Cassie, Marcus, and Mario shared valuable perspectives on the impact of the FPAC credential on their careers and the financial planning and analysis profession. Their advice on the importance of continuous learning, collaboration across departments, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry provides actionable steps for finance professionals seeking to advance their skills and make a greater impact within their organizations. The experiences and wisdom shared in this episode are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of FP&A and drive long-term business success.

FP&A Community Hub:

Tired of searching for answers and sifting through sales pitches? The FP&A Hub is your go-to online community where finance professionals connect, learn, and grow without the distractions of sales pitches or generic LinkedIn content. Engage in real conversations, attend exclusive events, and gain insights from over 100 FP&A experts.

Be a part of the future of FP&A networking. Join for free at https://bit.ly/3DQWLrJ

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6957679529595162624 

Follow Mario:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-vasquez-finance/

Follow Marcus:

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

Follow Cassie:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-mccombs-fpac-10a373a4/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

FP&A Certificates:

FP&A Certificates is where finance professionals go to level up, stand out, and grow their careers. Built by FP&A experts for the FP&A community, this platform features the top certificate programs from Wharton Online,, CFI, FMI, and more. It’s the smartest way to compare your options, find the right fit, and get exclusive discounts. Show your commitment to FP&A and take your skills to the next level. Explore now at https://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-certifications

Explore the resources and discounts available:

• FPAC Program from Association of Financial Professionals (AFP)
• Use Code Exam: TheFPAGuy-FPAC – Exam for $150 Discount
• Use Code Exam Prep Platform: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP – Exam Prep Platform for $100 Discount
• Certificate of FP&A from Wharton Online and Wall Street Prep
• https://secure.enroll.wharton.wallstreetprep.com/referral/
• Use Code: THEFPAGUY300 – $300 Program Discount
• Certified Global FP&A Professional (CGFPA) | FP&A Professionals
• Use Code: FPAGUY - $200 Program Discount
• Financial Modeler's Corner Podcast - FMI
• Code: Podcast for a 15% Program Discount
• Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) Programs
• Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
• Code: FPAGUY30 for a 30% discount on the FMVA and FP&A Specialization programs
• FP&A specialization
• Certification in Financial Planning & Analysis Modeling (CFPAM™) | Wall Street Prep

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

[01:34] - Introduction of Episode

[02:35] - Meet the Guests: Cassie, Marcus, and Mario

[04:30] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[07:21] - The Decision to Get Certified

[10:13] - Other Credentials Considered

[13:19] - Career Impact of the FPAC

[19:19] - Study Approaches & Exam Tips

[27:06] - Continuing Education with AFP

[29:23] -'s Long-Term Career Impact

[41:41] - Top FP&A Skills

[46:36] - Fun Questions with the Guests

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) and Glenn Hopper welcome Carlos Vega, fintech founder, investor, and AI enthusiast. Carlos shares his unique path from investment banking to co-founding Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform helping companies optimize cash flow and unlock real working capital. Carlos reveals how his frustration with traditional finance workflows led him to build tools that empower finance teams to move at AI speed - with smarter forecasts, automated collections, and deeper financial visibility.

Carlos Vega is the co-founder and CEO of Tesorio, an AI-powered financial operations platform. He has over a decade of experience in finance, including investment banking at Lazard and co-founding a factoring business. Carlos holds an MBA from Wharton, where he created a custom focus in “Innovation Through Analytics” He’s passionate about turning data into actionable insights and making cash flow more predictable. At Tesorio, he helps companies automate collections and optimize working capital using AI.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Carlos designed a custom MBA in “Innovation Through Analytics”
• Why cash flow forecasting is more of a data problem than a finance one
• The real reason so many businesses rely on factoring (and what it reveals)
• How Tesorio uses AI and ML to clean and structure financial data
• Why actionable insights matter more than predictive reports

Carlos Vega shared practical insights on why cash flow is one of the most overlooked-yet critical-parts of running a business. With his background in finance and experience building Tesorio, he brought a real-world perspective to the conversation. He emphasized the importance of understanding where your money is coming from and when, and how small changes can make a big difference. At the heart of it all: clear processes, good habits, and staying on top of the details.

Follow Carlos:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-r-vega/

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

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:

[01:28] - Welcome to the Episode

[02:54] - Creating a Custom MBA

[09:46] - Lessons from a Factoring Business

[10:50] - Why People Ignore Cash Flow

[12:27] - Building in Panama vs. the U.S.

[14:12] - Cash Flow Is a Data Problem

[19:21] - Is Cash Flow Forecasting Overlooked?

[21:01] - Building Accurate Collection Models

[23:53] - Real AI Use Cases in Finance

[32:05] - Carlos’s Grounding Habits

[36:53] - Final Thoughts & Key Quote