The FP&A Guy Network

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 LearnWhere AI actually adds value in modeling and finance workflowsWhy AI outputs still need careful checking and guidanceHow different AI tools compare when building real modelsWhy instructions, structure, and human oversight improve AI resultsHere 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 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 dataSapien’s platform automates reporting, forecasting, and operational decisionsHuman oversight and governance remain crucial for AI configurabilityTalent density and culture are key to scaling a young, fast-growing companyEarly entrepreneurial mindset shapes long-term innovationRon 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/newsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-nachum/Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture 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 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 managementThe importance of structured data for effective financial solutionsWhy traditional finance systems struggle with modern revenue modelsHow Tabs is automating billing, collections, and revenue recognitionThis 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.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabsplatform Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture 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:[02:00] – 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

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&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: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseIn 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 DolanGabrielle 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/ Podcast Link - https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal 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[03:18] – 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

Paul Barnhurst speaks with Matan Feldman, Founder and CEO of Wall Street Prep. Matan shares insights from his career in investment banking and financial modeling, discussing the future of AI in the industry, its impact on investment banking roles, and how it will reshape financial modeling education. He also 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 LearnHow AI is transforming financial modeling and investment banking workflows.The evolving role of financial modelers in an AI-driven world.How AI accelerates repetitive tasks, enabling analysts to focus on higher-level judgment.Why foundational financial modeling skills remain crucial despite AI advancements. Here are a few quotes from the episode:"A model can either be the most powerful tool or the most frustrating one." – Matan Feldman"Judgment and interpretation will always remain important." – Matan FeldmanMatan Feldman shared valuable insights into the evolving role of AI in financial modeling and investment banking. He emphasized the growing importance of business judgment and foundational skills as AI tools continue to reshape the industry. Matan's journey from investment banking to founding Wall Street Prep highlights the ongoing need for both technical expertise and strategic thinking in financial modeling Follow Matan:Website: https://www.wallstreetprep.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matanfeldman/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=7079020077076905984Sign 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] – Introduction[02:27] – Matan’s Modeling Nightmare[05:07] – The Journey of Wall Street Prep[08:21] – AI in Investment Banking[14:06] – The Future of Modeling and Automation[22:16] – Opportunities and Concerns in AI[29:48] – AI’s Role in Teaching Financial Modeling[36:02] – Rapid Fire Questions