In this episode of Future Finance, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Kam Star, a strategic product and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in AI, finance, and digital innovation. Kam shares his unique perspective on the evolution of artificial intelligence from early expert systems to today's powerful neural networks and how AI is shaping decision-making in finance and private equity. The discussion discusses the prediction, gamification, motivation, and the future of AI-assisted strategic decisions in business.

Kam Star is a visionary in AI and technology, with a rich background blending computer science, psychology, and architecture. He has led significant business growth initiatives, including scaling Blue Prism’s product portfolio and founding ventures with revenues exceeding £100 million. Kam holds a PhD in Computer Science and Psychology, alongside advanced studies in AI from MIT, Sloan, and LSE. Passionate about emerging tech, Kam currently focuses on predictive analytics to support better decision-making in private equity-backed companies.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The history and evolution of AI from rule-based expert systems to modern neural networks.
• How gamification and motivation impact team performance and customer engagement.
• The role of predictive analytics in supporting strategic business decisions.
• Challenges and opportunities in democratizing advanced AI tools for mid-market companies.
• Kam’s vision of AI’s future impact on decision-making, creativity, and personalization. 

Kam’s expertise and thoughtful insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and finance. His stories about the evolution of technology, combined with practical advice on predictive analytics and gamification, offer valuable takeaways. Whether you’re a finance professional or a tech enthusiast, Kam’s vision will inspire you to think differently about how AI can transform decision-making. 

Follow Kam:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamstar/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website - kamstar.net

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

Follow Glenn:

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

Follow Paul:

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

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[05:48] - Childhood programming story

[10:16] - Evolution of AI and expert systems

[13:26] - Gamification’s role in engagement

[19:07] - Predictive analytics focus

[22:25] - Cause and effect in decision making

[30:46] - Generative AI and creativity

[38:22] - Fun rapid-fire: Secret room

[42:48] - Ambitious bucket list goal

[43:32] - Closing thoughts and thanks

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Scott Powell, co-founder and board member of the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), to discuss the principles and pitfalls of financial modeling. The conversation centers around how overcomplication, legacy models, and misused functions can undermine even the most polished models, and how thoughtful planning, stakeholder consideration, and service-oriented teaching can significantly enhance modeling effectiveness.

Scott Powell brings over 25 years of global experience in corporate finance education and financial modeling. He is a founding member of the Corporate Finance Institute, where he has led the creation of impactful learning tools and courses. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Scott has worked with major financial institutions worldwide and is deeply passionate about practical finance education and the power of financial literacy to transform lives.

Expect to Learn:

• Why financial models often fail and how to avoid those pitfalls.
• The importance of balancing technical precision with stakeholder usability.
• How teaching and empathy enhance modeling skills.
• Key Excel techniques and when to avoid overengineering.
• Scott’s insights into using AI and advanced Excel tools to stay current.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Every time you're in Excel, try to learn just one new thing. In a year, you're going to have learned a ton." - Scott Powell
• "If you open your model three days later and can’t understand what you did, then you made it too complex." - Scott Powell
• "Don’t start building your model until you understand the end goal and the user’s needs." - Scott Powell

Scott’s thoughtful and service-driven approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone in the world of financial modeling. His real-world stories, practical Excel strategies, and emphasis on simplicity offer powerful insights. Whether you’re building your first model or refining your 100th, Scott’s advice will help you level up. A valuable guide for modelers who want to build with purpose and clarity.

Follow Scott :

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-powell-cpa-fca-fmva-84baa71/overlay/photo/
• Website - corporatefinanceinstitute.com
• Company - learningstrategiesgroup.com

Follow Paul: 

• Website - https://www.theFP&A ndaguy.com   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theFP&A ndaguy  
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theFP&A ndaguy

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:

[01:14] - Welcome and Guest Intro

[03:00] - Model Horror Story

[10:09] - Founding CFI

[14:13] - Memorable Teaching Moments

[16:30] - Starting a Model

[21:28] - Technical vs. Soft Skills

[24:20] - Advice for Trainers

[30:23] - Keeping Up with Excel

[39:44] - Fun with Excel

[41:18] - Rapid Fire Round

[47:21] - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ramya Krishnaganth, founder of Yuvi Consulting and a leader in finance transformation. Ramya brings a thoughtful and practical perspective on how FP&A goes far beyond numbers; it's about understanding the business, working across departments, and making real-world decisions easier. She shares stories from her work helping companies solve messy data problems, improve cost control, and build stronger financial processes.

