The FP&A Guy Network

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst. 

The title sponsor for this week’s episode of FP&A Tomorrow is Abacum, the leading mid-market FP&A solution trusted by hundreds of companies to eliminate the spreadsheet struggle. https://www.abacum.io

In today’s episode with Tom Schultz, Paul had an insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and its implications for fractional CFOs.

Tom Schultz, founder and CFO of NextGen CFO, sheds light on the crucial skills behind successful financial analysis and the evolving role of technology in finance. From his extensive experience, Tom shares invaluable insights into transitioning from traditional FP&A roles to becoming a sought-after fractional CFO.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include: :

Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:

• Professionals in financial planning and analysis are tasked with translating real-world events into financial data, forecasting, and modeling these numbers to plan for future outcomes strategically.
• The discussion concerns how advancements like AI and prebuilt dashboards might impact the depth of learning traditionally required in FP&A roles. Integrating new technologies poses challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field.
• The evolution of a career in finance, emphasizing the shift towards providing strategic fractional CFO consultancy.
• With the increasing demand for fractional CFOs, there's a spotlight on the advantageous position of FP&A professionals looking to transition into these roles.
• The intent is to offer a comprehensive resource for those interested in the niche, inspired by numerous informal mentorship interactions.
• The strategic adoption of technology in financial practices, highlighting the importance of aligning technology use with client needs and exploring the capabilities of generative AI to streamline writing and documentation processes in finance.

Quotes:

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode about FP&A and CFO insights:

"A great FP&A person in my mind is someone who knows what's behind the numbers."

"It's more in private companies that are slow to hire a professional CFO. I think if you're out there fundraising and I've seen pre-revenue hire a fractional CFO just because they need navigation for investors."

"The young people coming into this profession, I'm concerned that they'll take that stuff for granted and learn down to the root that we learned."

"If you look at the CFO in the finance department, the controller and everyone below them tend to look backward in history. The CFO tends to look forward, so the FP&A person is more forward-looking than anyone else in the finance department."

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Plan Buddies, where professionals meet excellence. This isn't just any community. It is a community run by and for planning professionals. At Plan Buddies were all about fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and providing mentorship among FP&A experts. Ready to elevate your career? Visit plan-buddies.com and become a member today. Here's a special treat. Use the promo code "TheFPandAGuy", that is the FP&A Guy for an exclusive 25% discount on your first-year membership. 

Follow Tom:    

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-schultz-5926815
• Website - https://www.nextgencfo.com

 Follow Paul: 

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

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions.  For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. 

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst.

The title sponsor for this week’s episode of FP&A Tomorrow is Abacum, the leading mid-market FP&A solution trusted by hundreds of companies to eliminate the spreadsheet struggle. https://www.abacum.io

In today’s episode, Paul sits down with Jon Laudie, to discuss integrating FP&A into strategic planning and decision-making across businesses.

With Jon Laudie, CFO at Zerorez, plunge into Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and learn from Jon's rich experience and strategic insights. From his initial roles in investment banking to his current position as CFO, Jon shares his valuable lessons.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include:

Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:

The transition challenges and learnings involved in moving to a CFO position, including dealing with complex financial operations and integrating multiple acquisitions.

FP&A functions are evolving to become more aligned with strategic finance, significantly enhancing their impact on business decision-making.

Emerging technologies are streamlining FP&A processes, making them more efficient and reducing reliance on manual tasks.

Strategies for FP&A professionals to become more strategic and operationally focused are discussed, including building relationships outside of finance and understanding the broader business context.

Quotes:

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode about FP&A and CFO insights:

“I think great FP&A in my mind is a function that is deeply integrated into the strategic planning and the decision-making of any organization.”

“We still come across things that surprise us, like, 'Oh, we didn't realize how this is or this contract existed.”

Follow Jon:   

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlaudie
• Website - https://www.zerorez.com

 Follow Paul: 

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

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions. For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. 

Welcome to the Financial Modeler's Corner (FMC), where we discuss the art and science of financial modeling with your host Paul Barnhurst.

Financial Modeler's Corner is sponsored by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the most respected accreditation in Financial Modeling globally. https://www.abacum.io

In today’s episode, Paul engages in a conversation with Geoff Robinson, to discuss the financial modeling world, blending technical skills with behavioral economics to enhance decision-making in finance.

