The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode Host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) sits down with Elias Apel, the CEO of Lucanet, to explore the evolving landscape of financial planning and analysis. From transforming the Office of the CFO with AI to driving strategic acquisitions, Elias shares how he’s leading Lucanet through hypergrowth and innovation while staying grounded in customer-centric leadership.

Elias Apel is the CEO of Lucanet, a global provider of “Office of the CFO” software solutions for enterprises and SMEs. Founded in 1999, Lucanet offers tools for financial planning, consolidation, ESG reporting, tax compliance, and treasury management. The company supports nearly 6,000 customers in over 50 countries, with offices across Germany, Europe, the UK, Asia, and North America. Elias previously served as Lucanet’s CFO and VP of International Go-to-Market. He is also the co-founder of Argonas Corporate Finance Advisors, specializing in complex M&A and financing transactions.

Expect to Learn:

• What makes FP&A truly impactful and strategic
• How to build trust across finance functions
• Leveraging AI to boost financial operations
• Transitioning from advisor to successful CEO
• Integrating data analytics under finance leadership
• Strategy behind Lucanet’s acquisition of Causal

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Communication is the most important soft skill for any finance business partner."
• "Data analytics is the number one technical skill FP&A professionals should master today."
• "A modern CFO needs to be commercially minded, not just financially accurate."

Elias Apel shares valuable knowledge on leading through transformation, leveraging AI, and redefining the role of the CFO. He emphasizes the importance of trust, data-driven decision-making, and staying customer-focused. Whether you're in FP&A or executive leadership, his journey offers inspiration for building an agile, future-ready finance team. 

Operators Guild:

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghS

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Elias:

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

Website - https://www.lucanet.com/en/solutions/extended-planning-and-analysis/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

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

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

[01:51] - Introduction to the Episode

[03:34] - Defining Great FP&A

[09:18] - From M&A Advisor to CEO

[14:49] - Shifting from Operator to Strategic Leader

[19:31] - Why Roles Beyond Finance Matter

[25:36] - Embedding Data to Empower Finance Teams

[27:26] - The Evolving Role of the CFO

[35:51] - The Thinking Behind Lucanet’s M&A Strategy

[47:31] - Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals

[54:01] - Final Thoughts and Career Advice

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper are joined by Geoff Robinson, founder of TheInvestmentAnalyst.com and former Managing Director at UBS. Geoff shares his passion for innovation in finance and technology, diving deep into how AI, digital avatars, and automated agents are reshaping the way we learn, invest, and deliver financial advice.

Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI’s impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions.

Expect to Learn:

• How digital avatars are revolutionizing financial education
• Why traditional institutions struggle with tech adoption
• The power of combining AI agents and personalized content
• How Geoff is building a fully AI-generated financial podcast
• What the future holds for AI in finance, training, and recommendations

In this episode, Geoff Robinson offers a glimpse into the near future of finance where AI-generated avatars, real-time advisory bots, and metadata-driven recommendations shape how professionals learn and interact with data. His message is clear: those who stay closest to the technology frontier will be the first to innovate, adapt, and lead.

Follow Geoff:

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

Website - https://theinvestmentanalyst.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:

[02:12] - Starting the Platform

[03:30] - Digital Avatars and AI

[05:25] - AI Agents in Action

[07:12] - Personalized AI Experiences

[08:45] - AI-Generated Podcast

[10:53] - Managing AI Risks

[11:38] - Favorite Tech Tools

[13:18] - AI Recommendations

[14:10] - Final Thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Myles Arnott, co-founder of Full Stack Modeller and founder of Clarity Consultancy Services. Myles shares his 25+ year journey in Excel, his philosophy of keeping things simple, and how structured design and tools like Power Query have transformed his approach to modeling. He also opens up about taking the FMI Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) exam and co-building a global modeling community.

Myles Arnott is a CMA-qualified accountant, Excel trainer, and fractional finance director. He leads Clarity Consultancy Services and co-founded Full Stack Modeller, a platform built to provide finance professionals with a full toolkit of modern Excel and modeling skills. Myles blends operational finance experience with teaching, making complex modeling concepts accessible through real-world insights and practice.

