The Future of FP&A with AI for Finance Professionals to Move Beyond Excel Analysis with Derek Baker

The Mistakes in Structure and Data Thinking That Break Models with Mark Proctor

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst (aka The FP&A Guy) is joined by guest Mark Proctor. Together, they discuss the intricacies of financial modeling and data analysis, with a focus on building efficient models and leveraging automation in Excel. Mark shares his deep expertise on why structure is key, how to automate tedious tasks, and how Excel continues to evolve to meet the demands of modern financial professionals. Mark Proctor is a seasoned financial professional with a background in accounting and finance, an Excel MVP, and the founder of Excel Off The Grid, a platform dedicated to improving efficiency and effectiveness in Excel. With decades of experience, Mark's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to optimize their use of Excel for financial modeling and beyond. He has helped countless professionals streamline their work through better data structure and automation techniques. Expect to Learn * Financial modeling vs. data analysis * Automation in Excel with Power Query & Pivot * Why VLOOKUP is outdated and modern alternatives * Building flexible, stakeholder-friendly models * Reducing manual and repetitive Excel tasks Here are a few quotes from Mark Proctor: * "Hard-coding is the enemy of a flexible financial model. Once you start hard-coding, you lose the ability to see what's really driving the model." - Mark Proctor * "One of the key takeaways from bad models is that manual adjustments should always be documented and trackable." - Mark Proctor As Excel continues to evolve with powerful features like dynamic arrays and advanced automation, the tools discussed in this episode are essential for anyone looking to keep pace with the future of financial modeling. Mark’s emphasis on mastering the basics and thinking structurally will help you work faster and more effectively. Follow Mark: * Website - https://exceloffthegrid.com/ [https://exceloffthegrid.com/] * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstephenproctor/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstephenproctor/] Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/] Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984] Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation [https://fminstitute.com/afm/] today and receive 15% off by using the special show code “Podcast” Visit http://www.fminstitute.com/podcasthttps://bit.ly/497oAqW [https://bit.ly/497oAqW] and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [00:00] - Trailer [01:54] - Financial Modeling Horror Stories [04:55] - Lessons from Bad Models [06:28] - Mark's Career Journey and Background [12:59] - Data Analysis vs. Financial Modeling [19:17] - Excel as a Data Analysis Tool: Key Innovations [22:55] - Automation in Excel and Practical Tips [33:59] - The Importance of Mastering Excel Basics [44:19] - Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

The Future of FP&A with AI for Finance Professionals to Move Beyond Excel Analysis with Derek Baker

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst chats with Derek Baker, the Head of Strategic Finance at Circle, a growth-stage SaaS company. Derek shares insights from his experience in building strategic finance functions, scaling finance teams, and using AI to optimize financial reporting. Derek Baker is the Head of Strategic Finance at Circle, a growth-stage SaaS company focused on building an all-in-one platform for online communities. He has built the Strategic Finance function from the ground up, covering areas like pricing, sales compensation, investor due diligence, and AI-powered financial reporting. Prior to Circle, Derek co-founded The FP&A Hub with Paul Barnhurst and Liran Edelist to support finance professionals. His career spans FP&A roles across SaaS, marketplace, and biotech startups. Expect to Learn: * How AI is transforming financial reporting and analysis in FP&A. * The role of business partnering in aligning FP&A with strategic decisions. * Derek's transition from spreadsheets to AI-driven financial models. * How FP&A evolves as companies scale. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: * “Spreadsheets are great for MVP models, but AI and data warehouses are the future for repeatable, scalable analysis.” – Derek Baker * “AI can manage context better than prompts, and this is what drives its power in finance.” – Derek Baker Derek shares that the future of FP&A is all about embracing technology and innovation. He emphasizes that it's no longer just about spreadsheets and traditional methods; it’s about leveraging AI and data to drive smarter financial decisions. By focusing on both the strategic and technical sides of finance, professionals can better align with business goals and create more impactful outcomes. Follow Derek: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-d-baker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-d-baker/] Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interviewhttps://community.thefpahub.com/home [https://community.thefpahub.com/home] Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com [http://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] – Introduction & Derek’s Background [06:00] – What Does Great FP&A Look Like? [12:00] – Scaling Finance Functions in Startups [17:00] – The Role of AI in FP&A [22:00] – Building an AI-Powered Financial Reporting System [28:00] – Why Data Architecture is Key to AI Success [33:00] – The Future of Financial Modeling with AI [40:00] – Automating Monthly Finance Reports Using AI [45:00] – Data Integration and Financial Modeling for Future Growth [50:00] – Insights on Scaling FP&A Teams in Tech Startups [53:00] – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

The Broken Revenue Systems and AI Agents Rebuilding Contract to Cash with Ali Hussain