Geoff Robinson, founder of TheInvestmentAnalyst.com and seasoned financial modeler with a rich background in investment banking and education, notably as a former managing director at UBS.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include:

• An unconventional entry into investment banking at 43, highlighting how the background in education enriches the approach to financial analysis and modeling, emphasizing the crossover skills between teaching and financial analysis. This highlights how teaching skills are transferable and beneficial in the financial analysis and modeling sectors.
• An anecdote about a significant error in a financial model, which failed to detect a $29 billion discrepancy, underscoring the critical importance of rigorous validation and diagnostic checks in financial modeling.
• In the role of behavioral factors in financial modeling, adopting a stance of professional skepticism and the need for understanding and questioning the assumptions underlying a model before trusting its output.
• For simplicity and planning in financial modeling, the most effective models are those that are straightforward, well-planned, and can communicate complex financial insights in an accessible manner.
• Strategies for mitigating bias, such as incorporating different perspectives and rigorous testing of hypotheses, as the influence of cognitive biases on financial modeling to enhance the reliability of financial models.

Quotes:

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode on financial analysis and modeling:

"The diagnostic on this model was said if total assets equal total liabilities and equity, okay. So no matter what happened, your balance sheet, even if it was mashed up, the diagnostics said it was fine and when you went into the detail, there was a $29 billion hole in that balance sheet."

"Financial models are a real kind of insight and window into the personality of the modeler. You can see how they think, you can see how they overcomplicate things. You can see if they're sloppy."

“Models are question-asking tools. One of your questions was is it a primary decision maker, a financial model? I don't think models are decision-makers. I think models are the way you test a hypothesis.”

"I suppose the blunt thing to say is don't trust anything until you understand it."

Follow Geoff:

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

Website - https://theinvestmentanalyst.com

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

For an experienced-based approach to financial modeling, emphasizing skepticism, the effective communication of complex financial data, and the intersection of analytical rigor, educational techniques, and behavioral economics, visit FMI at www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use code ‘Podcast’ to save 15% when you register. Contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In today’s episode:

(01:58) Introduction

(02:44) Guest Introduction

(03:00) Horrifying Financial Models

(04:01) Joking on Big Numbers

(04:24) Approach to Financial Modeling

(05:14) Behavioral Insights in Modeling

(05:56) Best Practices and Lessons Learned

(42:40) Rapid-Fire Question Round

(47.09) Guest's advice for aspiring financial modelers

(47.38) Contact information to learn more about various modeling techniques and tools

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst. 

The title sponsor for this week’s episode of FP&A Tomorrow is Abacum, the leading mid-market FP&A solution trusted by hundreds of companies to eliminate the spreadsheet struggle. https://www.abacum.io

In today’s episode, Paul engages in a conversation with Richard Tame, to discuss the essential elements that define excellent financial planning and analysis.

Richard, CFO of Coeus Institute, with over 25-plus years of experience in finance across various sectors, including his significant role at Aurora, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the evolving landscape of FP&A.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include: :

Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:

• FP&A is rooted in having the right team. The focus is on hiring the right people with the necessary skills and ensuring they work well together.
• FP&A teams are not just about number crunching, they should also influence business decisions. The ability of FP&A to be involved in strategic discussions varies by company culture, from being central to decision-making to being viewed as a back-office function.
• FP&A professionals adapt their strategies to fit the culture of the company, whether it's a traditional corporation or a fast-paced tech startup.
• It is important to prepare an organization structurally and financially for potential public offerings or other major corporate transitions.

Quotes:

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode about FP&A mastery:

"I've been in companies whereby finance has a really strong seat at the table and you know, you can't blow your nose unless finance is holding the handkerchief. Then I've been in companies where finance is seen as an inconvenience at best."

"You have to make the relationships not about you. You're there to partner with the business, and invariably the business knows more about the business. You need to have a relationship such that you can influence them. You're serving them."

We had built the company in a way that we would have expected to go public at some point, and one of the things that I'd seen at Lyft, for example, I joined Lyft the day after the IPO, and it became clear that perhaps they hadn't built the infrastructure in the way that they could of to make life easier and that was very messy."

Follow Richard:    

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtame
• Website - https://coeus.institute

 Follow Paul: 

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

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions.  For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details. 

Welcome to FP&A Tomorrow, where we discuss financial planning and analysis, examining its current state and future prospects, with your host Paul Barnhurst.