Expect to Learn:

• The power of simplicity in model design
• How to effectively prepare for the AFM exam
• Best practices for managing data flow in Excel
• Why Power Query is one of Excel’s most powerful tools
• How Full Stack Modeler is helping professionals level up in finance
• The value of designing with clarity and reviewing with confidence
• Myles’s journey from complex automation to clean, intuitive spreadsheets

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• Spreadsheet risk skyrockets when models are messy and undocumented.”- Myles Arnott
• “If your data flows are poor, your insights will be too.”- Myles Arnott
• “Power Query changed everything for how we manage data in Excel.”- Myles Arnott

In this episode, Myles Arnott shares how clarity, consistency, and structure create better financial models. He emphasizes the importance of design thinking, simplifying complexity, and continuously developing your skills. Whether you're preparing for the AFM or just want to clean up your modeling, Myles’s advice will guide you toward modeling excellence.

Follow Myles:

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

Website - https://www.fullstackmodeller.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:

[01:39] - Episode Introduction

[02:49] - Worst Financial Model Mistakes 

[07:55] - Leadership and AFM

[13:26] - Balancing Under Exam Pressure

[19:17] - Full Stack Origins

[23:01] - MVP Antics and Office Fun

[27:04] - Simplifying Systems and Processes

[31:13] - Power Query Tips

[36:37] - Career Lessons Learned

[46:09] - Advice to Aspiring Modelers

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (aka the FP&A Guy) welcomes Glenn Snyder, a seasoned FP&A leader with over 20 years of experience. Glenn shares insights on financial planning and analysis, leadership strategies, and building effective business partnerships. He discusses the keys to driving business impact, managing teams, and navigating career growth in FP&A.

Glenn Snyder is a Senior Director at Riverrun Consulting, specializing in interim financial leadership. With a career spanning financial services, fintech, SaaS, private equity, and more, he has held leadership roles at Franklin Templeton, Visa, Charles Schwab, and Digital Realty. Glenn is also an author, educator, and board member, passionate about mentoring finance professionals and improving FP&A effectiveness.

Expect to Learn:

• The key elements of great FP&A and how it drives executive decisions
• How to balance company goals with employee career development
• Strategies for building strong business partnerships in FP&A
• The role of automation and efficiency in FP&A reporting and analysis
• How to successfully transition into a new leadership role
• Overcoming resistance from business leaders and earning trust in finance
• The importance of storytelling and data visualization in financial reporting

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “The best leaders give credit to their teams and create opportunities for them to shine.” - Glenn Snyder
• Your career growth is your responsibility. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning.” - Glenn Snyder
• “You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, but you must be the most adaptable.” - Glenn Snyder

In this episode, Glenn Snyder shared his expertise on what makes FP&A impactful, how to lead finance teams, and the importance of strong business partnerships. He emphasized that great FP&A professionals don’t just report numbers, they drive decisions, build trust, and continuously improve processes. Being proactive, investing in relationships, and focusing on delivering insights, not just reports, are key. Success in FP&A comes from adapting, influencing, and always adding value.

Operator’s Guild:

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghS

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

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

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

[01:39] - Introduction to the Episode

[04:12] - What Great FP&A Looks Like

[09:17] - Transitioning to Leadership

[14:49] - Balancing Change in a New Role

[18:20] - Early Leadership Challenges

[23:36] - Flexibility in FP&A

[27:03] - Playing Sponge

[34:16] - Managing Career Growth

[46:51] - The #1 Technical Skill for FP&A

[59:32] - Great Advice for FP&A

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Glenn Hopper and Paul Barnhurst welcome Geoff Robinson, a financial expert, tech enthusiast, and founder of theinvestmentanalyst.com. Geoff shares his insights on the intersection of AI, financial markets, and digital avatars, discussing how technology is reshaping finance, training, and investment strategies.