Ramya Krishnaganth is an experienced advisor with a background in cost accounting, financial planning, and enterprise transformations. She holds an executive MBA from Wharton and has helped companies across industries build smarter, more responsive finance functions. Her passion is making data more meaningful and empowering teams to work better together not just through systems, but through clarity, communication, and care.

Expect to Learn:

• Why great FP&A is about being the “nervous system” of a company, not just reporting numbers.
• How a CFO used one simple metric to drive company-wide cost discipline.
• Why fixing data issues means looking beyond tech and starting with people and processes.
• How to build credibility in finance by solving one problem at a time.
• What it means to approach data with empathy and why it changes how you solve problems.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “You don’t always need a new system. Sometimes clarity and better definitions solve the problem.” - Ramya Krishnaganth
• “Credibility comes when you give people answers they can use, when they need them.” - Ramya Krishnaganth
• “Transformations aren’t about technology alone. They’re about making real decisions easier.” - Ramya Krishnaganth

Ramya brings warmth and wisdom to a topic that often feels technical and dry. This episode is a great listen for finance professionals looking to strengthen their influence, better understand how to approach messy data, or simply hear how someone else has helped real companies tackle hard problems. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by data or unsure where to start, Ramya’s insights will give you both a fresh perspective and practical next steps.

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 Ramya:

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

Website - https://uvidconsulting.com/

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

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] - Welcome to The Episode

[05:16] - A CFO’s Smart Cost-Control Strategy

[08:55] - Why Financial Transformation Matters

[13:05] - Why Companies Struggle With Data

[14:32] - Root Causes: People, Process, or Tech

[19:25] - Smart Approaches to Fixing Data

[24:29] - Empathy and Data: What It Really Means

[27:41] - Finding and Solving the Right Problems

[32:48] - Practical Advice for Analysts

[38:42] - Must-Have Skills for FP&A

[43:04] - Ramya’s Personal Interests

[49:01] - Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin CPA, Microsoft MVP, and the creative mind behind the Piggybank Accountant YouTube channel. They get into the real deal behind Microsoft Copilot: what it actually does well, where it’s still rough around the edges, and how it’s starting to make a difference for people working in Excel every day. David shares how he got recognized by Microsoft, what it’s been like behind the scenes, and why he’s focused on teaching finance pros to use these tools without losing sight of the basics.

David Fortin brings a mix of startup experience, accounting know-how, and a ton of enthusiasm to the conversation. After helping raise $30 million and navigating a successful exit at a SaaS company, he turned his attention to content creation-making Excel and Copilot more approachable through online courses and quick-hit tutorials. He’s passionate about helping people understand tools that can save time and make their jobs a little easier, especially in finance.

Expect to Learn:

• What it’s like becoming a Microsoft MVP and how David ended up on their radar.
• The strengths and limits of Copilot in Excel today especially for those new to the tool.
• Why features like “clean data” and basic Python functionality can be surprisingly useful.
• How to avoid being overwhelmed by buzzwords and just focus on what works.
• The value of starting small, staying curious, and being honest about what tech can (and can’t) do.

David brings clarity, honesty, and a little humor to the conversation around Excel, Copilot, and where these tools are headed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with the latest features, this episode will help you see how to use what’s already available without needing to be an expert. It’s a conversation that feels more like advice from a savvy colleague than a tech demo.