In this episode of Future Finance, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper speak with Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing finance workflows. Ali discusses the limitations of legacy finance systems, the challenges of modern revenue models, and how AI is automating the full contract-to-cash cycle for finance teams. Ali Hussain is the CEO and co-founder of Tabs, where he leads the development of AI-native solutions designed to automate the billing, collections, and revenue recognition process. With a background spanning product leadership at Google, strategy consulting at BCG, and public policy, Ali is at the forefront of the next wave of finance technology. In this episode, you will discover: * How automation is transforming the finance sector, particularly revenue management * The importance of structured data for effective financial solutions * Why traditional finance systems struggle with modern revenue models * How Tabs is automating billing, collections, and revenue recognition This episode provides insights into how automation is reshaping finance, helping businesses manage revenue models and streamline financial tasks. Ali Hussain shares his perspective on simplifying finance workflows and the direction the industry is heading. Follow Ali: Website: https://www.tabs.com/https://www.tabs.com [https://www.tabs.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/] https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform]https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform [https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform] Follow Glenn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii] Follow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy] Follow QFlow.AI: Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg [https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg] Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai [https://qflow.ai/future-finance/], 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: [02:00] – Ali's Background and Tabs' Growth [03:00] – Automation in Finance [05:00] – Agents in Finance Workflows [08:00] – Data Quality in Finance [10:00] – Limitations of LLMs in Finance [12:00] – Agents vs Automation [15:00] – The Future of Finance [17:00] – Managing Usage-Based Pricing [21:00] – Closing Thoughts

AI in Investment Banking for Analysts to Adapt as Workflows Change but Jobs Remain – Matan

Paul Barnhurst speaks with Matan Feldman, Founder and CEO of Wall Street Prep. Matan shares his insights from his career in investment banking and financial modeling, discussing how AI is transforming the investment banking landscape, its impact on financial modeling, and the future of financial modeling education. He reflects on his journey founding Wall Street Prep and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Matan Feldman is the Founder and CEO of Wall Street Prep, where he leads business development, course creation, and training programs for clients such as Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, The Wharton School, and many others. Before founding Wall Street Prep, Matan worked at Chase Manhattan Bank and J.P. Morgan in investment banking and equity research. Expect to Learn: * How AI is changing financial modeling and banking workflows * The evolving role of financial modelers in an AI-driven world * How AI speeds up repetitive tasks, letting analysts focus on higher-level judgment * Why are core financial modeling skills still essential despite AI advancements? Here are a few quotes from the episode: * "AI is already helping junior analysts by taking over repetitive tasks, but we're just scratching the surface." * "AI has the potential to completely reshape how investment banks operate, but it's still in its early stages." Matan Feldman highlights how AI is revolutionizing investment banking and financial modeling, improving efficiency and allowing analysts to focus on higher-level tasks. While AI tools are reshaping workflows, Matan stresses that core financial modeling skills and human judgment remain essential in this evolving industry. Follow Matan: Website: https://www.wallstreetprep.com/ [https://www.wallstreetprep.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matanfeldman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matanfeldman/] Follow Financial Modeler's Corner: LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/?viewAsMember=true https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-modeler-s-corner/] Newsletter - Subscribe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984 [https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7079020077076905984] Sign up for the Advanced Financial Modeler Accreditation [https://fminstitute.com/afm/] today and receive 15% off by using the special show code ‘Podcast” Visit http://www.fminstitute.com/podcasthttps://bit.ly/497oAqW [https://bit.ly/497oAqW] and use the code “Podcast” to save 15% when you register. In today’s episode: [05:55] – AI in Banking [07:00] – AI’s Banking Impact [10:00] – Future of Modeling [12:00] – Role of Modelers [14:00] – AI’s Opportunities [15:00] – AI in Advisory [17:00] – Banking’s Future with AI [19:00] – Analyst’s Future [20:00] – AI’s Effect on Banking [22:00] – AI and Careers

Your Data Won't Convince Anyone. Do This Instead. | Gabrielle Dolan on FP&A Storytelling

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading Tools FP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we’re here to help. On May 21st, I’ll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure. Register today: http://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcasewww.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase [http://www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase] In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Gabrielle Dolan, a global expert in strategic storytelling, about the power of storytelling in business and how it can transform communication. Gabrielle shares her journey from senior leadership at the National Australia Bank to becoming a bestselling author and storytelling expert. She discusses how storytelling helps finance professionals influence decisions, engage teams, and communicate complex messages effectively. Gabrielle Dolan is a global expert in strategic storytelling and communication, having worked with leaders from companies like Amazon, EY, Uber, and the Obama Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles and storytelling, Gabrielle is the bestselling author of eight books, including her latest Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. She is also the co-host of the podcast Keeping It Real with Jack and Ral, which ranks in Spotify's top 3% most shared podcasts. EXPECT TO LEARN: * Why storytelling is essential for influencing decisions in finance and business. * The impact of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership communication. * How AI can enhance storytelling without losing its human touch. * Practical tips for finance professionals on how to use stories in presentations. Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode: * “Storytelling is not about manipulation, it’s about authentic communication.” – Gabrielle Dolan * “AI can be your creative partner, but don’t lose your voice when telling your story.” – Gabrielle Dolan Gabrielle Dolan shared her invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in business, especially for finance professionals. She highlighted how storytelling is a vital tool for influencing decisions, building connections, and making complex messages more memorable. Gabrielle emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling and explained how AI can enhance the storytelling process without losing the human connection Follow Gabrielle: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/] Podcast Link - https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ralhttps://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral [https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral] YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@gabrielledolanconsultinghttps://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal [https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal] Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com [http://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 [03:18] – Gabrielle's Leadership to Storytelling Journey [06:00] – Challenges in Transitioning to Storytelling [10:00] – Storytelling's Role in Business Decisions [13:37] – Why Data Alone Won't Drive Action [17:44] – Finding the Right Story for Your Message [22:10] – Storytelling and Data in Finance [30:14] – The Power of Story Intelligence in Leadership [35:09] – AI's Role in Enhancing Storytelling [40:15] – Rapid Fire Questions [43:00] – Conclusion & Key Takeaways