The title sponsor for this week’s episode of FP&A Tomorrow is Abacum, the leading mid-market FP&A solution trusted by hundreds of companies to eliminate the spreadsheet struggle. https://www.abacum.io

In today’s episode, Paul engages in a conversation with Carl Seidman to discuss why mastering presentation skills, and understanding the needs of the audience is crucial for excelling in your FP&A career.

Carl is a premier FP&A and Fractional CFO expert, providing financial advisory and leadership development services to top companies including Deloitte, Verizon, and Walmart. Carl is known for his impactful training programs and advisory work that drive success in financial planning and analysis.

Key takeaways from this week's episode include: :

Here is a concise summary of the key points from the discussion:

• In FP&A, the ability to distill complex information into a concise, impactful message is paramount. It's not about how much you know, but what you can communicate effectively.

• The ability to distill complex information into a concise, impactful message is paramount. It's not about how much you know, but what you can communicate effectively.

• FP&A isn't just about numbers, it's about storytelling with data, painting a vivid picture of the financial landscape that guides strategic decisions and drives organizational success

• Anticipating potential disruptions or changes in the business environment is a fundamental aspect of FP&A. By identifying risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, FP&A professionals can help the organization stay ahead and adapt effectively.

Quotes: :

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode about FP&A and product working together effectively:

"You're not going to go to a nice restaurant and pay a lot of money for a delicious dish, and then have it be delivered in a greasy brown paper bag. Right. So the deliverable matters a whole lot. It can actually significantly dismiss the credibility or value of everything that came up before at that point in time."

"I think that Great FP&A looks like a team of people who are equipped, from a technical standpoint, to be able to execute the kinds of requests that are being asked of them."

“The demands in business, the increasingly fast-moving environment, competition, the risks of getting some of this planning wrong are pushing the need of FP&A to be a whole lot more proactive, a lot more agile, a lot more well rounded and thinking instead of just being about financial planning and reporting."

Follow Carl:   

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

Website - https://seidmanfinancial.com

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions. For AFP FPAC certification answer the questions and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

Welcome to the Financial Modeler's Corner (FMC), where we discuss the art and science of financial modeling with your host Paul Barnhurst. Financial Modeler's Corner is sponsored by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the most respected accreditation in Financial Modeling globally.

In today’s episode, Paul engages in a conversation with Scott Rostan, Founder of Training The Street.

Scott found his passion for finance with his dedication to teaching and has been driving innovation in financial training ever since. As CEO of Training The Street and as an adjunct professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, he inspires the next generation of finance professionals

Through his leadership as CEO of Training The Street, Scott has reshaped the landscape of financial education, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive.

In this episode, expect to learn:

• The significance of technical skills, such as financial modeling, accounting, and Excel proficiency, in the finance industry
• How specialized training programs can help individuals enhance their financial knowledge and technical abilities
• The evolving role of AI in finance and how it complements human expertise rather than replacing it
• The balance between technical proficiency and interpersonal skills to excel in their careers
• How individuals can build trust with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the integrity and credibility of the finance profession.

Quotes:  

“It's really easy to start throwing stuff together and writing a nasty old nested if formula or whatever it might be, but that doesn't always mean it's clean or effective or meets those requirements we talk about.”

“And when you get good with the prompt engineering typing, questions, and answers, you can get a lot more productive and faster.”

“It's not ideal because circular references can make your model more complex and harder to understand, but in certain situations, they're necessary for accuracy.”

“If you just blindly took the financial information from this database, it could be off by a big factor. So again understanding what's going on, understanding the nuance, understanding the limitations is going to be much more valuable.”

“They're going to trust you and value you to distill what's important and then present it in an easy-to-digest way so that they can understand in simple terms what is happening. The analysis comes from the model, but the story is going to come from you.”

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

Visit www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use code Podcast to save 15% when you register.  

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit.  

Follow Scott:    

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rostan-86b44417a
• Website - https://trainingthestreet.com/

 Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com/   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy/  
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@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   

In today’s episode:  

[00:45] Introduction;

[01:00] Scott’s horror story of the worst Financial Model;

[01:58] The KISS principle;

[03:53] Scott’s background;

[05:56] Key projects that helped Scott;

[19:17] Training the Street courses;

[21:02] How is AI changing modeling;

[28:59] Skills required for a great modeler;

[42:50] Scott’s favorite Excel shortcut;

[44:18] Rapid fire;

[48:55] Scptt’s final piece of advice;

Welcome to this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, a podcast where we explore the currency state of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) and the future of business operations. Hosted by Paul Barnhurst, also known as the FP&A Guy, this episode is sponsored by Abacum, the leading mid-market FP&A solution. 