Follow David:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/

Website - https://courses.davidpba.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:

[00:11] - Introduction of guest

[03:05] - How He Became a Microsoft MVP

[06:00] - What Copilot Does Well Right Now

[09:46] - “Clean Data” and Smarter Tools in Excel

[10:44] - Using Python Without Being a Coder

[13:03] - What the Future Could Look Like

[14:11] - Cutting Through the AI Hype

[17:21] - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

In this episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst talks with Narek Grigorian, a seasoned financial modeler and investment professional with deep experience across real estate, energy, and biotech sectors. Narek shares candid stories about the worst financial model he ever worked on, one that looked polished but was fundamentally flawed, missing key components like taxes, depreciation, and tenant turnover. He explains how these mistakes can mislead decision-makers and why it’s critical to understand not just the numbers but also the assumptions behind them.

Narek Grigorian currently works at US Capital Global, a global investment banking firm focused on real estate and energy projects, particularly in the lower to middle market space. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Maryland and brings a passion for financial modeling, innovation, and teaching. Narek believes that while all models are inherently imperfect, they still provide valuable guidance, if built with thoughtful assumptions and continual refinement.

Expect to Learn:

• Why can you never fully trust a model just because it looks polished.
• The critical real estate assumptions that are often overlooked, like tenant turnover and escalating costs.
• How to approach energy modeling with real-time data inputs and complex variables.
• Why biotech models are uniquely challenging due to regulatory and clinical uncertainties.
• Tips and shortcuts Narek uses in Excel to make modeling faster and more reliable.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• ““The toughest part is you have the wardrobe of clothes but have to create the person.” - Narek Grigorian
• “Power Query and Power BI are essential tools for modern financial modelers.” - Narek Grigorian
• “Vacancy rates and market growth assumptions are the most common pitfalls in real estate models.” - Narek Grigorian

Narek’s practical and approachable style makes this episode valuable for anyone involved in financial modeling whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. His clear advice on key assumptions, Excel techniques, and industry-specific challenges offers useful takeaways to help you create more accurate and effective models.

Follow Narek :

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/narek-grigorian-8869a7254/

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:

[01:12] - Welcome To The Episode

[06:00] - About Narek and US Capital Global

[08:25] - Market Outlook: Inflation, Tariffs, and Stagflation

[10:33] - Narek’s Journey from Armenia to the US

[14:49] - Favorite Industry to Model: Energy

[17:42] - Real Estate Modeling Insights

[25:34] - Common Mistakes in Real Estate Models

[27:19] - Biopharma and Modeling Challenges

[31:42] - Excel Shortcuts and Tools

[38:22] - Power Query, Power BI, and Future of Excel

[44:18] - How to Connect with Narek and Closing

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Nate Saperia, a seasoned finance professional and founder of his own consulting firm, to explore what great FP&A truly looks like, especially in private equity-backed companies. Nate draws from over 20 years of experience in consulting, corporate finance, and strategic roles, sharing practical insights on how to make KPIs measurable and actionable, the blurred lines between strategic finance and FP&A, and what working in fast-paced PE environments really entails. He also talks about the skills FP&A professionals need today, from mastering Power Query to building effective business partnerships that drive real impact.

Nate Saperia is a finance veteran with a background spanning economic consulting, corporate finance at companies like GE and Hess, and advising private equity-backed firms on financial planning and analysis. Recently, Nate launched his own consulting firm, focusing on helping businesses navigate strategic finance challenges and achieve smarter growth. Known for his clear and pragmatic approach, Nate is passionate about helping FP&A professionals elevate their role beyond reporting into true business partnering.

Expect to Learn:

• Why truly great FP&A means understanding the business and enabling better decision-making.
• How to break down high-level financial goals into clear, measurable, and actionable KPIs.
• The nuanced difference between traditional FP&A and strategic finance roles.
• What it’s like working in private equity-backed companies, including the heavy reporting demands and rapid pace.
• The top technical and interpersonal skills FP&A professionals should prioritize now.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “If we had truly clean data, FP&A would be more exciting because we’d spend more time on analysis, less on manual work.” - Nate Saperia
• “Business partnering is about empathy and understanding others’ perspectives, not assuming you have all the answers.” - Nate Saperia
• “Power Query is the single most important technical skill for FP&A professionals today it solves most data cleansing headaches.” - Nate Saperia

Nate delivers a thoughtful and practical perspective on the evolving role of FP&A, especially within private equity-backed companies. He highlights the importance of building actionable KPIs, mastering essential technical skills like Power Query, and developing genuine business partnerships grounded in empathy and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals aiming to elevate their strategic impact and navigate the fast-paced demands of PE environments.

