The FP&A Guy Network

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Alok Ajmera, CEO of Prophix, to explore how AI is reshaping FP&A, financial planning, and enterprise decision-making. Alok explains how modern finance teams are evolving from spreadsheet-heavy workflows to AI-enabled systems, while still relying on structured data, deterministic processes, and human oversight to maintain accuracy and trust in financial outputs.

Alok Ajmera is the CEO of Prophix, a leading financial performance management platform helping CFO organizations modernize planning, budgeting, and forecasting. With over 22 years at Prophix, he has supported more than 3,000 finance teams globally in transforming how they close, consolidate, and plan. Alok has led the evolution of FP&A systems from spreadsheet-first to system-first, and now toward AI-enabled finance operations.

Expect to Learn:

• What makes FP&A a true force multiplier inside organizations
• How data stewardship, collaboration, and forecasting define great finance teams
• Why AI must stay deterministic when handling financial calculations
• The difference between probabilistic AI and structured finance systems
• How AI agents support FP&A without replacing financial control

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "The biggest opportunity is to take inefficient manual workflows and simplify them with AI agents, delivering value quickly while building confidence in the team." – Alok Ajmera
• "AI democratizes capabilities, but there must be governance and discipline. It’s easy to build things, but maintaining them is hard." – Alok Ajmera

Alok explains that while AI is transforming FP&A through speed and automation, the core of finance still depends on structured systems, clean data, and human judgment. He emphasizes that the future of finance is a hybrid model where AI enhances productivity while finance leaders maintain control, context, and strategic oversight.

Follow Alok:

Website - www.prophix.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-ajmera-93896617/

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] – Trailer

[04:10] – What great FP&A looks like

[09:13] – Revenue and qualitative goals

[18:38] – Why AI in FP&A needs structure

[29:36] – AI in forecasting and planning

[33:45] – Risks, governance, and AI sprawl

[45:40] – Soft skills in FP&A

[49:11] – Travel and personal reflections

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Nick Jain and Daniel Settel, co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, to discuss how AI is reshaping FP&A and fractional CFO services. Nick and Dan explain how their AI-powered system combines structured data processing, automation, and financial expertise to help companies analyze complex financial data faster, reduce manual workload, and uncover hidden value in their operations.

Dan and Nick are co-founders of Eagle Rock CFO, a financial advisory firm helping mid-size businesses grow faster and improve profitability. They combine AI and technology to deliver operational finance insights at a fraction of traditional consulting costs. Both are Harvard Business School graduates, with undergraduate degrees from Stanford and Dartmouth. Dan previously co-founded FinTech company Zanbato and worked as a professional investor at PrimeCap, while Nick has experience in private equity investing and scaling companies across SaaS, footwear, and trucking.

In this episode, you will discover:

• AI works best when paired with structured financial data, not raw inputs
• Why deterministic systems still matter alongside AI in finance workflows
• How Eagle Rock’s 5-step system improves financial analysis accuracy
• Why human oversight is still needed in AI-powered FP&A systems
• How fractional CFOs can save 20–50 hours per month using AI tools

Nick and Daniel demonstrate how AI is transforming finance by automating analysis while still relying on structured systems and human judgment. Their approach shows that the future of FP&A is not fully autonomous AI, but a hybrid model where AI enhances decision-making, improves efficiency, and strengthens financial visibility.

Follow Nick:

Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/

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

Follow Dan:

Website: https://www.eaglerockcfo.com/

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

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] – Trailer

[04:10] – Founding Eagle Rock CFO

[06:21] – Deterministic vs probabilistic systems

[07:22] – Why agents are not enough

[09:13] – Data compression and structuring

[10:13] – Human oversight in AI workflows

[14:51] – Data mess in SMB finance

[18:38] – White-label and consulting model

[22:18] – How to start using AI safely

[29:36] – CFO vs CEO vs CIO experience

[33:45] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Jorge Rojas, finance professor, consultant, and Advanced Financial Modeler, to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping financial modeling. Jorge shares insights from his latest research on spatial finance and Earth observation data, explaining how satellite imagery, AI, and alternative data sources are transforming forecasting, investment analysis, ESG reporting, and risk management.