This week, we're diving into the crucial relationship between FP&A and product management, featuring insights from three distinguished guests: Dara Goroff, Navya Rehani Gupta, and Urvi Kapadia.

This special episode focuses on the synergy between FP&A and product management, addressing the essential qualities of a fruitful partnership that drives business growth and product success.

A little about our guests:

Dara Goroff: Specializes in product management within the automotive space, currently leading initiatives at I-CAR to standardize collision repair education.

Navya Rehani Gupta: Chief Product Officer at Peek, with a rich background in engineering, finance, and high-growth startups.

Urvi Kapadia: FP&A Manager at Netdocuments, bringing an accounting perspective to tech and product finance, with experience in various industries including manufacturing.

Expect to Learn:

• The Art of Possibility: Understanding how FP&A can support product management through the lens of future potential, not just immediate financials.
• Customer-Centric Financial Planning: The importance of FP&A professionals familiarizing themselves with customer needs and product value propositions.
• Strategic Alignment and Empathy: Both teams striving for mutual understanding and alignment on business objectives to ensure cohesive movement towards shared goals.
• Analytical Collaboration: Leveraging analytical skills in both domains to iterate product features and pricing strategies that align with market demands and financial realities.
• Early Involvement and Transparency: The significance of involving FP&A in product planning stages for better financial planning and risk management.

This episode promises a comprehensive look into how FP&A and product management can collaborate more effectively, emphasizing strategic alignment, empathy, and a shared vision for the future. Whether you're deeply embedded in FP&A, just beginning your journey, or part of a product team, these insights will guide you in fostering stronger, more productive relationships across these critical business functions.

Some Insightful quotes:

On Strategic Partnership:

“True excellence in FP&A comes from not just understanding the numbers, but from understanding the story behind the numbers. It's about being a strategic partner who can translate data into actionable insights." - This highlights the evolving role of FP&A professionals from number crunchers to strategic advisors who can guide decision-making processes.

On Collaboration with Product Management:

"The magic happens when FP&A and product management see the art of the possible together. It’s not just about balancing the books; it’s about understanding and investing in the future of the product." - This quote encapsulates the importance of collaboration between FP&A and product teams, emphasizing a shared vision for innovation and growth.

On Analytical Prowess:

"An FP&A professional’s strength lies in their ability to see beyond the immediate financials to the broader business implications. It’s about connecting the dots in ways that others haven’t yet seen." - This quote reflects the analytical prowess required in FP&A, highlighting the need to provide insights that drive forward-thinking strategies.

On the Importance of Customer Understanding:

"FP&A isn't just about internal metrics and forecasts; it's about deeply understanding the market and customer needs. Our financial planning must align with delivering value to our customers." - This underscores the necessity for FP&A professionals to have a customer-centric approach, ensuring that financial plans are always aligned with customer value.

On Empathy and Alignment:

"Effective FP&A requires empathy towards the teams we partner with. Understanding their challenges and aligning on common goals is essential for moving the business in the right direction together." - This quote highlights the soft skills needed in FP&A, particularly the importance of empathy and alignment with other departments to achieve shared business objectives.

Abacum is the leading mid-market FP&A solution trusted by hundreds of companies to eliminate the spreadsheet struggle. Visit Abacum.io today and multiply the impact of your finance team.

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit.

Checkout Our Amazing Guests:

Dara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-goroff-pmp-0228691

Navya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navyarehani/ 

Urvi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urvi-kapadia-fpna/

Follow Paul:

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

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

FP&A Tomorrow is where we discuss what FP&A looks like today and help shape what it should look like tomorrow by interviewing the best and brightest people in FP&A globally.

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit.

Follow Paul:

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

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

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thefpandaguy

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

Welcome to the Financial Modeler's Corner (FMC), where we discuss the art and science of financial modeling with your host Paul Barnhurst. Financial Modeler's Corner is sponsored by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the most respected accreditation in Financial Modeling globally.

In today’s episode, Paul engages in a conversation with Roderick McKinley, blockchain & Tokenomics advisor of Rmckinley.net

Roderick, a crypto expert, discusses financial modeling in the crypto space, highlighting challenges like token volatility and treasury management. He emphasizes aligning incentives for healthy exchanges and discusses his online course on Tokenomics Modeling and fundraising.

