Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites Matan Feldman to break down what most professionals are getting wrong about AI adoption in finance.
AI isn’t perfect. That’s exactly the point.
The real advantage isn’t using AI when it’s flawless.
It’s understanding where it fails.
Because its mistakes don’t look like yours.
They’re different. Subtle. Easy to miss.
And if you don’t learn them now.
You won’t spot them later.
Everyone agrees these tools will improve.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#AIinFinance #FutureOfWork #FinancialModeling #WallStreetPrep #CareerGrowth #AIEducation #FinanceLeaders #DigitalTransformation #Upskill #TechInFinance
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst invites Matan Feldman to break down what most professionals are getting wrong about AI adoption in finance.
AI isn’t perfect. That’s exactly the point.
The real advantage isn’t using AI when it’s flawless.
It’s understanding where it fails.
Because its mistakes don’t look like yours.
They’re different. Subtle. Easy to miss.
And if you don’t learn them now.
You won’t spot them later.
Everyone agrees these tools will improve.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#AIinFinance #FutureOfWork #FinancialModeling #WallStreetPrep #CareerGrowth #AIEducation #FinanceLeaders #DigitalTransformation #Upskill #TechInFinance
![Networking in Finance: The Career Advice Everyone Learns Too Late with Josette Ferrer
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Josette Ferrer to discuss one of the most overlooked skills in finance: networking. While many finance professionals focus on technical expertise, Josette explains why building genuine relationships is essential for career growth, leadership development, mentorship, and long-term success.
Josette Ferrer is the Founder and Managing Director of Clairent Advisors, a valuation and business advisory firm specializing in business and intellectual property valuations. She also serves as President of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is actively involved with organizations including How Women Lead, ProVisors, the American Society of Appraisers, and several executive leadership communities.
Expect to Learn:
Why networking should start long before you need your next opportunity
How to choose the right networking organizations for your career goals
Simple strategies introverts can use to build meaningful professional relationships
Why mentoring and networking naturally go hand in hand
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
Networking isn’t transactional, it’s about giving, helping, and building relationships. - Josette Ferrer
You don’t need a title to add value; small gestures can create lasting connections. - Josette Ferrer
Networking is a crucial skill for FP&A professionals, enabling stronger relationships, mentorship, and career growth. Starting early and engaging genuinely helps build trust and opportunities over time. Remember, networking is about giving and adding value, not just seeking benefits for yourself.
Follow Josette Ferrer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josetteferrer/
Follow Glenn Snyder:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennsnyder/
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 Todays Episode:
[00:00] – Trailer
[04:22] – What Great FP&A Looks Like
[12:36] – Choosing the Right Networking Group
[21:23] – Why You Should Start Networking Early
[27:39] – Building and Maintaining Your Professional Network
[33:18] – Networking Strategies for Introverts
[41:21] – The Power of Mentorship
[52:05] – Final Networking Advice for Finance Professionals Networking in Finance: The Career Advice Everyone Learns Too Late with Josette Ferrer](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A67_U_t9sSM/mqdefault.jpg)

![AI in Financial Modeling: Better Than Ever, Still Not There, and the Fatigue Factor
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 AI in Financial Modeling: Better Than Ever, Still Not There, and the Fatigue Factor](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AOx6SibnZms/mqdefault.jpg)
![The AI Data Pioneer: Building the Future of Finance with Alex Curran
In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Alex Curran, CEO of Aptitude Software, to discuss the future of finance systems, AI-native ERP, and how organizations can prepare their finance functions for a rapidly changing technology landscape. Alex shares how finance teams can move beyond outdated systems, improve data foundations, and use AI to enable faster, more informed decision-making.
Alex Curran is the CEO of Aptitude Software, a company that has spent over 40 years building finance solutions for complex organizations. After joining Aptitude over 12 years ago, Alex progressed through multiple leadership roles before becoming CEO in 2023. She now leads the company’s focus on AI-native finance technology and modern ERP solutions.
In this episode, you will discover:
Why CFOs are expected to become strategic partners in business decisions.
Why clean data and strong architecture are essential for successful AI adoption.
How AI-native ERP systems differ from traditional finance platforms.
Why real-time finance and continuous close are becoming possible.
How AI will change finance roles and create new opportunities.
Alex explains why the future of finance is not just about adding AI tools, but about building the right systems, data foundations, and processes to make AI valuable and trustworthy.
Follow Glenn:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii
Follow Paul:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy
Follow Alex:
Website: http://fynapse.app/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-curran-9aa593b/
Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.
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
[05:22] – The Modern CFO Role
[11:36] – Building Flexible AI Systems
[15:16] – Evaluating ERP Solutions
[19:08] – Legacy ERP vs AI-Native ERP
[23:39] – Real-Time Finance & Continuous Close
[27:02] – AI’s Impact on Finance Teams
[30:24] – The Future of Accountants
[35:44] – AI Questions & Leadership Lessons
[36:53] – Finance System Implementation Challenges
[38:40] – Alex’s CEO Journey
[40:04] – Closing Thoughts on Finance’s Future The AI Data Pioneer: Building the Future of Finance with Alex Curran](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AxbVW00htRU/mqdefault.jpg)

![How FP&A Teams Can Improve Decision-Making with Scenario Planning & Financial Models - Michael
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: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcase
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Michael Gould, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Kaleidoscope, about his extensive experience in financial planning and modelling. Michael shares insights from his 40+ years in the industry, including his work with Anaplan, and discusses how modern finance teams can break free from the limitations of spreadsheets and legacy systems.
Michael Gould is a technology entrepreneur and software engineer with over 40 years of experience in financial planning and modeling systems. After studying Mathematics and Computation at the University of Oxford, Michael co-created Adaytum, a leading business planning platform, and later founded Anaplan, a globally successful enterprise planning platform that became a British tech unicorn. Today, he is the founder of Kaleidoscope, focusing on rethinking financial modeling for modern teams and continuing to pioneer innovations that drive better decision-making in business. .
Expect to Learn:
The challenges and complexities of modern financial modelling
How Kaleidoscope is helping businesses move beyond spreadsheets
Michaels journey from IBM to Anaplan and now Kaleidoscope
The importance of understanding business processes in financial modelling
How AI is impacting the financial modeling landscape
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“The key to financial modeling is representing the complexity of a business without over-simplifying it.” – Michael Gould
“AI is a powerful tool, but it’s the data context that drives the real value.” – Michael Gould
Michael Gould shared invaluable insights from his four-decade-long journey in financial planning and modeling. He emphasized the importance of adapting financial models to support effective decision-making and how AI is reshaping the landscape. As businesses, both big and small, navigate complex decisions, Michaels work with Kaleidoscope aims to offer accessible, scalable solutions for better planning and risk assessment in the future.
Follow Michael:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/migould/
Website: https://www.kaleidoscope.com/?utm_source=partner_fpandaguys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=interview
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
[06:00] – Challenges of Multi-Dimensional Modelling
[12:00] – Transitioning to Anaplan
[15:00] – Kaleidoscope’s Mission to Help Small Businesses
[21:00] – The Role of AI in Financial Modelling
[27:00] – The Future of Financial Modelling
[33:00] – Key Learnings from the Entrepreneurial Journey
[39:00] – How AI is Changing Financial Decision-Making
[45:00] – Overcoming the Data Challenges in Finance
[51:00] – Final Thoughts on Innovation and Future Trends in Finance
[57:00] – Conclusion and Key Takeaways How FP&A Teams Can Improve Decision-Making with Scenario Planning & Financial Models - Michael](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BC1KaU6QOWc/mqdefault.jpg)