Jorge Rojas is a finance professor, consultant, CFA Charterholder, and Advanced Financial Modeler (AFM) with a PhD in Finance from Tulane University, where he also serves as an Adjunct Professor. He has taught finance across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and is the author of several books on corporate finance, risk management, and financial modeling

Expect to Learn:

• How satellite data can improve financial forecasting
• Why Monte Carlo simulation is useful for decision-making
• Practical applications of spatial finance
• Tips for building reliable financial models
• Advice for developing your financial modeling skills

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "Most useful financial models should be forward-looking and based on current information." - Jorge Rojas
• "Build your model as automated as possible. It takes more time upfront, but it will save you time later." - Jorge Rojas

Jorge Rojas shares practical insights on building stronger financial models by combining sound modeling principles with modern data sources and risk analysis techniques. Whether you're new to financial modeling or an experienced professional, this episode offers valuable lessons to help you make better-informed financial decisions.

Follow Jorge:

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

Company: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4136-7995

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

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

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

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:08] – Financial Modeling Horror Story

[04:35] – Why Jorge Enjoys Teaching

[07:38] – CFA & AFM Certifications

[12:18] – Introduction to Spatial Finance

[17:01] – Satellite Data in Finance

[25:41] – Monte Carlo Simulation

[32:20] – Modeling Agricultural Risk

[37:57] – Rapid Fire Questions

[45:29] – Advice for Financial Modelers

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Tim Stallkamp, Senior Managing Director at Riveron, alongside co-host Glenn Snyder. Tim shares insights on interim management and how it is reshaping finance leadership by helping companies fill critical gaps, accelerate value creation, and bring experienced finance leaders into organizations during transition periods.

Tim Stallkamp is a Senior Managing Director and the leader of Riveron’s Interim Management practice. He is a seasoned turnaround executive who provides interim management and turnaround management services to distressed and under-performing businesses. Tim has led turnarounds as interim chief executive officer (CEO), chief restructuring officer (CRO), chief transformation officer (CTO), and chief financial officer (CFO).

Expect to Learn:

• Why private equity is driving demand for interim finance leaders
• What makes a strong interim FP&A and finance professional
• Why broad, cross-industry experience matters more than narrow expertise
• How interim leaders create value from day one
• The importance of clear scope and alignment in engagements

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Interim management isn’t about replacing people; it’s about supplementing leadership to create value faster and help teams reach their full potential." – Tim Stallkamp
• "The more experiences an individual has across industries and roles, the more effective they are in interim management. Breadth of expertise is key." – Tim Stallkamp

Tim explains how interim management is reshaping finance leadership by bringing experienced professionals into organizations during critical transitions. These leaders not only fill gaps but also help improve processes, guide decision-making, and leave companies stronger than before.

Follow Tim:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-stallkamp-537b0317/

Company: https://riveron.com/

Follow Glenn:

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

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] - Trailer

[05:06] - What interim management is

[07:42] - Why it’s growing

[09:13] - Value creation in leadership

[13:12] - Defining scope clearly

[17:58] - Alignment in engagements

[26:11] - Types of interim roles

[37:14] - Systems vs skills

[42:55] - Private equity decision-making

[50:42] - Final thoughts

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder of Sapien, an AI-native company building systems that understand and act on enterprise financial data. Ron shares how his team is redefining finance operations using AI agents that go beyond dashboards and chatbots to actively analyze, optimise, and recommend actions across business functions.

Ron Nachum is the Founder of Sapien, an AI-native platform that helps companies run finance and operations through intelligent systems built on top of ERPs, spreadsheets, and enterprise data. With a background in applied AI research at Harvard, Ron focuses on building systems that turn fragmented financial data into real-time business decisions.