Roderick also offers strategic guidance, product development, and Tokenomic design services for various blockchain applications, including DeFi, blockchain games, and Layer 1 protocols. He assists in developing tokenized business models, designing token utilities, and structuring token allocations for successful capital raises.

In this episode, these are your learnings:

• Understand the integration of finance and blockchain and Tokenomics and strategic guidance for blockchain projects.
• Gain insights into challenges and opportunities in transitioning from traditional finance to the crypto space.
• Learn how to navigate complexities like token volatility and incentive alignment in blockchain projects.
• Obtain practical tips on developing tokenized business models, designing token utilities, and structuring token allocations for successful fundraising.
• Acquire valuable knowledge for navigating the evolving landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Quotes: 

• “Financial modeling often has a lot to do with client and industry expectations. What passes as good work or what passes as enough can change very dramatically from country to country and sector to sector.”

• “Some of the stuff they teach you is that, well, the world's this way because it can't be any other way. And you pass exams sort of like explaining why it's impossible to fix things but suddenly blockchain technology actually gives you a completely different kind of tool chest that opens that up again.”

• “Try and look for the shortest and most efficient way to express your calculations. Try and maximize the speed of your model.”

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

Visit www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use code Podcast to save 15% when you register.

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit.

Follow Roderick McKinley: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roderickmckinley

Website: https://rmckinley.net/

Follow Paul:

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

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

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thefpandaguy

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner

LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

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

In today’s episode:

01:10 Introduction

01:55 Rodrick’s horror story

03:55 Rodrick’s background

05:25 Getting stuck on a tropical island

06:08 Rodrick’s love of problem-solving, geeky coding, and number-crunching

11:50 Interview with Boris Johnson

13:17 Definition of token economics

21:39 How do crypto companies manage their treasury?

28:04 Simplifying Tokenomics modeling

30:01 Deciding on tool selection

35:51 Rodrick’s Favorite and Most Valuable Excel Shortcuts

37:25 Rapid fire

42:42 Wrap up

Welcome to the Financial Modeler's Corner (FMC), where we discuss the art and science of financial modeling with your host Paul Barnhurst. Financial Modeler's Corner is sponsored by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the most respected accreditation in Financial Modeling globally.

In this episode, Paul is joined by Ian Bennett, Partner, Deals Modelling team at PwC, Australia.

With over 20 years of experience as a professional financial modeler, Ian has constructed and assessed models critical for major transactions, infrastructure projects, and routine forecasting and reporting. Today Ian leads the deal modeling practice for Pwc Australia.

In addition to being a world-class Modeller Ian is incredibly dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing (DI&W). This has propelled him through various positions within PwC and beyond. As a proud LGBTIQ+ ally, he serves on the Steering Committee of Shine@PwC, the firm's LGBTIQ+ employee network, and currently holds the role of wellbeing lead for the Financial Advisory business.

In this episode, expect to learn:

• Why understanding the stakeholders involved in a project is vital
• Why it's essential to listen actively to clients, understand their needs, and ask the right questions
• How to analyze the success and effectiveness of the financial modeling process
• What are the tools and technologies available in the market
• What are the new technologies and methodologies for financial modelers to stay effective and successful in their roles

Quotes: 

• “You need a desire to understand the power of the things you have in front of you and not be scared.”

• “Every model tells a story, and that story is known at the start of the project, and the questions that the model will be able to answer.”

• “Models are built for a single primary purpose at the time that they are conceived’

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

Visit www.fminstitute.com/podcast and use code Podcast to save 15% when you register.

Go to https://earmarkcpe.com, download the app, take the quiz and you can receive CPE credit.

Follow Ian Bennett: 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianrbennett

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

Follow Paul:

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

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

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thefpandaguy

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner

LinkedIn Page- https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/

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

In today’s episode:

00:20: Introduction

01:10: Problem that bettered Ian

03:00: Ian’s insights on financial models

05:18: Ian’s story

07:13: What is MFM and why did Ian pursue it?

08:35: Ian’s experience in the Global Excel Summit

10:49 Why Ian is passionate about financial modeling

11:52: Ian’s favorite industry that he likes to model

13:13: What makes a good financial modeler?

16:49: Things beyond the model that help in a project?

22:05: Approach and methodology 

27:00: Tools beyond Excel

34:40: Technical nugget when building new models

36:50:  Rapid fire 

39:08: Ian’s favorite function

45:00: Ian’s advice to become a better financial modeler

45:36: Wrap up