F2 and F9 save careers. @thefpandaguy

Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Ilyas Anis to unpack the real mindset behind financial modeling efficiency, Excel diagnostics, and why mastering the basics still beats chasing flashy shortcuts.

The best modelers don’t rely on complexity. They rely on clarity.

Everyone talks about advanced formulas, dynamic ranges, and automation.

But the real edge comes from understanding what’s happening underneath the model.

That’s why tools like F2 and F9 matter so much.

Not because they’re shortcuts.

Because they force you to inspect the logic.

Strong financial modeling isn’t about building faster.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy

#FinancialModeling #ExcelTips #FPandA #FinanceProfessionals #ExcelShortcuts #CorporateFinance #FinancialAnalyst #SpreadsheetSkills #ModelingBestPractices #FinanceLeadership #ExcelExperts

Structured thinking unlocks real AI value.

$How to Save Time in FP&A Using Structured AI Analysis with Nick and Dan 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$

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