In this episode, you will discover:

• How AI agents are reshaping finance and FP&A workflows
• Why companies need systems that understand their business context
• How Sapien automates reporting, analysis, and decision support
• The importance of guardrails, auditability, and financial structure in AI

Ron shows how AI agents are moving finance beyond reporting into real-time decision-making. Sapien blends structure, data, and intelligence to turn complex systems into actionable insights.

Follow Ron:

Website: https://sapien.ai/news

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/

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:

[02:35] – Why Ron left Harvard to build Sapien

[05:15] – Founding story and early vision

[07:46] – Building AI systems for finance

[09:13] – From manual workflows to AI automation

[10:03] – Evolution of AI agents in finance

[11:29] – How AI is changing FP&A roles

[12:45] – Guardrails and system design

[13:56] – Financial intelligence in AI systems

[16:19] – Opinionated vs. flexible AI systems

[18:26] – Closing thoughts

In this episode of The Mod Squad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male share their real experiences using AI in financial modeling. They discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how finance professionals can best use AI today. From testing different AI tools to running a “bake-off” on a real financial model, the conversation highlights the practical challenges, hallucinations, and creative approaches to working with AI in FP&A.

Expect to Learn

• Where AI actually adds value in modeling and finance workflows
• Why AI outputs still need careful checking and guidance
• How different AI tools compare when building real models
• Why instructions, structure, and human oversight improve AI results

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Most companies don’t have AI governance yet, and that’s where real risk comes in.” - Ian Schnoor
• “Automation is great, but you still need to audit and understand every step.” - Giles Male

AI is powerful, but it is not a shortcut to quality work. It still needs guidance, structure, and strong fundamentals. The people who benefit most are those who understand both the tools and the work behind them. For now, the best approach is simple: test it, guide it, and never trust it blindly.

Follow Ian:

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

Follow Giles:

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

In today’s episode:

[00:05] – Trailer

[03:06] – AI Progress Update

[05:00] – Mental Load & AI Pace

[08:03] – Busting AI Hype

[12:30] – Training & Business Demands

[17:57] – AI “Eye of the Storm”

[24:13] – Testing AI Models

[30:52] – Fixing vs Building AI Models

[35:15] – Challenging Misleading AI Claims

[38:41] – Improving AI with Instructions

[42:59] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Nicholas Moen, CMA and Director of Finance at Section, an AI software company. Nicholas shares insights on leveraging AI in FP&A to streamline financial modeling, automate workflows, improve decision-making, and build high-performing teams. He discusses practical strategies for training finance teams, balancing human oversight with AI automation, and applying FP&A insights to drive operational impact in enterprise organizations.

Nicholas Moen is a CMA and finance leader at Section, where he reinvents finance through AI, helping organizations build AI-powered workflows at scale. Based in Franklin, Pennsylvania, Nicholas specializes in leveraging AI to streamline FP&A processes, automate workflows, and empower finance teams to focus on strategic decision-making.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI frees FP&A teams from manual work
• Automating reports, spreadsheets, and workflows
• Training and empowering teams on AI tools
• Key FP&A skills: business partnering, listening, and data understanding

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Context is everything. Using AI to capture meeting insights and key assumptions helps teams make smarter, faster decisions." - Nicholas Moen
• "A strong FP&A professional understands both data structures and business partnering, skills that AI cannot replace." - Nicholas Moen

Nicholas Moen demonstrates how AI is reshaping the role of FP&A, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making instead of manual tasks. By leveraging tools like Claude and Lovable, finance professionals can automate workflows, build models faster, and make more informed business decisions.