Geoff Robinson is an investment analyst and former Managing Director at UBS, with years of experience in financial modeling and research. After a successful corporate career, he founded theinvestmentanalyst.com, a platform designed to deliver high quality financial training using AI-driven avatars and cutting edge technology. Geoff is at the forefront of exploring AI’s impact on financial education, advisory services, and market predictions.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI powered digital avatars are transforming financial education
• Why traditional financial institutions struggle to keep up with tech innovation
• The role of AI agents in real time investment advice and analysis
• How banks like JP Morgan are integrating AI into their operations
• The ethical and reputational risks of AI generated financial content

In this episode, Geoff Robinson shared how AI, digital avatars, and automation are transforming finance. He discussed the power of AI driven training and the rise of digital investment advisors. Geoff emphasized the need for finance professionals to embrace technology and adapt quickly. Staying ahead in banking, investing, and education requires leveraging AI tools. Those who innovate will lead the future of the industry.

Follow Geoff Robinson:

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

Website - https://theinvestmentanalyst.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:

[01:55] - Introduction to the Episode

[06:39] - Innovation Challenges in Finance

[10:49] - AI in Financial Training

[15:16] - AI Avatars in Advisory Services

[19:36] - AI in Investment and Risk

[22:19] - AI-Generated Podcasts

[26:50] - Managing AI Risks and Reputation

[37:08] - Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

[48:55] - Main Takeaway

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst welcomes Emma Chieppor, founder of Excel Dictionary, a social media-driven Excel education platform with over 9 million followers. Emma shares her journey from being an actuary to becoming one of the most influential Excel educators online. She discusses the power of Excel, the challenges of running a business, and how short-form content transformed Excel learning for millions.

Emma Chieppor started her career as an actuary before launching Excel Dictionary, a platform dedicated to providing quick and practical Excel tips. Through social media, Emma has built a massive following by sharing 30-second Excel tutorials. Her expertise has helped professionals worldwide enhance their Excel skills efficiently.

Expect to Learn:

• How Emma transitioned from actuary to Excel influencer
• The challenges of learning Excel while starting a corporate job during COVID
• Why pivot tables in financial models can be a nightmare
• How Emma grew her social media following to over 9 million in less than a year
• The most underrated Excel shortcuts that can save hours of work

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “I had never really used Excel before my first job, so I had to teach myself from scratch.”
• There’s no secret formula for social media. Just post good content and stay consistent.”
• “If you’re learning Excel, repetition and practice are key.”

In this episode, Emma Chieppor shared her journey from actuary to Excel influencer, emphasizing consistency, hands on learning, and creativity in Excel. She highlighted the power of shortcuts, automation, and social media in making Excel more accessible. Excel is more than a tool; it is a platform for innovation and efficiency. Keep learning, stay curious, and master the skills that set you apart!

Follow Emma Chieppor :

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-chieppor-excel-dictionary-261444235/
• Website - https://excel-dictionary.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:

[01:30] - Introduction to the episode

[03:09] - Worst Financial Model Mistakes – Avoiding Pivot Tables

[06:43] - Emma’s Background from an Actuary to an Excel Star

[09:03] - How COVID Led to the Creation of Excel Dictionary

[13:04] - Emma’s Journey to One Million Plus Followers

[17:49] - The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation

[28:23] - Rapid-Fire Excel Questions on Excel Features

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) sits down with Jeff Casale and Rich Wagner to explore the role of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). They discuss how AI, external data, and continuous planning are transforming the industry, making FP&A a more strategic function. The conversation covers the power of AI-driven forecasting and how businesses can leverage external economic indicators to gain a competitive edge.

Jeff Casale is the CEO of Board, a leading FP&A software company. With previous leadership roles at MarkLogic, Dell Technologies, VMware, and EMC, Jeff has a deep understanding of enterprise technology and how finance functions can drive business growth. Rich Wagner is the Field CTO at Board and the former CEO & Founder of Prevedere, a predictive analytics company that leverages external data for accurate forecasting. With over 20 years of experience in technology, consulting, and Fortune 500 leadership, Rich brings valuable expertise in the intersection of AI, finance, and business strategy.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is transforming financial planning, reducing manual work, and improving decision-making.
• Why integrating external data is essential for more accurate forecasting and risk management.
• Why traditional budgeting cycles are outdated and how real-time, agile forecasting is becoming the new norm.
• How CEOs and finance leaders rely on FP&A teams for strategic decision-making.
• How finance professionals can improve their skills and become more valuable business partners.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “AI is revolutionizing FP&A by reducing manual work and improving time-to-value.” - Rich Wagner
• “The companies that embrace continuous planning will be the winners in their industries.” - Jeff Casale
• “External data helps FP&A teams anticipate risks, not just react to them.” - Rich Wagner

This episode reinforced the idea that FP&A is evolving into a strategic powerhouse. AI, external economic data, and real-time forecasting are changing how companies plan, react, and make decisions. FP&A professionals must develop both technical and strategic skills to stay relevant.

Operator’s Guild:

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghS

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Jeff:

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

Board- https://www.board.com/

Follow Rich:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-wagner1/

Prevedere - https://prevedere.com/

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Planning in BI Showcase:

Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms. Now, with business intelligence tools you can integrate planning directly into your BI system. Join Paul on March 20th for the Planning in BI Showcase, where industry leaders will demonstrate how top BI tools are reshaping strategic planning. See firsthand how modern FP&A solutions can drive real value across your enterprise. Don’t miss out!

Register today for free at https://bit.ly/4aLzEe0

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

[01:49] - Welcome & Guest Introductions

[03:53] - What Does Great FP&A Look Like?

[06:22] - Why Enter the FP&A Software Space?

[08:05] - Acquiring Prevedere: The Strategy Behind It

[14:28] - How External Data Improves Forecasting

[18:54] - How AI is Changing FP&A

[24:29] - How FP&A Teams Can Start Using External Data

[33:57] - The Shift to Continuous Planning

[41:50] - FP&A’s Role in Leadership & Decision-Making

[47:48] - The #1 Skill for FP&A Professionals

[56:33] - Who Would You Swap Jobs With?

[59:53] - Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper talk about the latest AI developments impacting the finance and technology sectors. They discuss Perplexity AI’s rise, OpenAI’s new AI agent pricing, and how finance professionals can leverage cutting-edge AI tools to stay ahead. The growing AI browser wars, with Perplexity challenging Google and Microsoft, and the role of AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now in transforming forecasting and decision-making for finance professionals.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How Perplexity AI is competing with ChatGPT and Gemini in AI-powered search
• The impact of AI-driven networking tools like Boardy on business connections
• OpenAI’s AI agent pricing and why some models cost up to $20,000 per month
• The AI browser wars and Perplexity’s challenge to Google and Microsoft
• How finance professionals can use AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making

AI is advancing rapidly, and finance leaders must adapt to remain competitive. Whether it’s leveraging AI for research, forecasting, or automation, staying informed is key to success in this evolving landscape. As new AI tools emerge, understanding their strengths and limitations will be crucial for making informed decisions. Those who embrace AI early will gain a significant edge in efficiency, strategy, and innovation.

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:

[00:32] - Perplexity AI’s rise and its impact on AI-powered search

[04:19] - Boardy’s AI networking tool and its implications for professionals

[05:51] - The risks of AI-generated content and best practices for using AI

[16:11] - AI-powered financial tools like Lucid Now and their impact on forecasting

[18:53] - Deep Research AI and how finance professionals can use it

[28:52] - Final thoughts on AI adoption in finance 

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) welcomes Sean Mooney, a senior financial consultant specializing in automated financial modeling for professional services. Sean shares his journey from accounting to financial modeling, the challenges of revenue forecasting for law firms, and the power of Excel automation.

Sean Mooney is the founder of SJ Finance, a consultancy specializing in financial modeling automation for professional services firms. With 12+ years of executive finance experience in the UK and Australia, Sean has built financial models that have helped businesses secure millions in funding. He is an expert in Power Query, Excel automation, and M&A financial modeling, helping companies save up to 75% of reporting time through smart automation.

Expect to Learn:

• How Sean transitioned from accounting to financial modeling
• The role of Power Query in automating financial modeling processes
• Key revenue forecasting challenges in law firms and service businesses
• Why scenario planning is critical for financial models
• How financial modeling influences business strategy and decision-making

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Law firms have long cash cycles, so tracking work-in-progress (WIP) is absolutely critical.”
• “Debt financing can sometimes be a better alternative to private equity, but many business owners don’t realize that.”
• “The biggest risk in a financial model? A black hole of stagnant WIP that never turns into revenue.”

In this episode, Sean Mooney shared his expertise on how automation, Power Query, and strong forecasting techniques can transform financial models from static spreadsheets into dynamic decision-making tools. He advises financial modelers to stress-test their models, embrace automation, and always keep learning.

Follow Sean:

• LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mooney-sjf
• Company - https://sjfinance.co.uk/

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:

[01:24] Introduction to the Episode

[06:55] Sean’s Passion for Financial Modeling

[09:45] Guiding Clients on Financial Decisions

[15:30] Revenue Forecasting for Law Firms

[24:38] The Potential of Power Query

[30:04] Sean’s Favorite Excel Shortcuts & Tips

[31:39] Excel Nerd Moment

[34:18] Rapid-Fire Questions

[37:53] Final Advice for Financial Modelers

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) welcomes Albert Ramos. He shares his thoughts about financial planning and analysis (FP&A), the role of AI in finance, and how businesses can leverage predictive analytics to make better strategic decisions. They also discuss pricing strategy, AI adoption, and the growing importance of financial professionals transitioning into advisory roles. 

Albert Ramos is a fractional CFO, AI strategist, and the founder of Stratego Intel Consulting, an AI-powered fractional CFO and virtual Chief AI Officer firm. With 15 years of executive leadership across finance, operations, sales, and technology, Albert has worked with publicly traded, private equity-backed, and employee-owned companies. He is a strong advocate for mental health awareness in high-pressure industries, emphasizing how AI can help reduce stress and improve efficiency.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI and predictive analytics are shaping the future of finance.
• Why businesses often get pricing wrong and how FP&A can help fix it.
• How AI and agent-based automation are streamlining financial processes.
• Transitioning into a strategic business partner and the key skills required.
• How AI tools can help reduce anxiety, stress, and improve work-life balance.

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “AI won’t replace finance professionals, but those who use AI will replace those who don’t.”
• “AI can enhance financial modeling, but the human element of strategic thinking is irreplaceable.”
• “Companies that ignore AI today will be struggling to catch up in the next two years.”

Albert explains how AI is revolutionizing finance, why pricing strategy is critical for business success, and how finance professionals can future-proof their careers by evolving into strategic advisors. He also shared an important perspective on mental health, emphasizing how AI can help reduce stress by automating repetitive tasks, allowing finance professionals to focus on higher-value work.

Operator’s Guild:

Operators Guild is where the best CEOs, CFOs, VPs of finance, and BizOps leaders in the business connect, network, and grow together. Built by operators for operators, this members-only community is home to more than 1000 of the most elite high-growth operators in the world. Experience connection and knowledge share with professionals who understand you like no one else does. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/3F6sghS

Follow FP&A Tomorrow:

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

Follow Albert:

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

Company - https://www.strategointel.com/

Email - [email protected]

Follow Paul: 

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

Planning in BI Showcase:

Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms. Now, with business intelligence tools you can integrate planning directly into your BI system. Join Paul on March 20th for the Planning in BI Showcase, where industry leaders will demonstrate how top BI tools are reshaping strategic planning. See firsthand how modern FP&A solutions can drive real value across your enterprise. Don’t miss out!

Register today for free at https://bit.ly/4aLzEe0

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

[01:38] - Meet Albert Ramos

[04:16] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[06:56] - Pricing Strategy Mistakes & Best Practices

[15:20] - Albert’s Experience in Fitness Industry

[19:08] - Going Full-Time as a Fractional CFO

[23:19] - AI tools and agentic workflows

[28:06] - The Future of AI in FP&A

[41:43] - AI’s Impact on Mental Health & Work-Life Balance

[48:08] - How to Get Started with AI in Finance

[51:46] - FP&A Quickfire Questions

[01:00:10] - Where to Find Albert Ramos