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 Nate:

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

Website - accordion.com/team/nate-saperia

Follow Paul:

Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com

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

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

[01:11] - Introduction to the Episode

[03:07] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[05:08] - Nate’s Career Journey

[07:25] - The Role of EBITDA in Private Equity

[11:12] - Defining and Using KPIs Effectively

[17:42] - Building a Metrics Matrix

[20:34] - Strategic Finance vs FP&A

[28:41] - Life in a Private Equity-Backed Company

[35:17] - Reporting Expectations in PE

[41:47] - Power Query and Business Partnering

[46:05] - Nate Personal Insights

[48:45] - Final Advice for FP&A Professionals

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with David Fortin, CPA, YouTuber, and 2024 Microsoft MVP, to explore the real-world evolution of Excel, Microsoft Copilot, and how AI is changing the finance landscape. With his signature humor and down-to-earth style, David shares how he transitioned from SaaS finance to teaching Excel online, and why he believes learning should be both practical and fun.

David is the creator behind Piggybank Accountant, a fast-growing YouTube channel that teaches Excel and Copilot to accountants and finance professionals. Before diving into content creation full-time, David helped raise $30 million for a SaaS startup and supported its successful exit. Today, he’s known for making even the most technical topics feel approachable. Whether he’s talking about conditional formatting or Python in Excel, David’s mission is simple: help people learn skills that matter in the most engaging way possible.

In this episode, you will discover:

• What it means to be a Microsoft MVP and how it’s opened doors in David’s career.
• Why Copilot is ideal for Excel beginners and how it’s starting to serve power users too.
• How finance professionals can actually use Copilot today to save time and improve workflows.
• Where Copilot shines, where it falls short, and what to expect next.
• Why David walked away from a corporate role to pursue content full time. 

David brings fresh energy to conversations around Excel, Copilot, and how technology is changing the way finance professionals work. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about Copilot, looking to up their Excel game, or wondering how to bring creativity into finance. David proves that learning can be entertaining, and still incredibly useful.

Follow David:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fortin-cpa-816b20b5/

Website - https://courses.davidpba.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:

[01:07] - Welcome & Introduction

[02:04] - Meet David: From CPA to Microsoft MVP

[05:00] - What the MVP Journey Has Been Like

[08:08] - Copilot in Excel: Where It Is Now

[12:33] - New Features and Real Use Cases

[17:33] - Sorting Through the AI Hype

[21:03] - Using Copilot as a Finance Pro

[25:40] - Time-Saving Examples from the Field

[29:06] - Thoughts on Prompting and Productivity

[36:06] - Excel Meets World of Warcraft

[43:12] - Leaving the 9-5 for YouTube

[49:00] - Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

In this special episode of Financial Modeler's Corner, host Paul Barnhurst is joined by CFO and startup finance educator Lauren Pearl for a storytelling session that’s equal parts funny and terrifying. They walk through “The Currency Catastrophe,” a true finance horror story about a global company, a junior analyst, and a massive mistake involving currency conversions. As the story unfolds, Paul and Lauren react, unpack what went wrong, and share their own war stories from years working in finance.

Lauren Pearl is a CFO, startup advisor, and finance educator who specializes in helping early-stage companies build strong financial foundations. With a career that spans startups, venture-backed firms, and a stint in top-tier management consulting, Lauren brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical execution. She's also known for her hands-on approach to teaching financial modeling and startup finance through courses, content, and mentorship.

Expect to Learn:

• What happens when you skip currency conversion in a global revenue allocation.
• Why getting the basics right is just as important as the big strategy.
• How one mistake can ripple across budgets, teams, and trust.
• The value of transparency and ownership is when something goes wrong.
• Why it’s crucial to put checks in your models, especially when currencies are involved.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “The finance department was such a dumpster fire, it created cloud cover for the mistake.” - Lauren Pearl
• “Modelers: always put currency checks in your spreadsheets. This stuff happens more than you think.” - Paul Barnhurst
• “Apologize and overcorrect. That’s the CFO playbook when you make a mistake.” - Lauren Pearl

Lauren and Paul share a story every finance professional can relate to, a small mistake that snowballs into something much bigger. Whether you’re new to finance or have been around the block, this episode is a reminder of why fundamentals matter and how a little humor can help you get through even the most stressful moments. If you've ever cringed at your own spreadsheet or scrambled to fix a report before a meeting, you'll feel right at home.

Follow Lauren :

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/
• Website - https://www.laurenpearlconsulting.com/link-list

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:

[00:00] - Trailer

[01:43] - Welcome & Intro to the Horror Story 

[03:01] - Meet Lauren Pearl

[06:07] - The Story of the Currency Catastrophe

[09:54] - When Meetings Could Just Be Emails

[13:52] - Accounting Chaos and Rising Tension

[16:59] - The Currency Blunder Uncovered

[20:00] - Why the Mistake Mattered So Much

[24:33] - Quiet Fixes and Avoiding Fallout

[27:34] - Paul’s Own Finance Mishap

[30:13] - Lauren’s Pricing Error 

[34:19] - Final Lessons for Modelers 

[35:07] - Closing Thoughts 

In this episode of FP&A Tomorrow, host Paul Barnhurst chats with Wassia Kamon, the Chief Financial Officer at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), about her journey from financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to leading as a CFO. Wassia opens up about the challenges, surprises, and growth she's experienced, particularly in learning to navigate the boardroom and building strategic influence within her organization. Along the way, she shares valuable insights into leadership, trust-building, and why it's essential for finance professionals to expand beyond the numbers.

Wassia Kamon is a finance powerhouse with over 15 years of experience across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and nonprofits. As CFO at ACE, a nonprofit lending institution, she plays a key role in providing capital to entrepreneurs. Wassia has also been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree by CPA Practice Advisor and is the host of the podcast The Diary of a CFO. She's passionate about helping high-potential finance leaders step into executive roles and shares her expertise through coaching, speaking engagements, and teaching at the Wharton Online Certificate Program.

Expect to Learn:

• How Wassia transitioned from FP&A to CFO and the unexpected challenges she faced along the way.
• The power of trust and relationships in becoming a key business partner, not just a number cruncher.
• Why being invited into decision-making conversations early is a game changer for finance teams.
• What it was really like dealing with the board of directors for the first time as a CFO.
• How to expand your influence and take a broader view of business to become a true strategic partner.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “In FP&A, it's important to build those relationships early and not just be the person catching up after decisions are made.” - Wassia Kamon
• “You can’t be great at FP&A unless you are in the room where decisions are made. It’s about having the trust to influence, not just report.” - Wassia Kamon
• “Good FP&A is when you're already top of mind to decision makers, and they come to you for input, not the other way around.” - Wassia Kamon

Wassia delivers a powerful perspective on the role of financial leaders and the critical need for stronger relationships, trust-building, and strategic influence in today’s business environment. This episode is essential listening for finance professionals, aspiring CFOs, and business leaders looking to enhance their impact, improve decision-making, and build stronger, more collaborative teams.

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 Wassia:

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

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

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] - Welcome and Introduction

[03:29] - Wassia’s Journey from FP&A to CFO

[05:02] - What Makes Great FP&A?

[07:13] - Dealing with the Board for the First Time

[09:45] - Building Trust and Strategic Influence in Finance

[13:20] - Leading in Multiple Industries

[17:05] - Expanding Your Network and Influence

[21:14] - Managing Uncertainty as a CFO

[25:32] - Leadership Lessons from Wassia’s Career

[29:00] - Building Effective Relationships in Business

[33:47] - Key Takeaways

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