Follow Nicholas:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-moen-320a11106/

Substack: https://substack.com/@runningfinance

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

[02:56] – What great FP&A looks like today

[05:14] – Automating spreadsheets with Claude

[14:31] – Building micro-apps with Lovable

[17:58] – Commission automation

[21:26] – Doing analysis on the go

[30:12] – Low-hanging AI wins for FP&A

[33:58] – Training and knowledge sharing

[38:41] – Top soft and technical skills

[41:35] – Personal side: music and hobbies

[45:53] – How to connect with Nicholas

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper sit down with Ron Nachum, Founder and CEO of Sapien, to discuss how AI agents are transforming financial operations and decision-making for companies. Ron shares how Sapien leverages AI to unify siloed financial data, automate workflows, and provide actionable insights, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden value while enabling employees to focus on strategic work.

Ron Nachum is the founder and CEO of Sapien, an AI-native platform that deploys agents to understand and act on messy, siloed data across ERPs, data warehouses, CRMs, and spreadsheets. Ron studied at Harvard, where he focused on computer science, statistics, and applied AI research. He has spent years building AI solutions for finance and operational processes, creating systems that help companies make better, faster decisions and optimize their operations.

In this episode, you will discover:

• AI can unlock value from messy, siloed financial data
• Sapien’s platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisions
• Human oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurability
• Talent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing company
• Early entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovation

Ron Nachum demonstrates how AI can revolutionize financial operations by turning siloed, messy data into actionable insights. Sapien’s platform empowers companies to automate reporting, optimize decisions, and free employees to focus on high-value work. Ron emphasizes that combining AI with governance, configurability, and a talented team creates systems that not only deliver immediate value but also scale strategically.

Follow Ron:

Website: https://sapien.ai/news

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/

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] – Trailer

[03:15] – Data-Rich, Analysis-Poor Challenge

[06:21] – Harvard & the Leap to Sapien

[11:32] – AI Agents in Finance

[17:01] – Balancing AI Flexibility & Guardrails

[23:19] – Efficient & Secure Data Handling

[26:34] – Making Insights Accessible to All Teams

[30:45] – Configurability, Forecasting & Learning

[38:22] – Real-World Impact & Optimizations

[40:25] – Leading Young Teams with Experienced Advisor

[46:11] – Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

[49:13] – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

In this episode of Financial Modelers Corner, Paul Barnhurst talks with John Yeldham, founder of Lodeum, about building trust in Excel models, standardizing modeling language, and creating modular, scalable models. John shares his experience leading financial modelers and using advanced Excel features like Lambda functions and dynamic arrays.

Expect to Learn:

• Standardize language to improve clarity and collaboration
• Use modular blocks to make models understandable and trusted
• Leverage advanced Excel functions carefully for scalable, auditable models
• Online training through Lodeum allows flexible global learning

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• "If standards could be introduced for language, it allows financial modeling knowledge to be shared and scaled beyond individual experts." - John Yeldham
• "The role of a modeler is evolving from just churning out numbers to creating reusable, understandable modules." - John Yeldham

John provides actionable strategies for financial modelers to improve clarity, scalability, and trust in their work while leveraging advanced Excel techniques and modular design principles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their modeling skills and build reusable frameworks for complex financial analyses.

Follow John:

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lodeum/

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

Follow Financial Modeler's Corner:

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

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

Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation today and get 15% off using the code “Podcast” at https://bit.ly/497oAqW

In Today’s Episode:

[02:14] – Worst Model Horror Story

[04:09] – Communication & Language Challenges

[11:55] – Standardizing Language & AI Integration

[14:43] – Online Training & Lodeum Platform

[24:25] – Lambda Functions & Dynamic Arrays

[39:42] – Rapid Fire Opinions

[16:32] – Advice for Becoming a Better Modeler

[18:07] – How to Connect

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.

Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.

Expect to Learn:

• What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumen
• How to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accounting
• Strategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teams
• Navigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders." – Robert Blanding
• "Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations." – Robert Blanding

Robert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.

Follow Robert:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/

Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:55] – Defining Great FP&A

[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role

[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview

[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership

[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement

[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams

[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs

[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals

[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball

[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert