Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Dr. Eric Kelley, to discuss financial modeling, AI, Excel, and the core skills every modeler should master.
Every new tool promises to replace the old.
AI. Python. The next big platform.
Yet one belief hasn't changed.
Every financial modeler should know how to build a fully integrated three-statement model.
Because before automation comes understanding.
Cash flow still drives decisions.
Excel still solves real business problems.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FinancialModeling #Excel #ArtificialIntelligence #Finance #FPandA #CashFlow #BusinessFinance #MicrosoftExcel #CorporateFinance #AI #FinancialAnalysis #ModelingSkills
In this episode of Financial Modeler’s Corner, host Paul Barnhurst sits down with Dr. Eric Kelley, to discuss financial modeling, AI, Excel, and the core skills every modeler should master.
Every new tool promises to replace the old.
AI. Python. The next big platform.
Yet one belief hasn't changed.
Every financial modeler should know how to build a fully integrated three-statement model.
Because before automation comes understanding.
Cash flow still drives decisions.
Excel still solves real business problems.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on @thefpandaguy
#FinancialModeling #Excel #ArtificialIntelligence #Finance #FPandA #CashFlow #BusinessFinance #MicrosoftExcel #CorporateFinance #AI #FinancialAnalysis #ModelingSkills







![What 100 FP&A Episodes Taught Me About Career Growth, Failure, and the Future of Finance
In this special solo episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst celebrates reaching 100 episodes of the podcast while also reflecting on his broader journey of hosting over 200 FP&A episodes across multiple shows. He shares lessons from his experience in FP&A, career growth, and learning AI, along with what actually matters in the field today. He also shares his thoughts on AI and how it’s changing finance workflows, explaining why building repeatable processes matters more than just prompting. He also previews upcoming conversations with professionals already using AI in their day-to-day work.
Expect to Learn:
What helps FP&A professionals grow beyond technical skills
Why career paths are rarely linear
How to approach networking in a more effective way
Why AI is more about processes than prompts
How AI can help save time in finance roles
Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:
“AI is a magnifier. If you dont know what youre doing, it will magnify that.” - Paul Barnhurst
“Technical skills get you your first job, the soft skills get you promoted.” - Paul Barnhurst
Paul explains that FP&A is not just about reports and models. It’s about understanding the business and working with people. AI can help speed up tasks, but it doesn’t replace core skills like financial modeling, data understanding, and communication. If anything, those skills matter more now.
Campfire: AI-First ERP:
Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation,
close management, and more, all in one unified platform.
Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguy
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
[01:41] – 100 Episodes Milestone
[03:38] – Career Growth Is Not a Ladder
[06:37] – Turning Down Offers & Career Decisions
[10:06] – AI Skills, Courses & Future Focus
[14:52] – AI Is a Skill You Have to Practice
[18:34] – Modern Finance Platforms Built for the AI Era
[21:49] – AI Won’t Replace Technical Skills What 100 FP&A Episodes Taught Me About Career Growth, Failure, and the Future of Finance](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HVb5cckbNyE/mqdefault.jpg)


